by Amealia

Created on: March 09, 2007   Last Updated: June 09, 2010

Gay Marriage

There is a lot of controversy about gay marriage. Nearly every one has there own opinions about whether or not is should be allowed. Many people base their opinions on religion, health insurance, tradition, the constitution, morals, and many other reasons.

Religion affects many decisions that people make, abstinence, what you eat, even the entire concept of marriage itself, but it should not affect what laws are passed and what laws aren't. Actually it is said by many that the denying same sex couples the right to marry is in direct violation of the fourteenth amendment of the U.S. Constitution [wikipedia.com pg. 6]. Also former editor of New Republic, Andrew Sullivan wrote that being to marry whomever one wishes is guaranteed in The Declaration of Independence's regarding the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. [Gay and Lesbian Rights A Struggle, pg. 70]

People also base their opinions on gay marriage on health insurance. Many employers are worried that if gay marriage is legalized that they will have to supply health insurance for their employ and their partner. Many people think that is the only reason that same sex couples want to get married is for free health insurance. This may be true for some same sex couples, just as it may be true for heterosexual couples. Although some corporations do recognize same sex couples and offer them the same benefits they offer married employees. The following cities offer such benefits, Madison, Wisconsin, Tacoma Park, Maryland, and New York City. Also, around seventy five private owned companies, organizations, and unions recognize domestic partners in member and employee health plans. [Gay and Lesbian Rights A Struggle, pg 73] Domestic partners are two people that live together in a committed relationship with out being legally married. This allows them to be listed on health insurance policies, life insurance, and pensions. [Gay and Lesbian Rights A Struggle, pg 72 and 73] Many people feel though that this alone is not enough.

Even though the U.S. has these few things for gay people, most of the time they are still unable to do the most important things because of laws. Say that there was a gay couple, and one of them ended up in the hospital. Most likely the other would be denied any access to their partner because their relationship is not recognized by law. Here is an example of a true situation just like that. Karen Thompson and Sharon Kowalski are a gay couple who had been living

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