2008 Woodie Awards
More Equality for All
Ray Ortiz
Issue date: 3/23/05 Section: Perspectives
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I am a student. I am a male. I am Hispanic. I am American. These are all titles that label me; however, the one that discriminates me the most is the title of Gay.
This country recognizes marriage as a union between a man and a woman. Lesbian and Gay couples are currently deprived of the right to marry in the United States. However, as the Supreme Court ruled in Zablocki vs. Redhail (1978), marriage is a basic human right that cannot be denied by anyone. Although most marriage laws use gender-neutral language, discrimination is practiced against the gay community in America. We live in the so-called land of the free but that so-called freedom is restricted when the norms, customs, and values of this country are challenged.
Many say that a homosexual marriage would threaten heterosexual marriages. However, the legalization of a homosexual marriage would in no way be threatening the institution of heterosexual marriage because it will not eliminate or affect heterosexual marriage in any respect. Actually, heterosexuals have spoiled the institution of marriage themselves. Television shows where heterosexual men and women get married, usually without ever meeting, are examples of how heterosexuals have exploited marriages for entertainment purposes. Shows like these obviously see marriage as a superficial institution. Therefore, heterosexuals themselves are lessening the value of marriage, and it is hypocritical for them to argue that gays will weaken their institution. There should be a new emphasis on the companionship of the couple rather than the procreative aspects of the relationship.
Now, the opponents of homosexual marriages claim that that the primary purpose of marriage is to procreate and, therefore, any marriages without the possibility of childbearing should be ignored. If we analyze this further, this would argue that straight couples that cannot have children should not get married either. It is also assumed that homosexual married couples will not raise children. This assumption is blatantly false. Many wish to raise families and some in fact do so. It is true that homosexuals cannot procreate within their union but various other options exist such as adoption and artificial insemination. It is obvious that the dispute against homosexual marriage based on the procreation argument is erroneous.
This country recognizes marriage as a union between a man and a woman. Lesbian and Gay couples are currently deprived of the right to marry in the United States. However, as the Supreme Court ruled in Zablocki vs. Redhail (1978), marriage is a basic human right that cannot be denied by anyone. Although most marriage laws use gender-neutral language, discrimination is practiced against the gay community in America. We live in the so-called land of the free but that so-called freedom is restricted when the norms, customs, and values of this country are challenged.
Many say that a homosexual marriage would threaten heterosexual marriages. However, the legalization of a homosexual marriage would in no way be threatening the institution of heterosexual marriage because it will not eliminate or affect heterosexual marriage in any respect. Actually, heterosexuals have spoiled the institution of marriage themselves. Television shows where heterosexual men and women get married, usually without ever meeting, are examples of how heterosexuals have exploited marriages for entertainment purposes. Shows like these obviously see marriage as a superficial institution. Therefore, heterosexuals themselves are lessening the value of marriage, and it is hypocritical for them to argue that gays will weaken their institution. There should be a new emphasis on the companionship of the couple rather than the procreative aspects of the relationship.
Now, the opponents of homosexual marriages claim that that the primary purpose of marriage is to procreate and, therefore, any marriages without the possibility of childbearing should be ignored. If we analyze this further, this would argue that straight couples that cannot have children should not get married either. It is also assumed that homosexual married couples will not raise children. This assumption is blatantly false. Many wish to raise families and some in fact do so. It is true that homosexuals cannot procreate within their union but various other options exist such as adoption and artificial insemination. It is obvious that the dispute against homosexual marriage based on the procreation argument is erroneous.