Gay Marriage

Over time, marriage has been the solid base for procreation and child rearing, which is the foundation of family and social life. There is recognition that allowing polygamous or closely related couples into our marriage system would be dysfunctional in our society. Does this not apply to same-sex marriage as well? The social unacceptability of same-sex marriage, the danger of contracting AIDS, and the bad influence on children prove that same-sex marriage should not be legalized.

Homosexual activists, approximately three percent of our population, argue that those who do not agree with them are "homophobic" or "heterosexist." However, that argument is merely prejudiced against society. Today's society can certainly have its own opinion. The rights and laws of homosexuals are ultimately restricted. Congress's litigation now describes laws that prevent gays and lesbians from marrying, procreating, or adopting (Williams 299). Marriage, as well as adoption, is considered a privilege; those who marry or adopt must obey the laws. No examples in past history occur in which same-sex unions were given the equal rights and legal recognition as heterosexual unions (Kaplan 16). Factually, recent polls state that two-thirds of American adults oppose same-sex unions in which the homosexuals are given rights such as tax breaks, Social Security, divorce rights, hospital visits, custody, or inheritance. In a different poll taken, American adults were asked if homosexual marriage should be legal; sixty-four percent stated no, while only twenty-nice percent said yes. The same group of adults were also asked about homosexual adoption. Fifty-seven percent said no, while thirty-five percent agreed (Cloud 44).

Broadening our systematic form of marriage weakens it. on a different note, the number of gays (males) exceeds the number of lesbians, and legalizing same-sex marriage may result in male domination, defeating the woman's role in society. A hierarchy of gay marriage holding more economic power and social status could become, overcoming even all heterosexual unity (Williams 317).

The main reason the state is interested in marriage has been to provide financial and emotional security, as well as role models for children. In the current marriage system of only opposite-sex unity, the protection of procreation is properly emphasized. However, over the last century heterosexual marriage has declined because notions of what makes a good man or woman have changed, resulting in self-fulfillment elsewhere than in marriage and family. The symbolism of homosexual marriage is also disturbing. For example, a lesbian or gay wedding has a heavy symbolic message on all guests that attend, including children, cooks, and waiters. Generations to come will remember the homosexual wedding as part of their friend's or loved one's lifestyle. Even though some homosexual unions may raise children better than some heterosexuals, the homosexual union is a symbolic attack of the norm of society and highly unaccepted by society. It is a known fact that homosexuals are ultimately discriminated. Even in San Francisco, California, where gays are populous, the homosexuals routinely experience discrimination, hate, and rejection. These factors also show that same-sex marriage is unaccepted by society. Surely, if same-sex marriage becomes a natural reality, then bisexual and three-some marriages will follow. What will become of society?

The AIDS virus plays a very significant part in homosexuality. The persons with the highest risk of contracting the AIDS virus are gay or bisexual white males (Williams 305). This AIDS virus is spread continuously because the gay individual may either not know he is HIV positive or may choose not to inform his sexual partner. Both ways are equally dangerous, especially since gays often have multiple sex partners. Since AIDS is most commonly spread by bodily fluids, the HIV virus is most common for sexually active individuals.

Consider the case of the North family. They married in 1982 but separated in 1991 when Mr. North admitted to an affair with another woman. He learned he was HIV positive in April 1991, but continued to have unprotected sexual intercourse with his wife until his June confession. After a year's separation, Mr. North revealed that there was no other woman; he had engaged in homosexual activities beginning in 1979, continuing through his marriage, and he and his homosexual lover- also HIV positive- intended to inform the children about his new lifestyle. Mrs. North then filed for divorce and asked that visitation be limited to protect the children from the

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