Terrie Franklin
Professor Prudence Arceneuax
English 1301-RVS 8133
20 February 2013

“Gay Marriage”

“Should the Federal Government define marriage as a union between a man and a woman?”
GAY MARRIAGE
Negative Case The Federal Government should not define marriage as a union between a man and woman only. If the Federal Government amends the constitution to define marriage as only a union between a man and a woman it will be violating the Civil Rights of gay citizens. “Civil rights" are the rights of individuals to receive equal treatment (and to be free from unfair treatment or "discrimination"), it is the advancement of equality for all people regardless of race, sex, age, disability, national origin, religion, or certain other characteristics. Therefore, creating a law or an amendment to the United States Constitution to exclude marriages of the same sex is undeniably a violation of the rights of Gay Americans.
What does it means to be Gay, Lesbian, or Bisexual? The West Chester University Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Services states that, “Given the variable aspects of sexual orientation and given evidence that an individual’s sexual orientation may change over time, it is difficult to provide a precise and universally accepted definition of homosexuality.” In general terms, homosexuality may be described as the affection and or sexual satisfaction with someone of the same gender. Focus founder and fundamental Christian leader, James Dobson, however, simply defines homosexuality as a sin and says homosexuals can be cured in God’s name, stating “Same-sex marriage would lead to "marriage between daddies and little girls ... between a man and his donkey" (Media Matter, 10/2005 3:03pm). This ideology is just a homophobic opinion base only on feelings. As one can see from these two examples alone, the definition of this lifestyle isn’t focused on what a homosexual is, but rather how individuals feel about the way of life. The one clear variable here is sexuality of these individuals.
Why is American culture so inceptive of homosexual marriages? As a young person, one looks forward to many goals in their lifetime: career success, a good life, and very often marriage to the person they love and a family together. This is one of the biggest parts of our American life and culture. I believe that those who are opposed to the union of persons of the same sex are in fear of the value of what family stands for will deteriorate. This again is about the way others feel and not a fact. The gay community is not trying to convince others their way of living is right and others way of living is wrong, they only want the same freedoms as other Americans such as the right to marry. Very few heterosexuals would be willing to put their right to marry on a ballot for voter approval. However, in the past ten years that is a prospect gay men and women are facing all over our United States.
There are very few differences between the life of someone who is heterosexual and one who is gay, lesbian, or bisexual. In day to day living, the homosexual lifestyle is not much different from the heterosexual or straight lifestyle. A homosexual still gets up in the morning and goes to work or to school. They have dinner with family or friends; participate in sports and community organizations and events. Many of them hold