Gay Marriage A Subject of Controversy essays

Gay Marriage A Subject of Controversy essays The subject of gay marriage is one that has sparked much controversy in recent months. Gay activists have been arguing for some time that they have a constitutional right to have their union recognized by the letter of the law. Conservative representatives however and religious leaders oppose any legislation that would afford gay couples the right to recognition of their marriage by law. Part of this opposition stems from deep seated religious beliefs that marriage is a sacred institution and should be protected as such from the government. Some have gone as far as arguing that the purpose of marriage is to bear children, and since gay couples can't do this they shouldn't marry. This controversy is explored in Many people have vocalized their support of legalizing gay marriage. An equal number of people or more oppose gay marriage. Supporters of same sex unions argue that a ban on gay marriage violates their constitutional right to equality. There is evidence indicating that many support the right of gay couples to wed regardless of the situation. For example, recently a poll revealed that Arizonans oppose an amendment to the constitution that would ban gay marriage (Kiefer, 2004: 1). The poll observed 600 respondents, 51% of which were against having a ban on gay marriages (Kiefer, 2004: 1). The poll also revealed however that a great deal of people were still unsure of their opinion on the topic of gay marriage, and could likely be swayed one way or another. Similar polls have been conducted in many states, as the topic of gay marriage has fueled a great Those that oppose legalizing a gay union would argue that marriage is a sacred institution and therefore should be protected and regulated by the law. According to Arizona House Speaker Jake Flake, "Most of the people that I surround myself with agree with me that marriage is a sacred institution and it should be entered...