The debate entails key arguments as why same-sex marriages should be made legal and opposing arguments stating what the unification of gay couples can do to the institution of marriage. According to Sullivan, “marriage is not simply a private contract; it is a social and public recognition of a private commitment” and being so it should be made available to any two citizens. He also mentions that commitment among “heterosexual” and “homosexuals” is identical due to certain vows that are made by both parties. On the contrary Bennett states that, “allowing same-sex marriages would do significant, long term social changes” (p.288, 4). Affirming Bennett describes an individual engaged in homosexuality as an outcast.
Sullivan responds to his critics that define marriage as being between a man and a woman by highlighting many changes to the definition over time . He argues that we changed the definition of marriage when it was defined as a contract in which the wife was considered legal property of her husband.
He talks about accepting same-sex marriage. If the judge accepted homosexuals as citizens in the Supreme Court, homosexual people would feel free. It is important for gays, because it allow them to be “full and equal part of America”(p.286). They do not have to hide and tell a lie anymore. Most people wonder why they desire to get married. The reason is the same as anyone who wants to get married to the one whom he or she loves. Marriage definition has been changed by homosexuality because human values are equal anyone in the world. Everyone has the same rights.
Sullivan believes that wanting to commit to the person you love is a natural instinct and questions his critics who seek to oppose this belief.
In Bennett’s essay, he writes two points which divide opinions about homosexual marriage. One is whether homosexual marriage strengthens or weakens the institution. The other is what the marriage is. If the definition of marriage were extended too much to include homosexual union, the tradition of marriage would be changed. If laws recognize gay’s union, it will have a lot of damages and repercussions on society. However, there are many people who want to get married to their children or more than two people
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