These policies have tremendous implications. One can see how the Government has impeded the equality of same-sex versus heterosexual marriages. “We just want the simple recognition that marriage brings, and the rights and protections that come with it,” Monique Uzelac of Ann Arbor stated. Many who support same-sex marriages are in the same boat, they would like to be legally recognized for employee benefits, vehicle registration, pension plan payouts, insurance, and a swarm of other reasons. No doubt these are important issues to the same-sex couples, but simply put; the role of Government in choosing the legality of sexual preference is an infringement on the rights of all Americans.
The benefits to society of same-sex marriages will far outweigh any associated costs. Same-sex partners will enjoy the same protections that marriage can afford and they will help imbue the hope of a society based on equality for everyone.
"A loving man and woman in a committed relationship can marry. Dogs, no matter what their relationship, are not allowed to marry. How should society treat gays and lesbians in committed relationships? As dogs or as humans?" Posting to an Internet mailing list; used by permission of the author. ()
What are the costs associated to same-sex marriages? Some can argue that it ruins the sanctity of marriage, but this and all other arguments must be taken with some fact in mind; few politicians are willing to alienate 50% (those against same-sex marriages, opinion poll, ) of the population in order to extend equal rights to, say, 5%. Change will probably have to come through the courts.
One group proposed the following argument for not allowing same-sex marriages the same legal rights as heterosexual marriages.
WHEREAS marriage is an essential element in the foundation of a healthy society, and WHEREAS government has a duty to protect that foundation, RESOLVED, the State should not legitimize homosexual relationships by legalizing same-sex "marriage" but should continue to reserve the special sanction of civil marriage for one man and one woman as husband and wife. ()
The basis of this argument is that heterosexual marriages are the basis of a health society. Why then are we bombarded daily with stories of the increasing rate of single-parent households, dead-beat dads who do not pay child support, the growing divorce rate, and the breakdown of the ‘American Marriage?’ If heterosexual marriages are the basis of a health society, I would like to know how the author defines healthy. Simply put, Government should not be in the position to dole out equality as it sees fit.
Why Ann Arbor? This small suburban city is built around a liberal college that leads the country in the support of diversity in the classroom. The college, citizens of Ann Arbor, local news media, and politicians all speak about equality and benefits it can bring. Now is the time for Ann Arbor to lead our country. It is the time to separate political agendas from equality and legalize same-sex marriages.
Works Cited
Maranatha Christian Journal, Gore Endorses Civil Unions For Homosexual Couples, February 17, 2003. ()
Aisner, Art. The Ann Arbor News, Same-sex Couples Ask For Marriage Licenses, February 15, 2003. ()
University of Michigan Human Resources and Affirmative Action, Registering Your Same-sex Domestic Partnership, )