1) It Will Decrease the Rate of Divorce
According to research, more than half of the US population brings their marriages to an end. The US is the leading country in the number of divorce rates in the world. Infertility and incompatibility are the leading causes of divorce in families (Heaphy, Smart, & Einarsdottir, 2013). Therefore, if same gender marriages are legalized, such cases would not be experienced. Same-sex marriages will reduce the divorce rate and increase the marriage rate.
2) Fostering Acceptance of Homosexual Individuals to the Society
Legalization of same gender marriage will help in the establishment of a social norm. The recognition of the individuals will include the respect of homosexual’s lifestyle. Though gay couples are allowed to form civil unions, they do not have the right to marriage certificates like other couples. Its legalization would bring equality and acceptance to all members of the society.
Arguments against Same-Gender Marriage
1) It Denies Parenthood
Same-sex-marriage always denies children a father or a mother. It is the interest of a child to be raised under the influence of his/her parents. There is evidence of the difficulties faced by children who are raised up relatives, fake parents or single parents. Legalizing same-sex marriages will deprive children of the right parenthood as same gender marriages ignore the interests of the children.
2) Health and Violence Issue
Same-sex couples significantly are at the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections compared to the rest of the society. Same-sex individuals are more prone to violence than the heterosexual couples. Other significant problems that are likely to affect the same-sex couples include; emotional problems, clinical depressions, abuse, committing suicide, and conduct disorder (Koppelman, 2006).
Government’s Compelling Interest in Allowing Heterosexual Marriages Only
Indeed, the government has a compelling interest in allowing heterosexual marriages only. In this case, the theory of conflict best illustrates this situation. It is a scenario in which the norms compete with the introduction of a new way of life namely homosexuality. As such, the government finds itself in a situation where it has to enforce adherence to the norm of heterosexuality in order to prevent the introduction of what it considers morally wrong. Importantly, since the majority is against homosexuality and for heterosexuality, the government comes under the obligation to act compellingly in the best interest of most people and also ensure that it remains in power.
References
Koppelman, A. (2006). Introduction. Same Sex, Different States When Same-Sex Marriages Cross State Lines, Xi-Xviii. doi:10.12987/yale/9780300113402.003.0001
Heaphy, B., Smart, C., & Einarsdottir, A. (2013). Same Sex Marriages. doi:10.1057/9781137311061
