[Author’s Name]
[Institutional Affiliation]
- Introduction
Marriage has been, is, and expected to be a powerful cultural force all over the world. It is the institution that is appreciated and esteemed in almost every nook and corner of our planet. Thus, marriage is given an important place even in the modernized, contemporary society of the present era. This is the reason why conflicts over whether gay and lesbian marriage are to be recognized are much more enthusiastic and keyed up in the recent years as compared with the times gone by. Same-sex marriage is a reality which cannot be denied. However, issues relating to gay marriage and gay parenting persist to stir up hullabaloo in the contemporary society. Important fragments of society do not recognize same-gender relationships and marriages and in order to demonstrate their disagreement, wage battles in the popular press, legislative forums, and courts so that gay men and lesbians can be prevented from having the official permission to marry. Regardless of such hindrances, gays have been successful in creating families through adoption and other non-natural means. This change in the definition of "family" in the past few decades has also transformed the societies in a dramatic way (Berkowitz & Marsiglio, 2007).
Those who are against gay marriage and relationships present certain argumentative points to support their claim. According to them, traditional marriage is advantageous and valuable to the public welfare whereas homosexual behavior is disparaging and damaging for the societal good. Legalizing of homosexual marriage, according to its opponents, would promote more homosexual behavior. It would also deteriorate the apparent significance of traditional marriage and its parenting role.
Gay marriage also has some other features that make it worthless. For instance, partners do not have the authority to make medical decisions. In case a partner is dead, the other partner does not get any life insurance or pension. Moreover, in case of the dissolution of the civil union, no awards are granted for child support or spousal support. In addition to this, a gay couple cannot file joint tax return on the state level or federal level. However, the supporters of gay marriage enthusiastically claim that legalization of gay marriage will improve the lives of heterosexuals to a great extent. According to them, gay marriage has the tendency to lessen the number of divorces caused by deceitful marriages. They are also of the opinion that gay marriages would provide orphaned children more stable and loving homes. Allowing gays to marry would also develop and advance the standard of living of kids whose parents happen to be gay (Alvear, 2003, p. 46).
A number of people hold the belief that gay marriage must be allowed as a matter of central right even if this revolution proves harmful for children. On the other hand, some believe that the society needs to throw out the idea of same-sex marriage as a matter of morals or faith even if this change is beneficial for children. However, commentators and sociologists are apprehended regarding the legalization of gay marriages. They worry that legalization of such marriages would convey that same-sex parenting and opposite-sex parenting are exchangeable and identical, when in reality they lead to dissimilar effects for children.
In addition to this, gay marriages will make neighborhoods safe and sound and harmless for families and improve the economies of struggling populations. Their whole argument lies on the fact that there is countless number of conventional marriages that fall to pieces as one spouse comes out of the closet. Thus, the supporters of gay marriages claim that “the more gays are accepted as equal citizens, the more stable heterosexual marriage will become” (Alvear, 2003, p. 46). Marriage influences relationships by making them stable, constant and unwavering. If truth be told, it is an institution that turns out to be a platform for greater prosperity and opulence. The benefits of marriage would give confidence to gays to face even more jeopardy in troubled neighborhoods. Moreover, the encouragement given to gay couples for them to become stable and prosperous would result in a bigger tax base which can later be utilized for the improvement of schools, streets and parks for the bigger number of heterosexual citizens (Alvear, 2003, p. 46).
Thus, gay marriage would not only benefit same sex couples. In fact, everyone will be benefitted by it. The number of divorces would be reduced as gay marriage can prove to be a helpful tool in the prevention of sham marriages. It would also be helpful in the provision of homes to the orphans, protection of the offspring of gay parents and revitalization of distraught communities (Alvear, 2003, p. 46). The advocates of gay-rights have intensified their endeavors to attain legal recognition for gay marriage. However, in most of the countries of the world where it is regarded as a societal issue, social conservatives strongly resist such campaigns. To cut a long story short, it is crystal clear from the above discussion that there are two strong opposing views regarding the issue of gay marriage and its legalization. In the following part of the paper, I would be analyzing how one of the renowned classical theories of virtue ethics can resolve the problem of gay marriage. Later, I would also contrast the solution with the perspective by taking an approach guided by utilitarianism.
- Virtue Ethics Perspective regarding Gay Marriage
As far as virtues are concerned, they can be defined as the primary universal characteristics in an individual that are “perhaps grounded in biology through an evolutionary process that selected for these predispositions toward moral excellence as means of solving the important tasks necessary for survival of the species” (Lopez, 2009). Such virtues are a complete set of positive characteristics that form the character of an individual and are significant as they help him to live a good life. The virtues are defined by the strengths of character as they are the ingredients that make up the psychological structures of an individual being. Moral value is, thus, placed on these character strengths that distinguish one individual from the other (Lopez, 2009).
Virtue ethics, at the present moment, is one of the 3 most important approaches as far as normative ethics are concerned. It mainly focuses on the virtues and ethical characteristics as compared to deontology (emphasizing on responsibilities/roles) and consequentialism (emphasizing on outcomes of actions). Virtue ethics is originally conceptualized from ancient Greek philosophy that puts emphasis on 3 concepts of arête, phronesis and eudaimonia i.e. virtue, moral wisdom and happiness respectively. In simple words, virtue ethics put main emphaisizes on the ethics that makes a good individual rather than what is responsible for a good deed (Chadwick, 1998).
Thus, gay marriage is an issue of ethical controversy for a lot of people. People are really passionate when there are matters of ethics. They tend to be very emotional towards what is right and what is wrong. Virtue ethics propose the idea that the possessor of virtues is always benefitted by them. Virtues make an individual happier and healthier as compared to those who lack moral traits. Such theories related to virtue ethics tend to indicate that the presence of certain naturalized virtue ethics are the reason behind one’s health and happiness. As far as gay marriage is concerned, it is not a normal association or relationship as it is against the nature that two people of same sex get tied for life to enjoy sexual pleasures. The virtue ethics can resolve the issue of gay marriage as it presents the involved individuals with a sense of prudence thus making it easier for the related same-sex persons to decide about their happiness. According to research, same sex marriage or love is one of the reasons behind the unhappiness of the particular couple or human being. It is because the two people are involved in an abnormal relationship and use their body parts in ways that are not normal as far as nature is concerned. Thus, the abnormal performance of body parts makes them unhappy and also has health consequences. Virtue ethics can resolve this ethical problem by emphasizing a person to adapt to more ethical behaviors as instructed in almost every religion in the world. This is why due to the abnormality of gay relationships, the religious scholars and people who follow religion strictly oppose gay marriage and ask for the ethical conduct to be maintained by every human being. Thus, when virtue ethics are excavated deep, they strongly condemn the usage of one’s body parts in non-generative, unnatural and abnormal manners (Brown, 2006).
- The Utilitarianism Perspective on Gay Marriage
I would now present the solution of gay marriage using the theory of utilitarianism in contrast to virtue ethics as utilitarianism is one of those theories that support same-sex marriage in the best ways. According to utilitarianism, “the rightness or wrongness of an action is determined by its usefulness in bringing about the most happiness of all those affected by it” ("utilitarianism," 2012). Thus, the supporters of gay marriage use this theory emphasizing that if the mixture of cultures, races is allowed for the purpose of marriage then the homosexuals must also have the same right to tie the knot if it makes them happy and satisfied. Using the theory of utilitarianism, the ethical dilemma concerning gay marriage is resolved really simply as it encourages people to open their hearts and minds to allow two people of same-sex to get married if that is what makes them happy. This open-minded approach of utilitarianism requires the society to choose those principles and standards for the society that promotes greater goodness and happiness. This is the reason why people who favor this theory claim that same-sex marriage makes the involved couples happy and therefore, they must not be deprived of their happiness by putting restriction on same-sex marriage and relationships. A number of people also consider it an issue of ethics for same-sex couples to continue their abnormal relationship till the end but they also do not consider the legalization of same sex marriage as an immoral act because it is also a step towards the betterment of society. Thus, while for many people consider marriage as an association of two people with opposite sex, a majority of people do not hesitate in encouraging the marriage and union of two individuals with same sexual characteristics.
Thus, the theory of utilitarianism does not consider homosexual activities and relationships as moral or immoral. The supporters of this theory examine and analyze sexual activities and union in the same manner as they scrutinize other life matters. Thus, if homosexual relationships are the cause of maximum satisfaction and happiness of a couple, they are considered right according to the theory of utilitarianism. A utilitarian assesses actions from a point of view of morality and the contribution of actions and associations to long-lasting happiness and convenience. It can also be concluded that those who follow the approach put forwarded by utilitarianism are not really concerned about the religion as they support the liberal debate regarding homosexual activity as an ethically-permissible act and support its legalization. As far as my opinion is concerned, I strongly believe that gay marriage is an abnormal relationship against the nature and such associations must not be supported as they may bring immoral values and unethical behaviors in the people. I would, therefore support the theory of virtue ethics and oppose the broad-minded utilitarianism approach. Being a religious individual, I believe that the lawful legalization of gay unions would be really harmful for the society. This is because the immoral unions will increase with the legal recognition of same-sex individuals. Moreover, the legalization of such unions would devalue the importance of heterosexual marriages at the end of the day promoting an unstable society. As already mentioned, the unnatural usage of body parts does not support the production of children in natural ways and proper procreation is not possible. Therefore, the human race cannot survive if such unions are promoted and legalized. Furthermore, the children adopted by gay couples would not be benefitted by the legalization of gay unions as it could impact their innocent minds to a great extent. Such children would never know what a father or mother is. To cut a long story short, I think that instead of promoting greater good, the legalization of same-sex marriages would halt the betterment of society as far as morality and ethical values are concerned. Again, I would support the virtue ethics theory as it presents a sensible solution for the greater goodness and betterment of society in general and human race in particular. There must be no way to legalize and legislate moral issues as there is religion present to guide people to the right path and the right options. People who favor homosexual relations and marriage lack the virtues as no individual with the character strength and traits would ever support a notion as immoral as gay marriage and same-sex love. Going against nature and involvement in immoral and abnormal psychological and physical behavior is a trait that does not reflect any kind of morality, ethical value and virtue. In short, I do not support the rights of individuals/couples over the greater goodness of the society’s moral values and ethical stability.
References
Alvear, M. (2003, December 22). Q: Would the Legalization of Gay Marriage Result in a Net Benefit to Heterosexuals? Yes: Divorce Rates Triggered by Fraudulent Marriages Will Go Down and More Children Will Grow Up in Stable Homes. Insight on the News, 1, 46. Retrieved April 29, 2013, from http://www.questia.com/read/1G1-111455218/q-would-the-legalization-of-gay-marriage-result-in
Berkowitz, D., & Marsiglio, W. (2007). Gay Men: Negotiating Procreative, Father, and Family Identities. Journal of Marriage and Family, 69(2), 366+. Retrieved April 29, 2013, from http://www.questia.com/read/1P3-1285119461/gay-men-negotiating-procreative-father-and-family
Brown, S. (2006). Naturalized Virtue Ethics and Same-Sex Love. Philosophy in the Contemporary World, 13(1), 41-47.
Chadwick, R. T. (1998). Encyclopedia of Applied Ethics - Vol. 3. San Diego, CA: Academic Press. Print.
Lopez, S. J. (2009). The Encyclopedia of Positive Psychology. West Sussex, UK: Wiley-Blackwell. Print.
utilitarianism from The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. (n.d.). Questia, Your Online Research Library. Retrieved April 29, 2013, from http://www.questia.com/read/1E1-utilitar/utilitarianism
