Over the past decade, there have been ongoing debates about limiting marriage rights for people involved in homosexual relationships or not. The debates rely on the arguments that it is discriminatory to exclude any sorts of people from marriage. Alternatively, extending marriage to homosexuals destroys moral values. The polarization is mainly connected with individual differences: political values, ethnicity, contact with lesbians and gays, and sexual prejudice (Jowett 39). Despite the polarized views, people engaged in homosexual relationships have the right to marry.
Nowadays, the population feels more favorable toward civil rights for lesbians and gays. In this regard, supporters of same-sex marriage promote tolerance for homosexuality. This attitude can be explained by the fact that state policies supportive of homosexual rights influence the public opinion. In particular, seventeen American states have adopted the policies to legalize same-sex marriage since 2009 (Kreitzer et al. 795-797). Additionally, tolerance is connected with advancing human rights and anti-discriminatory practices for lesbians and gays. In this case, “same-sex marriage is a simple matter of equality and human rights” (Jowett 38). It means even homosexual couples must be granted the same legal rights as heterosexual ones, which is supported by state policies.
Policies promoting same-sex marriage have an impact on well-being of lesbians and gays. The well-being depends on individuals’ freedom to make any decision, including the one relevant to marriage. It is imperative because many people involved in homosexual relationships are not able to defend themselves when it comes to making decisions of vital importance. No matter what an individual opinion is, it is necessary to concentrate on human rights and homosexuals’ decisions to marry whomever they want without other people’s beliefs interfering. Such an anti-discrimination protection inhibits development of mental health disorders, unlike banning same-sex marriage (Kreitzer et al. 798). As a result, people’s tolerance for lesbians and gays translates into homosexuals’ good mental health.
Nonetheless, opponents of same-sex marriage feel antipathy towards lesbians and gays (Kreitzer et al. 798). This aversion is based on the critics’ views of morality. Specifically, they consider that married homosexuals destroy moral values and family relationships. Moreover, these people advocate for immorality of homosexuality because individuals choose the way of life not typical of heterosexuals. The moral arguments are also linked with inability of same-sex couples to provide security to children raised within their own family (Jowett 43). Consequently, the public opinion about immorality of same-sex marriage prevents some American states from legalizing homosexual marriages.
Works Cited
Jowett, Adam. “‘But If You Legalise Same-sex Marriage’: Arguments Against Marriage Equality in the British Press”. Feminism & Psychology, 24.1 (2014): 37-55. Print.
Kreitzer, Rebecca J., et al. “Does Policy Adoption Change Opinions on Minority Rights? The Effects of Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage”. Political Research Quarterly, 67.4 (2014): 795-808. Print.
