Introduction
There have been several debates regarding same-sex marriages. In many states, same sex marriage has elicited a lot if reactions with the some supporting same-sex marriages and other opposing it. But recent times have seen a rise in the number of same-sex marriages and also a considerable number of legal approval or disapproval. Some countries and states have legalized same-sex marriages. There have been arguments that support same-sex marriages. In the below research, I have used secondary sources majorly written materials to support my thesis those same-sex marriages are good for the society.
Reasons same-sex marriages should be allowed
Ideas and discussion
Sexuality is a matter of intimate personal desire and choice, and it involves identifying oneself just like religious practices. Denying one a chance to choose a sex life wouldn't be any different from denial of free choice of religion. According to Martha Nussbaum sex orientation is utterly nontrivial and is connected to a sense of ultimate life's significance and involves use of conscience just like religion .it is never chosen but how one handles it involves choice and decisions and no one should be locked out for identities they didn't want "like religious affiliation, sexual orientation should therefore be respected in a liberal policy not because it is unchosen but rather because it is a central facet of personal identity" (Gill 2001 125).
Marriage involves wanting family and friends to acknowledge the couple as a family unit. Marriage certificates help in proving one relationship status and same-sex couples need them because prejudice against same-sex relationships would mean legal rights are being denied.when they are married their primary responsibility is to take care of each other and this beneficial to both of them and the society at large therefore they are not a burden on the public.Gallagher and Corvino (2012) point out that marriage helps in settling down the youth by giving them primary responsibility for one another, provides a favorable environment for any children and is a safe harbor for sexual intercourse. Letting same-sex couples marry provides a happier and stable family for gay kids who have a right to parents and will provide them with financial security thus increasing their material wellbeing from the assets they get from their fathers. They will also benefit from knowing that their future holds the prospect of marriage. It also makes them fell accepted in their extended families and helps them participate in community work. Therefore marriages should be based on personal autonomy and same-sex couples should not be denied the benefits and protections offered to different-sex couples "overall the experiences of same-sex couples in two countries the united states and the Netherlands suggest that the same-sex couple and their families are strengthened by a policy of marriage equality for same-sex couples" (Badgett 2009)
Same-sex marriage will help remove discriminations and prejudices against same-sex couples who are facing unequal treatment in places of work, schools, and families. These dangerous treatments and discriminations have had profound effects on their health including high levels of depression. These effects are significantly getting on the youths where there has been increasing rates of drug abuse, school dropouts, high rate of suicide cases, homelessness and peer and parental conflicts. Quite a number of researchers have shown links between same-sex marriage legal bans and high levels of mental and physical problems, stress, and low self-esteem.it will also help in supporting cultural diversity and affirming the minority group in the society
Same-sex marriage can also be beneficial to the economy of the state that supports it (Lipp 2013). For instance, there is a wedding planning and unions industry that benefits a lot from weddings happening and also wedding planning earn them the needed revenue that help them in tax payments. The state or country economic status grows when the individuals industries grow. With other factors held constant, the growth of the wedding planning industry will result from the growth of the state that supports same sex marriages since same-sex marriages will increase the number of weddings taking place.
On the same note on how same-sex marriages help the economy, studies have shown that same sex marriages help boost tax revenues (Berman 2013). In some states that have not legalized same-sex marriages, there are an ordinary and usual practices of making different tax laws for the various types of marriages. The various tax laws may lead to tax evasion that affects the state's economy. By legalizing same-sex marriages, the states would ensure that there is curbed tax evasion and also the tax revenue earned will be more compared to when there are regulations that discriminate same-sex marriages.
Same-sex marriages legalizations also help the state in improving its GDP. In many states that same-sex marriages are not legal, and the homosexuals are not employed efficiently unless the employers have supporting views of their sex orientation and understand or do not care. The homosexuals then have to do with unofficial job since being gay is what they are, and some can't pretend or stop themselves. The state then misses on the tax or the income it could have earned from these kinds of people who may even be professionals in their careers. If the state would allow for same sex marriages, it would mean job opportunities for the homosexuals, and this would also help the economy to grow considerably. In particular, the GDP of the state would now improve. For instance, in the year after the New York legalized same-sex marriages, approximately additional $260 million was injected into the economy (Lipp 2013).
Same-sex marriages legalization also forms the basis of tourist attraction that may earn a country foreign exchange or also boost the economy of the state. With changing times, same-sex marriages are slowly gaining recognition from different states and also different countries. However, there are some countries or states that still oppose same-sex marriages and end up imposing regulations against same-sex marriages and related activities. The natives of the country end up moving to the states where sex marriages is accepted to feel free and have an ordinary life. On the same note, the countries that oppose same-sex marriages will turn off potential investors or tourists who have a lenient view towards same-sex marriages. The states may thus loose on tourism and investments that earn a country extra revenue when it disallows same-sex marriages. Also on the same note, a country gains or state gains recognition and respect when it legalizes same-sex marriages. There are diplomatic gains that the country will have after legalizing same-sex marriages. Lipp (2013) argues out that the fact that nearly 38 states in the USA have yet to legalize same-sex marriages has had a damaging effect on the reputation of America. The US cannot stand and claim to be a leader in championing human rights when it cannot get its states to respect those rights.
Socially, same-sex marriages should be legalized because they will lead to peace (Bowman 2014). States that have not legalized same-sex marriages have had demonstrations from activists who want there to be a change in the legal system. Also, there is no unity among the people as some who support same-sex marriages are always clashing with the one who don't support it. Legalizing same-sex marriages would mean that it will be easy for people to get along since all their sexual orientation practices are legal. In support of the same, gay marriages do not affect the Heterosexuals in any way. The men can live in the same community with the homosexuals, and there will be less effect on the lives of heterosexuals. And the fact that countries that have legalized the same sex marriages are peaceful means that there is no effect.
Conclusion
Same-sex marriage is not a disorder but a way of life just like opposite-sex marriage. In fact, same sex alliances are beneficial to the country both socially and economically. Legalization of same-sex marriages has been proven to promote peace and also lead to less drama that is caused by rights activist and demonstrations.
References
Badget, M.V., Goldberg, N., and Ramos, C. 2009. The effects of marriage equality; a survey of the experiences and impacts of marriage in same-sex marriages. New York university press.
Berman, J. 2013. Eight ways legalizing sex marriages is good for the economy. The Huffington post. Huff post; Business. Retrieved from www.huffington.com/samesexmarriagesandtheeconomy
Bowman, J. 2014. Five arguments for gay marriages. The CV; catholic vote. Retrieved from www.catholicvote.org/fiveargumentsforgaymarriages
Corvino, J. and Gallagher, M. 2012. Debating same-sex marriages. Oxford university press.
Gill, R.E., 2012. An argument for same-sex marriage. Religious freedom, sexual liberty and public expression of civic equality. Georgetown university press.
Lipp, M. 2013. Seven ways the USA benefits from the legalization of gay marriages. The Blog. Retrieved fromwww.huffingpost.com/gaymarriageisgreatforusa
