LAGMAN, Alyssa Noreen R.

IA12307
Same-sex Marriage As A Major Societal Issue

Same-sex marriage is one of the most controversial and sensitive issues being discussed in our society. One
of its major points is to whether this issue be legalized or not. Marriage is viewed traditionally as a legal union
between a man and a woman. But what happens when those two people became two men and two women?
Same-sex marriage is defined as the matrimony between two persons of the same gender identity or
biological sex. Many politicians often conduct debates whether it may be pursued or not. It is an issue between the
state and the Church to be exact. For the religious people, it is considered wrong for they view marriage as union
between a man and a woman not woman to woman or man to man. In our country, we have political groups that
support and advocate gay and lesbian rights and demand the society not to discriminate them in terms of sexual
preference such as Gabriela Womens Partylist. In fact, there are already few countries that recognize and allow
same-sex marriage that includes Sweden, South Africa, Spain, Portugal, Norway, Netherlands, Iceland, Denmark,
Canada, Belgium, and Argentina. Currently, our country doesnt offer any legal recognition to same-sex
marriage, civil unions or domestic partnership benefits.
Generally, same-sex marriage had become a commonplace to many parts of the world, it is just the
introduction of the Christian religion that restricts the union between two men and two women since it is said that the
institution of marriage has traditionally been defined as being between a man and a woman and a procreation so
same-sex marriage is said not to be extended since the people involved cannot produce children together. Children
also need the guidance of a mother and a father. Children who were raised apart from their parents are reportedly at
higher risk for early sexual activity and teenage pregnancy. They are also deprived of the emotional security and
unique advice that parents provide. Those raised by parents of the same-sex relationships is said to suffer more
difficulties in life than children that were raised by their biological parents.
Homosexuality is said to be immoral or unnatural for it is said that marriage is holy, while homosexual acts
go against the natural moral law. For religious people, same-sex marriage is contrary to the word of God and is
incompatible with the beliefs, sacred texts, and traditions of many religious groups. If we look to the verses of the
Holy Bible, there were statements that do not support the legality of same-sex marriage. Even our current Pope says
that same-sex marriage threatens family by growing efforts on the part of some to redefine the very institution of
marriage tempted by confusing presentations of sexuality, marriage and the family as it destroys the its true essence
and creates gender confusion among children.
But preventing and inhibiting people to the marriage option is discriminatory to some and creates second
class citizens. We have already fought discrimination and inequality with regards to racial minorities, women, people
with disabilities, immigrants and even to LGBTs so is it the right time to legalize same-sex marriage? Marriage is an
internationally recognized human right for all people and same-sex marriage is claimed to be a civil right.
The ability or desire to create an offspring has never been a qualification for marriage for it is not only for
procreation, otherwise infertile couples or couples not wishing to have children would be prevented from marrying
and legalizing gay marriage will not harm the institution of marriage and same-sex marriages may even be more
stable than heterosexual marriages. It should not also be limited to religious objections for many religious leaders
and churches support gay marriage and say it is consistent with scripture such as Judaism.
As a nation, we have no right to take away the privilege of marriage from two people who are committed to a
relationship with whom they love. Society has come a long way from the days of illegal interracial marriage however
discrimination still exists for many minority groups, and to legalize same sex marriage would be taking a step closer
to a nation free from prejudice.