AGAINST Gay Marriage

FOR Gay Marriage

1. MARRIAGE IS FOR A MAN AND A WOMAN

Critics argue that marriage is defined as the union of a man and a woman, and to change that would go against natural law and risk undermining both the institution of marriage and the family’s role in holding society together. Legalization denies marriage’s central role as a step towards procreation. There are civil partnerships available for gays, but marriage is a step too far. In the French context, the changes in the law will remove the terms “mother and father” from the civil code weakening the rights of heterosexual families.

1. EQUALITY

Proponents argue that equal rights must mean equal rights. A civilized society does not discriminate on grounds of race, religion, sex or sexuality and denial of marriage rights is clear discrimination. Gay and heterosexual couples both deserve the legal rights associated with marriage – on taxes, property ownership, inheritance or adoption. No matter how you try to dress it up, denying equal rights to gays and lesbians is homophobia.

2. UNDERMINING RELIGION

Gay marriage runs fundamentally counter to many people’s religious views. To legalize it would offend deeply held beliefs and further erode the key role religion plays as a moral bedrock in society. Christian, Jewish and Islamic leaders have all spoken out against gay marriage and point out that it runs counter to sacred writings.

2. MARRIAGE WORKS, SO LET EVERYBODY HAVE IT

Marriage is a successful institution and it makes sense to open it to as many people as possible. Since the beginning of history, couples have sought to seal their love and solemnly bind themselves together through marriage. Opening that bond to all will strengthen society. Legalization recognizes reality: there are gay people, they love each other and they want to commit to each other through marriage in the same way as straight couples.

3. ALL RIGHTS HAVE LIMITS

It makes no sense to talk about equal rights in this context. If that were the case, polygamous or incestuous marriages would have to be legalized too. There are always limits to rights. Legalization would be another step towards the mainstreaming of homosexuality in society. Nobody is stopping gay people from loving each other or staying in relationships, but that does not mean they can marry.

3. FREEDOM OF CHOICE

The state should have no say on how consenting adults conduct their lives. If two people love each other and want to get married they should be allowed to do so regardless of the colour, religion, nationality or sex of their partner. Love and marriage should be a purely personal choice. When governments interfere in the private lives of people, dictating who can marry who, individual freedoms are compromised with potentially dangerous implications.