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Same Sex Marriage

Same-sex marriage is a debate that is equally contentious and multi-faceted. Unlike more simplistic issues, the stances on homosexual marriage are obscure and blurred. Opponents cannot even agree on whether homosexuality is natural, let alone whether or not homosexuals should be permitted to marry. The debate surrounding same-sex marriage breaks down into several different categories: constitutionality, the religious aspect, familial impact, and the further nuanced idea of civil unions. Proponents of same-sex marriage argue that disallowing gays to marry is a violation of the Constitution. Further, they attest that religion does not explicitly mention homosexuality or it should not be used as a basis for making laws. Additionally, they claim that families actually benefit from same-sex partners. Lastly, some proponents of same-sex marriage would be satisfied with civil unions which give some of the same rights as marriage; however others contend that civil unions should not be permissible because gays are still being denied equal rights. On the other hand, opponents of same-sex marriage argue that the Constitution does not provide for homosexual marriage. They combat the religious argument by stating that religious texts deplore homosexuality and condemn the idea of same-sex partnerships. Further, they maintain that gay parents have a negative impact on children. Evidently, there are multiple sides to this debate and there is no easy answer, however the pro same-sex marriage side is following the course of a prior civil rights movement, and thus slowly advancing their cause.
The first aspect of same-sex marriage to look at is constitutionality – specifically, the right to privacy. Proponents of same-sex marriage argue that Griswold v. Connecticut establishes a right to privacy that does not allow the government to interfere in the sphere of relationships. According to the text of the case, the "right of privacy [is] older than the Bill of...