What is your opinion on same-sex marriage?

Answer 1

Opinion 1: No - Lifestyle Choices Should Not Merge With Sacraments

Since you seem to be asking for an opinion, I'll say against. I have known many gay people and the percentage of long-term relationships over 20 years seems to be quite low. I also believe that for some, it IS a lifestyle choice , a refuge from failed heterosexual relationships. Some are just opportunistic, for personal gain, but I also believe that for some, there is a biological imperative, and these must be respected.

As far as "marriage" is concerned, no. Marriage is not only a social construct for me, but a sacrament, a holy estate . I feel that gay marriage devalues my vows. I do support legal partnership with all it's benefits and protections, and no persecution or physical violence EVER.

But realize you are talking to a Catholic over 60. Homosexuality was still in textbooks as a perversion and was illegal when I was an adolescent.On the other hand, I have had some very close gay friends. One was a co-worker, neighbor, friend and my labor coach at the birth of my son. This good man was infected with HIV by his flamboyant, amoral, self-absorbed partner. My friend still took care of his faithless partner til his death, then basically died alone. He refused to come to me because he did not want my son to see his " Uncle " so wasted away and covered in Karposi's lesions, My son was 8 yrs.old then. Between my faith and my personal experiences, you can see why I am so conflicted.

You must all choose for yourselves and be willing to accept any and all consequences, in this life and the next.

Opinion 2: Yes - Benefits and Legal Protections Necessary

My husband and I support same-sex marriage because it provides many financial benefits and legal protections to our family. Also, we feel that denying marriage licenses to people on the basis of gender or sexual orientation is discriminatory.

Opinion 3: The Loud Minority vs. the Silent Majority in the USA

For or against any topic is a complex issue, one that may not be easily expressed in this limited venue.

The truth is that the majority of Americans are on the fence of this issue. If the majority came down on either side, the matter would be decided. As with every issue facing the US today, the side that makes the most noise about it is likely to garner the most support, or resistance. It is a slippery surface, and US citizens are fickle that way; it is a fine balancing point for anyone pushing an agenda in this country, whether they will gather support or alienate people in annoyance.

While those against this particular issue are touted as religious fundamentalist, it is more a matter of those against who are the loudest, and the RF's tend to be quite vocal on subjects they are against. It does not reside with this issue alone. Look at abortion, capital punishment, banking regulation, core family values, drug use, alcohol use, dancing, movies, book censure, and countless other topics.

Those in support of same sex marriage may often express that it's about same-sex couples getting married, staying married, and being able to divorce. They often express that it is a right, yet the federal government of the US has time and again stated categorically that it is not a right. It is however a permissible choice in some states. The argument that the rights afforded to married couples are denied to those in same gender relationships is a myth--the mechanism for obtaining the same rights and greater is simply different, and perhaps a bit more labor intensive.

So, the most likely conclusion that can be drawn here is that those against same gender marriage are simply a loud minority, and those for are perhaps not as motivated to acquire the things they actually want.

Opinion 4: Yes - Why Should Gays Be Subject To Unequal Laws

American history is inescapable. Equal rights under the law must be fought for. The battle is ongoing and as mainstream Americans find it more and more difficult to justify discrimination, the barriers to equality under the law are coming down. A recent Gallup Poll revealed that 53% of Americans favor recognition of same sex marriage.

In the United States marriage is a legal status. Religious clergy along with an array of other major and minor officials are permitted to solemnize marriages if the couple has obtained a civil marriage license. In some states such as California, any person can obtain a one-day permit to perform a marriage ceremony, for example, the father of the bride. Simply by being legally married, two people acquire hundreds of legal rights.

Consider this:

• Heterosexual Hollywood personalities who get married and divorced every few months and openly start new relationships while still married get those legal rights.
• Heterosexual couples with "open marriages" in which marital fidelity is not required get all those legal rights.
• Heterosexual couples who marry simply for the sake of convenience get those legal rights.
• Heterosexual couples who have no intentions of having children have all those legal rights.
• Elderly heterosexual couples, who come from an era when unmarried people did not live together and so marry for economic reasons get all those legal rights.
• Religious heterosexual couples who do not intend to have children but who cannot "live in sin" due to religious restrictions get all those legal rights if they get married.

There are many same sex couples who are in committed long term relationships yet they do not have any protection under the law in most states and do not have any protection or benefits under Federal Laws. They should not be restricted from acquiring all the legal rights and benefits that are automatically bestowed on heterosexual couples.

Opinion 5: Yes - Why Not Permit It?

Why not? Because God doesn't like Gay people? If God didn't like Gay marriage why would he make Gay people? If you are not in favor of Gay-marriage it means 1 of 2 things. Either you are not comfortable with your own sexuality or you hate because they are different from you, same with racist and sexist.

Opinion 6: No - Deviant Behavior Does Not Change Moral Truth

In this world of secular progressivism, the above answer is somewhat accepted. The problem is God made man and woman from man. He blessed them and told them to stay together (1st marriage state) and be fruitful. He designed each of them for this purpose. Deviant behavior is learned. You are not born with it. We each have 'tests' we go through, wrong ways (the ways of the god of this world) we have a propensity towards but are to try to overcome like fornication, lust, rape, adultery, beastiality, homosexuality for some while others may not have these but have greed, anger, life of lies, stealing, etc are for others. These ALL are against God's Law of Love and He makes no exception to any of them!!! Labels on others do not change God's Law.

Opinion 7: Ambivalent Unless Coerced

I personally support it, but am fine with people who don't until 1) they try to force me to think the same way they do, or 2) can't back their beliefs with some form of proof. My stance on marriage is that it should be about two people's love for each other, regardless of what their genders are.

Opinion 8:

I do not support the same sex marriages but I believe every adult has a choice to choose what he wants.

Opinion 9: (Islamic perspective)

Per Islam religion teachings, same sex marriage is strictly forbidden and is sinful. If one accepted to be Muslim, he/she should accept all Islam rules and instructions per Qur'an commands and prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) teachings. So, same sex marriage is never accepted both legally and religiously in Islamic countries.

Answer 2

I personally agree with the Supreme Courts of the United States, Canada and Mexico: same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry.