What is marriage?
Throughout history, in different cultures, and by different individuals, humans have had different opinions about what marriage is. Marriages have been for economic, social, political, and religious purposes. They have been both heterosexual and homosexual. They have been arranged by families and by the individuals. Some people prefer to have elaborate ceremonies, or others prefer to just go to the courthouse. Some people will marry to start families, for social status, to ease economic burdens, or to be with the person they love. Everyone has their own definition of marriage, and this can unfortunately make living together in a society complicated.
Marriage has been a subject of controversy in America. Until the 1967 Supreme Court case Loving vs. Virginia, interracial marriage was illegal in the United States. Forty five states currently define marriage as between a man and a woman. While five states and Washington DC only define it as between two people. The federal government previously only recognized heterosexual marriages, but this was ruled unconstitutional in July 2010. It was argued that marriage falls under the state’s jurisdiction and that it was denying a civil right.
Recently, many opposite sex couples are living together without getting married. According to the 2010 Census report, unmarried heterosexual couples cohabitating (living together yet unmarried) has increased by thirteen percent. Many of these people grew up in a generation where nearly half of marriages ended in divorce. I think marriage may be starting to mean less to some people, or that people are more hesitant to commit to marriage.
I do not believe that marriage should be a political institution. The government should recognize domestic partnerships between two people, and make marriage a personal affair. This should give couples the rights to share health insurance benefits, inherit property, hospital visitation, and all other benefits that are currently enjoyed by marriage. Those who are interested in marriage can still celebrate this with their families, friends, and churches. Marriage can become more of a social and religious institution rather than a political one. This way, everyone can keep their personal definition of marriage and have it recognized within their social circle. At the same time, everyone can have the rights provided by marriage. This supports the American ideal of equality while respecting all Americans’ beliefs regarding marriage.
I do not think it would be fair for the government to continue to recognize only heterosexual marriages and grant civil unions for same sex couples. I think that is like having a “separate but equal” institution and treating them as second class citizens. Under Jim Crowe laws in the 1960’s, it was not right to practice segregation with African Americans. Saying that same sex couples can have a civil union but not get married is almost like saying that children cannot not attend school with children of different races and therefore have to attend a “separate but equal school”.
As a country that values equality, we should give same sex couples the same rights as opposite sex couples. At the same time, everyone can define marriage for themselves. The Declaration of Independence states that all men are created equal, regardless of their sexual orientation, and therefore are entitled to liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
