Discuss how the gay marriage issue deomonstrates the conflict between freedom, order, and equality.?

Brendan

It's both. And more. Simply defining marriage as a religious institution, or a contract between two people, or even a social partnership misses the point of marriage altogether. As far as the spiritual side of marriage, the government can in no way "force" any religious institution, church, or denomination that doesn't agree with gay marriage to perform the rite. And if society isn't yet willing to accept that gay people should be allowed to be married, then that's that. However, marriage extends to government dominion as well, and if viewed in that light, gay marriage should be fully legal-and gay couples should be allowed all the benefits that the government bestows upon married couples ranging from inheritance rights to tax deductions and naturalization rights.

Gay marriage is an issue of equality for the gay community, an issue of order for those who believe that it is wrong, and an issue of freedom for all Americans. But I don't see what harm just allowing gay people to marry could possibly do. This issue, I think, is rooted more in the societal conscious than in maintaining order. A constitutional amendment banning gay marriage would be gross overkill for a something that really isn't a problem to begin with.

windmill ever

All i know is different strokes for different folks....

Whatever a gay couple does behind closed doors isnt my business just like with a straight couple.

I think all humans should be able to marry whomever makes them happy. It doesnt affect me...so yea I dont care.

noitall

Don't know, don't care...two points please.

34B

Marriage is defined as a "union between a man and a woman". I'm tired of this argument. How about just having "People" rights. Who defines people as gay or straight anyway. And gays can be just as biased as straight people.

Anita

I don't know or care either.

Smiley

Freedom and Order are polar opposite concepts, and equality will support itself if truly free.

I think the perfect example that most could understand from Order, is like Darth Vadar and The Empire. That is Order. Opposite to being free. Being free is like a nude beach, anything goes, and everyone loves you. It seems like most people don't want Darth, but don't want to be naked as well, so they balance the two, and hope for equality.

Being gay is just being in the middle of this, so it doesn't conflict, except for the fans of The Empire who want to tell others how they can live and who they can marry. Basic tyranny type stuff.

AKAO4D

Marriage and Divorce section has become a catch all category.

I'm a Riot.

Het marriage is ONLY a contract in the US. Individuals imbue it with religious meaning according to their personal beliefs, but as far as the government goes, it's only a contract. So gay marriage is exactly the same, just a contract. All citizens should be afforded Equal Protection to enter the contract.

It's purely a constitutional issue.

EDIT: If the only the church dealt with marriage, how would the 15% of the population who have no religious beliefs acheive a marital contract? The marital contract laws in this country have evolved to serve the population, thankfully not just the religious, conservative portion if the population.

This is a secular country, though that reality doesn't please those who would like to believe this a Christian nation.

drift and dream

that one is deep.

I say contract

I am in the playpen with sweet Mildred

Sue C

I believe it is BOTH! The Bible speaks of two people living together & "multiplying" or being "fruitful". It also is a contract, OR you wouldn't have to have a "legal" divorce in order to end the relationship. I do NOT believe the government should be involved whatsoever in a marriage or even in dictating anything regarding marriage period. It's strictly between the parties as to if they want to be married or not. Why should the government even be involved?! p.s. To the "Internet Hate Machine", it's people like YOU who cause all the HATE & FIGHTING in the world today which is just what makes it such a sick, hateful, fighting world. Judge NOT that ye be judged!...Good luck...:)

rosey

wow sweety must be a deep issue for u. and i hope u find the answer ur looking for. oh and breathe a little

nonameblonde

It's actually both now isn't it? Religious and a contract. Legally, we have to be married but spiritually we want to be married. Me personally, I think everyone should always have (and have had) the right to be married. Gay or straight. If two consenting adults love each other, want to be together...who is to say it's wrong? And I don't buy that Adam and Eve and Adam and Steve crap either. Religion is different than spirituality. Who is to say one religion is right and another is wrong? I was raised Catholic but I don't practice because I feel Catholics are outdated now. I don't believe that I should have to confess my sins to a Priest in order to ask for forgiveness for me when he could be molesting little boys. But I will say that we all should have the right to be married to the person (man or woman) of our choice. And to reap the benefits that marriage has to offer...companionship, stablitity, medical benefits, estate planning, etc., and that covers both spiritual and contractual needs.

LeeH

Unfortunately, to be treated equal socially and legally in many respects you must be married...therefore to me it is has become more than a religious institution. Which is lame to me...because I'm not religious.

Memory

You must of confused your categories. Religion and politics with marriage and divorce.

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