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Same Sex Marriage Has Been Research Paper

S. citizens. This is a popular argument offered by the same sex marriage movement and it is one that is compelling. For many years homosexuality was considered illegal behavior in most jurisdictions in the United States but most such statutes have been abolished and so gays and lesbians are now full citizens who have the right to expect full rights of citizenship. This means that whatever one's ethical or moral standards might be does not mean that such standards must be expressed in the laws. Many Americans object morally and ethically to the display of pornography; the publishing of songs with colorful lyrics; and, suggestive books and magazines but each of these examples is protected by the First Amendment and the rights of gays and lesbians to marry should enjoy the same protection.

The proponents of virtue ethics are not alone in their support of same sex marriage. Followers of moral relativism would advocate as well that gays and lesbians should be free to choose their own course of action in regard to marriage. Moral relativists believe that there is no universal moral truth. What is right for one individual may not necessarily be right for someone else. They believe strongly that no one has the right to interfere in the choices of others. Similarly, proponents of the ethical egoism position would also advocate for the right of gays and lesbians to marry. This theory of ethics advocates that each individual should do what is best for his or her own self-interest and so a person determining whether to enter into...

There are compelling arguments on both sides of the issue but, regardless of what position one may take ethically on the issue, the fact remains that gays and lesbians are citizens and as citizens are entitled to the full range of rights that other citizens enjoy. The right to marry is a right that all heterosexuals enjoy and the same rights should be extended to all gays and lesbians. The issue is neither an ethical or moral one. It is question of fundamental right and it is incumbent on the individual states to begin granting the right. Despite the objections of the many groups who oppose the extension of this right to gays and lesbians, it is a matter of basic fairness and the pattern of exclusion that has existed in the United States on this issue must be abolished. Like the banning of interracial marriage before it, legislation should be universally enacted legalizing same sex marriage.
References

Corvino, J. (1999). Same Sex: Debating the Ethics, Science, and Culture of Homosexuality (Studies in Social, Political, and Legal Philosophy. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefiedl Publishers.

Koppelman, A. (2001). On the Moral Foundations of Legal Expressivism. Maryland Law Review, 777-784.

Lewin, E. (2004). Does Marriage have a future? Journal of Marriage and Family, 1000-1006.

Is Gay/Lesbian Marriage Ethical

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References

Corvino, J. (1999). Same Sex: Debating the Ethics, Science, and Culture of Homosexuality (Studies in Social, Political, and Legal Philosophy. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefiedl Publishers.

Koppelman, A. (2001). On the Moral Foundations of Legal Expressivism. Maryland Law Review, 777-784.

Lewin, E. (2004). Does Marriage have a future? Journal of Marriage and Family, 1000-1006.

Is Gay/Lesbian Marriage Ethical
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