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Family Law

Does society have a right to legally define who can and cannot get married in the United States (this is a general question, NOT one focusing primarily on same-sex marriage)? Please be sure to use an example to clarify your position.

The purpose of this assignment is to have you critically analyze a current topic relevant to child and family development professionals from a broad and general perspective.

400 Level Forum Grading Rubric	Possible points	Student points
Met initial post deadline (Wednesday)	10
Initial post is substantive	10
Initial post is at least 400 words	10
Initial post employs at least two citations; one can be text; other must be from an academic source	10

First response to classmate posted by Sunday	10
First response is at least 200 words	10
First response employs at least 2 citations; one can be text; other must be from an academic source	10

Second response to classmate posted by Sunday	10
Second response is at least 150 words	10
Second response employs at least 2 citations; one can be text; other must be from an academic source	10

	100

response:

New! Family Law

Staci Carpenter (Aug 8, 2016 10:45 AM) - Read by: 3 Mark as Read

Hello everyone

I do not think that society should have the right to legally define who can and cannot get married in the United States. The United States has a diverse population with a number of people, religions, and cultures that on different opinions and beliefs. By legally defining who can and cannot get married, society is discrimination against individuals personal beliefs and their sexual preferences. The reason that couples marry may vary from an expression of love, religious compact, or financial benefits (Soupcoff 2012). Personally I believe that marriage is a union between two people that share a common goal. Those goal could be a variety of different things that mean something to those two people. Marriage is a personal choice that society should not have the right to dictate. It is a personal choice that should not be tied up in red tape and social acceptance. Soupcoff (2012) presents that legally defining marriage is an expression of society’s comfort level. As society’s definition of marriage has changed we have seen new laws that legally recognize gay marriage and even interracial marriages. Goldberg (2014) presents that marriage laws were unconstitutional based on sexual orientation and caused discrimination because it targeted a certain group of people in an unfair manner. Legal definitions of marriage are based on religious and political bias.

I have found that many religious friends of mine have been against gay marriage because it goes against their religious beliefs. However, the United States offer freedom of religion. Therefore, there are a number of different religions and individuals that have a religious freedom and freedom to belief in what they want, including their spouse. Our society is continually growing and changing. Our views, beliefs, and comforts all reflect in the laws that are passed. The definition of marriage has changed and continues to change with the changes in society. It is time that society stops legally defining marriage and allow every individual to choose who they want to marry and why they want to marry. As a society we should respect that everyone has their own sexual identity and marriage ideals. Legal definitions of marriage should not be based on others bias and allow for individuals to purse their own happiness in marriage. It is unfair to discriminate and not allow someone to marriage only because we do not agree with their own beliefs.

Staci

References

Goldberg, S. B. (2014). RISKY ARGUMENTS IN SOCIAL-JUSTICE LITIGATION: THE CASE OF SEX DISCRIMINATION AND MARRIAGE EQUALITY. Columbia Law Review, 114(8), 2087-2153. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1790169276?accountid=8289

Soupcoff, M. (2012). What Tuesday’s Election can Teach us About Legally Defining Marriage. National Post.