The COVID-19 Pandemic and its impact on the southern United state.

LEGALITY OF SAME SEX MARRIAGE 2

Should Same-Sex Marriage be Legal?

“For better or worse,” “till death do us part,” and “I do” are words that people witness or say themselves when two people commit their lives to each other. (This opening alludes to the topic of marriage without actually using the word ‘marriage’). The celebration involves the cheering of family and friends, tasty food, joyous music, dancing, decorations, and formal attire. Some people may interpret marriage as no more than sex, but it is actually about the quality of dedication, lifelong commitment, responsibility, self-sacrifice, loyalty, family, companionship, protection, and unconditional love in a relationship between two people. (the essay defines the term marriage and ‘shows’ that definition’s meaning by giving examples of what it looks like/ entails) However, is the true definition of marriage the ‘traditional’ view that it is between strictly a man and a woman? If so, what about people who are attracted to the same-sex, and do they deserve the same legal commitment or full recognition as heterosexual people? (essay asks questions that narrow the topic to the later claim to be made re: it)

Some people are unable to experience a lifetime commitment because the same-sex marriage issue has become very controversial. (This sentence transitions effectively into the ‘debate’ about the topic) This is partially because some people feel hate towards and are disgusted by homosexuals, an aversion known as homophobia. They believe the people in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered (LGBT) community have a mental disorder, and are unnatural, taboo, and morally or ethically wrong. Moreover, some people argue that being LGBT is against their religion or the institution of marriage, in which for them ‘spouse’ always refers to a person of the opposite sex, who is a husband or wife. For those reasons, some LBGT people may have suffered from bullying, disrespect, and criticism, and are victims of discrimination in their societies.(These past 3 sentences provide rebuttals and provide qualifiers made by that side). For example, gay teens might experience being targeted for bullying in their schools or communities by those who label them with derogatory terms such as ‘gay’ or ‘fag’. As result, the family members of LGBT people feel ashamed and avoid having public interaction. Nevertheless, for some LGBT people, that might not be the case anymore. Some states have contributed to a positive change towards the legalization of same-sex marriage. It started with President Obama‘s announcement, then was followed by the update of the Federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). (The previous three sentences give both a fine example of consequences of not taking action, and authoritative positions re: the position that help support essay’s claim) As Mellissa Barnhardt, et al (2007) points out, “Polls taken during the week of the DOMA ruling indicated that 53% of all Americans were in favor of same-sex marriage and in the two weeks following the ruling, that data has increased two percentage points”(p.3). (The previous quote was introduced appropriately by giving author’s names and embedding a quote that relates to the fact that attitudes are changing re: topic and follows APA formatting) Therefore, same-sex marriage should be legal in the United States of America because it would allow for all Americans to be equal and enjoy rights such as love, legal rights, and adoption. (clear claim/ thesis of a proposal argument with an appropriate transition at the beginning of it and reasons to support that proposal). Comment by Maslane, David E: Author qualifies language by referring to ‘some’ people, instead of using a totalizing word like ‘all’ of everyone. Comment by Maslane, David E: Effective use f transition here connecting ideas.

First, same-sex marriage should be legal to give every individual equal rights and freedom to love. (Topic sentence with reason/ backing #1 introduced clearly and at the beginning of the paragraph) To illustrate, LGBT people should not be afraid because they have the samefundamental rights to love, be who they want, and marry, as heterosexual people. That means they have the same right to have someone who wants to share their time and always be there for them, such as to talk, listen, care, comfort, laugh, relate, and hold. Also, it would allow them to have a life mate who is willing to sacrifice, put their partner’s needs before their own, support them, and take care of their partner. Fran Lisotta(2001) argues that “whoever wants to be married and love each other and choose someone to be a life mate–it’s really none of our business whether they are the same sex or the opposite sex,” and later states, “I am an American who supports the right and freedom of every individual to choose their life partner”(pg. 1). LGBT people should not hide their true feelings by remaining “invisible” or worse, pretending to be straight by having a relationship with someone of the opposite sex. Instead, they should have the freedom to choose their mate. Moreover, many people are reluctant to express their love for their nation in the military, whereas gay people are supposedly welcome to serve their country, but often worry about being bullied or forced out of the service. Hence, the legalization of same-sex marriage should happen because LGBT people have the right to express their love for their partner or country. Comment by Maslane, David E: These quotes provide a form of evidence that effectively support the claim and first reason/ backing.