The debate on Same-Sex marriage is a topic frequently in the news. Recently seeing an article that our vice-president is in favor of same-sex marriage, I notice that sometimes in these articles and news releases, it seems something more is sadly missing: A well reasoned position on both sides of this debate and how it will effect all people.
Instead most of what is put forth is a “us vs. them” argument rather than approaching the subject with sound reason which will make any final decision a more firm foundation that people can stand firm on and it’s conclusion. Below is an Article from Christianpost.com which makes a very good point and should be considered when deciding on this debate.
http://blogs.christianpost.com/disciple/its-not-about-you-gay-marriage-9744/
May 07th, 2012 06:56 AM ET
By Kae Am
"Advocates of Same-sex marriage often emphasize the individual couple, and an individual's right to choose to marry whoever he or she wants. An argument they often use is "this won't affect you" or "it won't hurt your marriage." This argument actually counters none of the arguments against sex-same marriage because the focus point for both sides is ...
It's Not About you: the Gay Marriage Debate
“Advocates of Same-sex marriage often emphasize the individual couple, and an individual's right to choose to marry whoever he or she wants. An argument they often use is "this won't affect you" or "it won't hurt your marriage." This argument actually counters none of the arguments against sex-same marriage because the focus point for both sides is completely different.
Opponents of same-sex marriage oppose it because they consider it wrong for society. Proponents focus on the individual; opponents focus on the community. Anthropology, sociology, and history have verified that children are often raised within families. Children become the new, leading generation of society. Therefore, families are the basic building blocs of society. Anthropology, sociology, and history have verified this.
Because families are the basic building blocs of society, the only proper argument about marriage - regardless of whether you advocate or support gay marriage - will be an argument that focuses on society and social impact. The only proper argument will involve anthropology, sociology, and history because those three fields of study have provided the most knowledge about family and society.
Proponents of same-sex marriage focus on the individual and not on society. Whenever a conservative voices support for traditional values, the proponents refuse to have an intellectual conversation and automatically decry the conservative with emotionally-charged terms. The proponent's response is based entirely upon emotion and personal feeling with little regard to anthropology, sociology, and history. But this controversy actually has nothing to do with personal feeling or opinion. This controversy has everything to do with what is best for society. The gay marriage advocates deny supporters of traditional marriage the right to show concern for society and social well-being.
People who oppose gay marriage consider it wrong for society. For them, the debate is not about the either side; it is about society. Furthermore, the liberal argument "this won't affect you" can also be used to counter charitable works. Many charities don't affect the people who donate to them. Yet, people donate and volunteer to contribute to social well-being.
Many people donate to St. Jude, which provides free medical care and research for children. Yet, many children of those people who donate never have serious illnesses. Some of the people who donate money to St. Jude are not even parents, so St. Jude will never affect them.
There are some attempts to decriminalize and even to legalize hallucinogenic drugs. The mind-distorting effects can resemble psychological disorders. People who oppose these attempts will never be affected by these substances because they will never use them. However, people oppose attempts to legalize marijuana, cocaine, etc., because such drugs are dangerous to society.
I don't know how many people seek to ban texting-while-driving. Texting does occur within the privacy of one's car.
How will donating to the March of Dimes affect men and women who do not have children? It will not affect them at all.
Why should people who have homes and safe-housing donate or volunteer for homeless shelters? It won't affect them.
The controversy about sex-same marriage is not about the proponents or the opponents of gay marriage. The controversy is about society and social well-being.
Any argument for same-sex marriage needs to involve empirical research, yet the advocates of same-sex marriage ignore anthropology, sociology, and history. Homosexual behavior has occurred throughout history, but never in the context of marriage. Marriage has always been heterosexual, even for cultures such as Ancient Greece that allowed gay sex.
The family is the basic building block of society. Marriage creates families. The controversy about same-sex marriage is not about the proponents or the opponents. The controversy is about society. Marriage deserves to have a thorough discussion and debate, and the best sources for the discussion and the debate are anthropology, sociology, and history. Before doing something that will alter the building bloc of society, take a look at what anthropology, sociology, and history have to say about marriage and family.”
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