This section discusses religious beliefs and equality

Brief History of The Issue

In the past ten years, the issue of gay rights has become one of the most highly debated and controversial issues in United States politics. The debate centers on whether or not gay men and women should be able to get married. Historically, marriage in America was permitted only between a man and a woman. In the late 1990s the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) was passed. This Act outlawed gay marriage in the United States at the Federal level. In 2012, DOMA was ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court and the decision of whether or not gay couples can get married was left to the individual states. The Supreme Court has not yet decided whether or not gay marriage is legal at the Federal level. This decision would make gay marriage legal in every state. As of February 9, 2015, gay marriage has been legalized in 37 states.

Republican Stance

Generally, it is the Republican Party that opposes gay marriage. Republicans point out that marriage has traditionally been defined as a union between a man and a woman. They argue that allowing same-sex couples to marry will weaken the legitimate institution of marriage. In addition, they claim that children are more likely to grow up in an ideal environment when raised by a man and a woman, not two men or two women. Some Republicans argue that children raised in a same-sex household will be deprived of the benefits of both a male and female presence during adolescence.

Some Republicans oppose same sex marriage for religious reasons. They often argue that expanding marriage to same sex couples may lead to churches being required to marry gay couples. This would go against the fundamental principles of that religion. They argue that the government should not force them to embrace moral policies that contradict their religious beliefs. In addition, schools may begin to teach children that same sex marriage is equal to opposite sex marriage---something that many religious Republicans reject. Democratic Stance

Democrats, on the other hand, generally argue that same sex couples should have all of the same marriage rights as straight couples. They argue that it is fair for same sex couples to be able to celebrate and memorialize their relationships in the same way that straight couples can (through marriage). Advocates of same sex marriage also argue that gay marriage will not harm family values. These advocates commonly argue that there is a lack of data to support the argument that gay marriage will have a negative effect on heterosexual families and that a nation with a diverse range of family types is positive for our society.

Heterosexual married couples receive some benefits from the government such as federal tax benefits, retirement benefits, employee benefits, legal benefits, benefits relating to death, and immigration benefits. Therefore, another popular argument among gay marriage supporters is that gay couples should also have the right to these government benefits. In their view, anything less is discrimination.

Some Democrats argue that the Equal Protection Clause of the United States Constitution grants gay couples the right to get married. The amendment says, “No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.”