Debate on Same Sex Marriage

Is same-sex marriage right? The debate over same-sex marriage has recently been heating up. However this debate is not new news. The fight for homosexual rights actually started in 1924 when the Society for Human Rights in Chicago became the US’s first homosexual rights organization. Every year more and more states are beginning to legalize same sex marriage. Massachusetts started it all when it was the first state to legalize same sex marriage on May 17, 2005. Now, seven years after, the state of Maryland recently became the eighth state to legalize it. Even though states have support same sex marriage, a president has never openly supported it until, President Obama became the first president to support same sex marriage on May 9, 2012 when he said, “It is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same-sex couples should be able to get married.” Quickly the public voiced their opinions. Journalists were the first to tweet about the statement. Most of them however did not take a side but rather stayed neutral. On the other hand, celebrates had no problem speaking their mind. The majority of celebrities agreed with President Obama on the issue. These celebrities included: Jay Z, Tyra Banks, Adam Levine, and Ryan Seacrest. Alec Baldwin tweeted, “Obama gets it right on gay marriage. Bravo”.  On the other side of the debate, Manny Pacquiao says even though he does not have a problem with homosexuals he does not support same sex marriage. But, do the celebrities’ opinions really matter? They’re just people like you and me anyway. What does a more authoritative source, like the Catholic Church, say about same sex marriage? According to americancatholic.org, “The Catholic Church opposes gay marriage and the social acceptance of homosexuality and same-sex relationships, but teaches that homosexual persons deserve respect, justice and pastoral care.” The leaders of the Catholic Church are speaking out against same sex marriage and the growing number of states that are legalizing it. As for the public, the opinion seems to be split. A lot of people don’t really have a set strong opinion on the issue. It is a difficult topic and requires a lot of research and thinking before a strong opinion can be formed. What do you think, is same sex marriage right? How did you come to your decision?