An exploratory paper arguing both sides using past and present major Research

An exploratory arguing both sides using past and present major issues of gay marriage. Explain them through summaries and - Research Paper Example This essay examines the issue of gay marriage through positions on the right not to marry, the right to marry, and civil unions. One of the prominent positions on gay marriage is what has come to be referred to as the right not to marry. In regards to this position one considers that the institution of marriage affords a number of benefits, predominantly in government tax incentives. In this way individuals that marry have specific rights that place them at an advantage over non-married individuals. The right not to marry then has constituted a perspective that provides a counter-point to the benefits gained through marriage. Polikoff notes that if the right to marry is considered a right then, â€Å"– the right not to marry – should likewise be fundamental. Revived proposals to condition poverty assistance on marital status, as well as tax benefits and burdens based on marital status, would require strict judicial scrutiny† (Polikoff). In this way Polikoff has c onsidered both the benefits gained through marriage and the perspectives on marriage as a fundamental right. She is arguing then that if the courts establish the right to marry a fundamental right for all people, including gays and lesbians, there should be a concomitant right not to marry. Ultimately, this right would benefit not only gays and lesbians, but individuals that choose to forego marriage. Another prominent position in the debate on gay marriage is the notion of the right to marry. The right to marry has long been a prominent issue, not only in gay and lesbian marriage concerns, but also in broader civil rights perspectives. In this way some of the most prominent right to marry controversies emerged during the civil rights era of the 1960s when there was significant debate over interracial marriages. Still, in the 21st century the most prominent right to marry issues have surrounded concerns over gay marriage. In this way there has been significant disparity of opinion o ver the extent that the constitution guarantees the right to marriage and to which groups of people. In large part this issues has been addressed at the state level. Currently, the majority of states restrict gay marriage based on the belief that marriage is between a man and a woman. Undoubtedly the belief against a blanket right to marriage for same sex couples has been influenced by prominent religious perspectives in the country. One considers that Christianity, the dominant Western religion, has opposed gay marriage; there is additionally scripture that indicates marriage should be between a man and a woman. In this way a great amount of American citizens continue to object to gay marriage based on moral reasons. Recent polling data have attested to this, noting that the highest percentage of people that oppose gay marriage have strong religious affiliations; over 77% of Protestants oppose gay marriage, and 71% of people who attend church services more than once a week oppose g ay marriage (PewResearch). While religious groups are not the only sect of people that oppose the right to marry, they constitute a major oppositional position within the country on the issue. The restriction of the right to marriage, however, has been challenged in a number of notable situations. One of the most prom