Same-Sex Marriage: The Controversy of Our Generation

Why are so many people uncomfortable with the idea that many problems don't have a single solution? Give an example of a current controversy in which there are different factions arguing that theirs is the one RIGHT answer and explain why there is in reality no one right answer to the issue.

‘There is a storm gathering.” There is a storm gathering that will make doctors choose between their faith and their job, a storm that will encroach on the rights of individuals, a storm that will leave parents helpless to stop its influence on their children. This is the warning issued by the National Organization for Marriage. This storm is Same-Sex Marriage.

There are many who are convinced that the institution of same-sex legal unions will negatively affect the whole of the American nation. These warnings about the perceived dangers of homosexual marriage are predominately the opinions of those who affiliate themselves with conservative views and Christian ideals. The largest portion of their fear is said to be that the “marriage covenant” is being infringed upon; that the sacred bond between a man and a woman is being broken and the result will be the disintegration of the family foundation, eventually leading to a fall in social order.

However, points have been made that these opinions are not valid and that they are influenced by motives not readily available to the public eye. It has been said that the fear the opponents of gay marriage have is less of gay marriage itself and more the fear of a breakdown. A breakdown of the traditional heterosexual family causing a shift in the role of women and the church in society. Denying someone the right to marry is seen as a denial of religious freedom and marriage benefits (i.e. joint ownership, medical decision making, etc), as well as a form of minority discrimination. But that means nothing to someone who feels that their values as an individual are being challenged and their families are being put at risk.

Whatever one’s opinion on the subject may be, it is clear that a satisfactory resolution for this idealistic conundrum will dubitably be reached. Those that are morally or religiously opposed to same-sex marriage will be offended and refuse to recognize the legal union. Contrastingly, those that openly support it will be joyous. Arguments can be made in regard to who is truly qualified to make decisions on who is allowed to marry. Or even what marriage is. Due to the simple fact that every individual will have a personal opinion on marriage makes finding one answer impossible. It would be like having the Supreme Court decide which ice cream is better: vanilla or chocolate? It cannot be done.

What is morally right or wrong resides wholly with an individual. It is the individual who decides for themselves what they believe and what they are comfortable with. Thus, there can be no ‘right’ answer reached in regards to same-sex marriage. For when all is said and done, people will always disagree on what is ‘right.’