Same-Sex Marriage Discussion
Nussbaum believes that same-sex marriage should be allowed since gays and lesbians are couples like any other heterosexual couples thus should be respected and not discriminated against. She also thinks that individuals have the right to choose their life partners and be happy in their marriages. I agree with Nussbaum that as much as some religions may be against same-sex marriages, it is not a sufficient reason for prohibiting them in a pluralistic community. Nussbaum gives an excellent example of how Jews are against the eating of pork. They may be against it, but that does not stop other religions from eating pork. Therefore, same-sex marriage is not unethical and unnatural like some religions believe.
I also support Nussbaum’s opinion on procreation and raising children. Just like the heterosexual couples, same-sex couples can also have kids by way of surrogacy, adoption, and even donor insemination. They are also excellent parents and raise their kids well. A majority of same-sex couples out there have kids and are doing a good job in raising them since what children need is love and total support from their parents. There is also exists no evidence showing that heterosexual couples are better parents compared to same-sex couples.
I also agree with Nussbaum’s regarding same-sex marriage and the First Amendment’s Free Exercise clause. The state believes that same-sex marriage should be banned since it offends numerous religious believers. However, Nussbaum believes that religions differ significantly in their perception regarding same-sex marriage. Therefore, the state is not justified to prohibit same-sex marriage on the basis of religious grounds since it would be favouring a particular group of religious believers and leaving out or not considering the other group.
I also support Nussbaum on the fact that allowing same-sex marriage does not undermine the attempt or effort to safeguard traditional marriage and lessen divorce rates. Prohibiting same-sex marriage does not threaten or cannot save the traditional marriage. Instead, appropriate measures like counselling, anger and stress management, etc. should be embraced.
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