Do Weddings Offer Equality?

Paula Ettelbrick examines and discusses reasons against same-sex marriage within her article, “Since When I marriage a Path to Liberation.” Ms. Ettelbrick sees marriage as an ineffective institution. The author explains that some individuals marry to gain approval from society. She explains that marriage maintains the patriarchal system, which supports continued male dominance over women. The author argues against same-sex marriage until innovative changes have been made within the institution of marriage. To date, marriage too often does not offer equality to both partners. While Ms. Ettelbrick explains that gay and lesbians should have the right to marry, she argues that marriage is not the panacea that these groups believe. Marriage will not solve many of the problems and biases that continue to exist. “Rather, a simple certificate of the state, regardless of whether the spouses love, respect, or even see each other on a regular basis, dominates and is supported. None of this dynamic will change if gay men and lesbians are given the option of marriage” (308 Ettelbrick). Marriage has often lost the meaning that it once may have possessed. The concept of marriage needs to be reexamined prior to allotting this legal option to all individuals. On the other hand, gay and lesbian couples who have been living together for years should be provided the benefits of shared health insurance and decreased taxes that married couples enjoy on a daily basis. One needs to remember that offering the legal right to marry is an option and never mandatory. It should be an option for all committed couples who are interested. Cohabitating couples, who are in a committed relationship but chose not to marry, should have the right to share benefits, such as health insurance and tax deduction.

Nancy Naples’ article, “Queer Parenting in the New Millennium,” nicely accompanies Ms. Ettelbrick’s discussion on same sex marriage. Ms. Naples introduces the struggles of same-sex parenting and the legal conflicts that arise. The complexity of gay and lesbian legal rights was examined. This has raised awareness to the cost and benefits of same-sex marriage within the gay and lesbian community. There needs to be general guidelines for all individuals: heterosexuals, bisexuals, gays, and lesbians, who choose to adopt orphans. Recognizing the number of parentless children in the world, it is important to identify capable adults who want to adopt. Today, witch medical advances in fertility treatment individuals have increased options for birthing children. The same guidelines should apply to heterosexual and same-sex couples. With respect to Eteelbrick, while same same-sex marriage is not the solution it should be an option for gay and lesbian couples who choose to partake. More importantly, legislation should be developed that allows all cohabitating, committed couples to share work benefits for themselves and their children. While there is a risk that certain individuals will take advantage of the system, the option needs to be allotted. Therefore, criminal action should be taken when false claims for benefits are made. Inequality will continue to exist until all individuals are offered the same rights. Civil rights should never be restricted from individuals due to sexual preference.