Comparing Two Views of Gay Marriage Essay -- Compare Contrast Comparis

In their works â€Å"Let Gays Marry,† by Andrew Sullivan and â€Å"Leave Marriage Alone,† by William Bennett, they both talk about the subject of same sex marriages. They both believe that marriage is based off of tradition. However, they debate on if these marriages should be allowed and if they are proper. Sullivan goes on to prove he believes same sex marriages are proper because traditionally it is based off of the principle of love. Bennett proves his point by saying that the conventional ways are the tradition. Andrew Sullivan says that love is the reason people marry one another. No matter the race, creed, or gender love is a strong bond that few people are lucky enough to find. (Sullivan p.25) This country believes in equal rights and opportunities. With this being true all people should be able to choose whom they love and get to marry. Homosexuals do not seek special treatment but an equal and full part in America. (Sullivan p. 25) In a society that always talks of equal rights and opportunity, is it right for the country to condemn these people because they are different in their beliefs of sexuality? One of the conventional ideas as to why people of opposite sex marry is because of procreation. What about all of the married couples who do not have children? Should they not be able to be married? (Sullivan p. 26) Sullivan says that over the years the definition of marriage has changed several times. It has been amended or changed to the times. Women in the marriage were on ce legal property to their husbands, and at one time only people of the same race could marry. (Sullivan p. 26) Should this instance be any different? In his essay, â€Å" Leave Marriage Alone,† Bennett states that marriage is a sacred trad... ...adition. The authors both disagree on what tradition is but they believe that the contract of marriage is based on tradition. Everyone has the right and freedoms to do what he or she pleases. However, there are boundaries. Tolerations for groups are one of the great things this country offers as opposed to other countries. How the judgment of a 4,000 year old tradition versus the tradition of marrying for love is ruled, the country will have to wait. No special treatment is expected or wanted. Equality for all is what is being asked for here. To honor tradition and follow the heart is all that both sides want. Works Cited Gruber, Sibylle, ed. Constructing Others Constructing Ourselves. Dubuque: Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company, 2002. Sullivan, Andrew. â€Å"Let Gays Marry.† Gruber 25-26 Bennett, William. â€Å"Leave Marriage Alone.† Gruber 29-30