Rogerian Arguement

                   
                Thomas Jefferson once wrote in the Declaration of Independence that all men are created equal.  Hundred of years later Abraham Lincoln,who considered the Declaration as the foundation of his political philosophy, freed the slaves in the south with the Emancipation Proclamation. The phrase, all men are created equal continues to be quoted by significant American figures in politics and social life. And as Americans living in a world superpower nation we pride ourselves in being superior to other nations economically and socially. Yet, as great and advanced as we think we are, we still struggle over civil rights issue like gay marriage. Should two gay men be able to marry? Both the sides opposing gay marriage and the      
supporting it each have their own valid reasons.

               There are a number of reasons why a good portion of Americans are against gay marriage. The main argument is religion. Many people are taught by the bible that marriage is to be between man and women, hence Adam and Eve.  Religious people have certain morals that they must follow and for many that means homosexuals are sinners. To insult their religion and the god(s) that they pray to is comparable to someone badmouthing your role model and neither are justified. Aside from religious reasons,  there are also people that claim a fatherly and motherly  figure is key in marriage and family.  When the time to raise children comes it may be more convenient  for both the child and the parents that there is a mother and father figure.
           At the same time there are also valid arguments for why gay marriage should be legalized. Most people will agree that love shouldn't be restricted. Well in that sense,  gay marriage should be the same. Every human being should be able to marry who they love and receive the same benefits that heterosexual married couples get. Can you imagine being told that you will never be able to marry who you love? Can you
imagine your spouse in the hospital with some critical condition, yet you can't visit them or make any decisions on their behalf? Gay marriage may not be traditional and it's a big change. But change isn't always bad. Civil rights for African Americans, women's suffrage, the change in labor laws, those huge changes had a positive impact on our nation. In fact it's changes like those that makes America such a great country.
            There are benefits in legalizing gay marriage. For one it would boast the economy. Getting married cost money, and quite a lot too. As more couples obtain marriage license, rent out wedding halls and hire services, the state and business will make a profit. It also encourages a more tolerant society. People have insecurity and passing something like gay marriage can show not only America, but the whole world that we can live together without bringing others down.  Legalizing gay marriage to another step closer to true equality.