A small number of people, but particularly those of some religions, feel they have the right to police who can get married, who cannot, and for what reason. Two of the groups often targeted against being allowed to marry are homosexuals and lesbians. One of the reasons often suggested as to why they should not be allowed to marry is that "Marriage is about having and raising children". I find this point to be particularly of interest and 100% laughable.
So often the argument is used, and I wonder do these people even think about what they are saying, or suggesting?
- Does this mean that people who are infertile can not get married?
- Does it mean that people who do not want children should not get married?
- Will they protest people past child bearing years getting married?
- Does being married mean you are a suitable person for raising kids?
- What if the person had children from a previous relationship?
- Should couples be forced to divorce when their children leave home?
- It infers ignorance that homosexuals cannot have children or do not want them.
- Should heterosexual people who are divorced and do not have custody of their children, be allowed to remarry?
They frequently reference the Bible when referring to this, which is odd because humans engaged in marriage type relationships long before the Bible was even put together, and marriage exists in many religions, not only those who follow the Bible.
Humans have lived in monogamous relationships for many generations, they held ceremonies to unite the couple even before it was called a "wedding". People united in bonds long before religion set a standard of rules, and to be fair, how is it acceptable for one religion to force its' belief system onto people who do not follow that religion?
Alas, I have wandered off topic. My real issue is the argument against allowing homosexuals to marry, because marriage is about having and raising children. I honestly feel that this is a lame excuse for a reason against homosexual marriages. I do not think many people even realize that by saying this they are insulting millions of other people. Not every marriage is about children, some marriages are actually about love and companionship.
Mostly, how does it hurt society on a whole if gays and lesbians are allowed to marry? The argument that this will result in a lower birthrate is laughable, people will have kids regardless of being married.
I would love to see somebody, anybody, who says "Marriage is for heterosexual couples only, because it's about raising children" speak up loudly against allowing marriage in older couples, or marriage in infertile couples. That person would have a whole lot more credibility than these ones who use it as an excuse to protest against allowing homosexuals to wed.
So before you catch your self uttering such total nonsense, ask yourself, what is the real reason you are against gays and lesbians being wed?
