What are some issues concerning same-sex marriage?

Answer 1

NOTE: These are the principal points of debate, stated as neutrally as possible.

• What differences are there, if any, between same-sex and opposite sex couples?
• What impact, if any, will same-sex marriages have on married heterosexual couples?
• Does the concept of same-sex marriage change the definition of "marriage," and if so, how?
• To what extent may the understanding of "marriage" as a religious institution influence civil marriage?
• Traditionally, individual American states have been free to establish requirements for and limitations on marriage, and states have agreed to recognize marriages performed in other states. How will these traditions change, if at all, when same-sex marriage is legalized by some states?
• Traditionally, the U.S. government has recognized marriages performed in the various states and in other countries as valid in the US (with a few exceptions such as plural marriage and child marriage). How will these traditions change, if at all, when same-sex marriages are recognized by some states and foreign countries?
• Are "civil unions" an acceptable alternative to civil marriage, and if not, why?
• Should the term be "same-sex marriage" or "same sex marriage"?

As I see it, the issues include, but are not limited to:

1. Whether denying marriage licenses on the basis of gender and sexual orientation is a violation of the civil rights of gays and lesbians;
2. Whether permitting same-sex couples to marry is a violation of the freedom of religion of those whose religions oppose same-sex marriage;
3. Whether there is sufficient cause to alter the traditional understanding of marriage;
4. Whether the separation of church and state precludes the use of religious arguments by legislators, judges and parties to a civil action;
5. Whether states and/or the federal government can selectively recognize marriages legally performed in other jurisdictions;
6. Whether the federal government has a legitimate interest in overriding marriage laws duly enacted by individual states;
7. Whether federal or state Constitutions can be amended to limit rights rather than guarantee them;
8. Whether states can be forced to recognize marriages that cannot be legally performed within their borders;
9. Whether the President can direct the State Department to cease enforcing a federal law;
10. Whether Congress can appoint special attorneys to defend a law that the Executive Branch has deemed unconstitutional and whether they can appropriate money for such defense;
11. Whether morality can be legislated;
12. Whether the general public can be allowed to vote on the civil rights of selected segments of society; and,
13. Whether the United States is truly a unified people or two distinct cultural groups barely held together by leadership which radically alternates between two polar opposites.

NOTE: These are the principal points of debate, stated as neutrally as possible.

• What differences are there, if any, between same-sex and opposite sex couples?
• What impact, if any, will same-sex marriages have on married heterosexual couples?
• Does the concept of same-sex marriage change the definition of "marriage," and if so, how?
• To what extent may the understanding of "marriage" as a religious institution influence civil marriage?
• Traditionally, individual American states have been free to establish requirements for and limitations on marriage, and states have agreed to recognize marriages performed in other states. How will these traditions change, if at all, when same-sex marriage is legalized by some states?
• Traditionally, the U.S. government has recognized marriages performed in the various states and in other countries as valid in the US (with a few exceptions such as plural marriage and child marriage). How will these traditions change, if at all, when same-sex marriages are recognized by some states and foreign countries?
• Are "civil unions" an acceptable alternative to civil marriage, and if not, why?
• Should the term be "same-sex marriage" or "same sex marriage"?