Introduction
The article ‘Against gay marriage’ was written by William J. Bennett. He has served in various leadership positions including a position as chairperson of the National Endowment for the humanities. He has produced various write-ups concerning cultural issues in America.
These include books and articles. His thesis is that gay marriage should not be legalized. The legalization of gay marriage in any society leads to social damage and the destruction of the normal structure of the family.
Summary
Bennett has (for a long time) been involved in the forefront in the fighting of same-sex marriages in the United States.
He argues that it is a social issue that may be detrimental to the values held in the society. He was disturbed because the Hawaii Supreme Court was considering legalizing same-sex marriage.
He argued that if Hawaii were to make gay marriages legal, many nations would embrace it too. Bennett terms the arguments made in favor of gay marriages as shrewd arguments (Bennett, 2005, p.409).
These arguments try to suggest that legalization may prove helpful to many in the society.
Bennett shows his concern about the value of marriage, given that gay marriages are legalized. He goes ahead to warn the audience not to take the step.
He argues that the marriage institution is fragile already and legalizing same-sex marriage would only make things worse. He continues to mention that all religions only support marriage between a man and a woman and he believes that this is not mere coincidence.
Bennett criticizes the work by Sullivan saying that his argument is baseless as he describes marriage (same-sex marriage) as an open contract where the single, moralistic model is not honored.
Bennett believes that the essence of marriage is faithfulness and some things such as adultery are not encouraged. This is unlike in gay marriages where they are encouraged to explore (Bennett, 2005, p. 410).
The author is against gay marriage due to the implications it may have on the younger generation (Bennett, 2005, p. 410). He argues that those born in such a society would be confused due to the existence of both homosexuality and heterosexuality.
To make things worse some believe that it is a cool thing to be gay and Bennett refers this as ‘sexual identity crisis’. Bennett argues that if gay marriage were to be legalized, several changes would occur including in the education system.
Students will need to be taught about gay marriage and made to understand that one could have two mothers or fathers.
In conclusion, Bennett argues that the marriage institution has suffered enough due to several issues and there is no need for making things worse by introducing same-sex marriage (Bennett, 2005, p. 411).
Evaluation
The information provided by Bennett accurate and logical. He argues that Sullivan supports gay marriage and yet the practices in such marriages do not follow the principles in marriage (faithfulness and fidelity).
He also argues that if all religions believe that marriage is meant to be between a man and a woman, then his argument is true.
He provides arguments in a clear and logical manner in such a way as to convince the reader of the ills associated with same-sex marriage. I agree with Bennett that gay marriages are unhealthy to the society.
Conclusion
Same-sex marriage is becoming a trend in the developed world and it is corrupting the norms and values in the society (Laycock, Picarello, & Wilson, 2008). On the other hand, Sullivan argues that same-sex marriage is good for Americans (Sullivan, 2011).
Bennett argues against gay marriages and advices the readers not to consider legalizing homosexuality. He believes that it would lead to social damage and further demean the marriage institution.
References
Bennett, W. (2005). Marriage and Family in America: Against gay marriage. New York: Sage.
Laycock, D., Picarello, A., & Wilson, R. (2008). Same-sex marriage and religious liberty: Emerging conflicts. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.
Sullivan, A. (2011, June 18). Why gay marriage is good for straight America. Newsweek Magazine, p. 3.