Gay marriage question... 10 PTS BEST ANSWER!?

Question

Hi everyone,

My professor in my political science class sent an e-mail asking: "Instead of using “gay marriage” what other term could those who favor it use and why would it be more difficult to oppose “gay marriage” if this other term is used?"

I am having a hard time thinking of another term that could be used in regards to gay marriage... I would like to use the term "marriage equality." But that's a term used for all marriages, not necessarily just on gays. If anyone can help me think of another term for the term "gay marriage" and how it would make those who are against gay marriage to have more difficulty opposing it, it'd be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much!

Answer 1

Marriage equality is the term he is looking for. The point is that it does describe all marriages. Rather than singling out marriages between the same sex and making them seem like a special privilege as the term "gay marriage" does, it describes all marriages and shows that some people are denied the right. After all, there is no differentce between a heterosexual marraige and a homosexual marraige besides the people involved.

Answer 2

I will answer the second part of your question first. The term "marriage" itself carries with it a lot of baggage, most of it religious in nature. Many people do not understand that it is not the RELIGIOUS aspect of marriage that LGBT people seek but the LEGAL: right to hospital visitation, right to inherit property, right to joint tax filing, right to power of attorney, etc.



When the institution of marriage was conceived (no pun intended) women were viewed as property and the husband had a legal responsibility to care for and maintain that property (or abuse it as he saw fit.) The concept of "women as property" has changed appreciably over the years and the meaning of marriage is more a case of two people VOLUNTARILY committing themselves to one another as more-or-less equals. That being the case, the religious and legal implications of "marriage" have diverged a bit. The religious ceremony itself is a throwback to all manner of rituals put forth by any and all societies both historic and current. But along with that go all the LEGAL trappings of getting a license, adjusting your Social Security and some other legal things.



I think because the word "marriage" itself is so closely tied to its religious origins is what causes many people to bristle when they hear "gay marriage." By calling it something OTHER than "marriage," the fight for marriage equality doesn't carry with it all those religious trappings. That's why I think arguing for something OTHER than "gay marriage" might be more successful.



As for the first part of your question—what to replace the word "marriage" with—I have no clue. Union? Accord? Partnership? Alliance?

Answer 3

equal rights/marriage equality.. the hole reason we want marriage is so that are rights are equal. we will need more than just marriage but it's a big step in the right direction.



no decant human being can say that they are against equal rights because by doing so they are saying that they are better and certain people aren't as good as they are. basically there is no way to say that you're against equal rights without coming off as a heartless douche.

Answer 4

Many call it Civil Partnership or Civil Union. I could really care less, don't plan on getting married. And if decide to spend the rest of my life with my partner, I wouldn't worry about such a trivial matter of terminology.