William Bennett Against Gay Marriage Analysis

1048 Words5 Pages
A Critique of William Bennett’s “Against Gay Marriage” The issue of homosexuals in our society is becoming more of a debate. The debate is no longer whether we should accept them, but rather, should they be legally recognized. Gay marriage should not be legalized because of its effect it would have on society. William Bennett’s article “Against Gay Marriage” was originally published in the Washington Post and highlights the negative effects of gay marriage on our society. Bennett wrongfully believes that homosexual and heterosexual unions are not comparable; however, if we change the definition of marriage, our society’s understanding of marriage would be irreconcilably ruined. Bennett recognizes that homosexual unions are not comparable,…show more content…
He also believes that homosexuality is not wrong. The acknowledgement of homosexuality is no longer debated, but due to the recent laws to recognize gay unions, the question is not if society should accept it, but how far our acceptance can go. Societal acceptance and respect for a person no matter who they are is something our society has strived for, however, legal acceptance of who person in this situation does not come as easily. Bennett successfully argues that legal acceptance for gay marriage should not be recognized due to our nation’s weak institution of marriage. Marriage solely being between a man and a women is something we have had for centuries, however, due to divorces and newer ways to have a family, our prestigious and “honorable estate” (Bennett 34) of marriage is weakened. By lumping gay marriage with traditional marriage, Bennett believes that the definition of marriage would be further weakened. If we legally allow this union to be a part of marriage, then how could we stop a less legitimate union, like incest or bigamy? Excluding marriage between a man and a woman is not discriminatory towards homosexuals, but it is protective towards our institution of…show more content…
When talking about homosexual vs. heterosexual unions, they are comparable in all ways; however, legalizing them together would cause irrevocable damage to our already weak view of the institution of marriage. Our young generation is in a time where they are being told how to speak and sometimes think, and societal indifference to gay marriage would further confuse our youths who already find their sexuality hard. It is very important that we continue to take strides toward accepting homosexual unions; however, legalizing gay marriage is not a necessary step for that to
Open Document