IntroductionThe proposed legalization of same-sex marriage is one of the most significant issues in contemporary American family law. Presently, it is one of the most vigorously advocated reforms discussed in law reviews, one of the most explosive political questions facing lawmakers, and one of the most provocative issues emerging before American courts. If same-sex marriage is legalized, it could be one of the most revolutionary policy decisions in the history of American family law. The potential consequences, positive or negative, for children, parents, same-sex couples, families, social structure, public health and the status of women are enormous. Given the importance of the issue, the value of comprehensive debate of the reasons for and against legalizing same-sex marriage should be obvious. Marriage is much more than merely a commitment to love one another. Aside from societal and religious conventions, marriage entails legally imposed financial responsibility and legally authorized financial benefits (Cox 42). Marriage provides automatic legal protections for the spouse, including medical visitation, succession of a deceased spouse's property, as well as pension and other rights. When two adults desire a "contract" in the eyes of the law, it doubles as a promise- to one another, their friends, and their family- to be responsible for the obligations of marriage, as well as to enjoy its benefits. Should the law prohibit their request merely because they are of the same gender? I intend to prove that because of Article IV of the United States Constitution, there is no reason why the Federal Government, or any state government, for that matter, should restrict marriage to a predefined heterosexual relationship.II. Marriage in Modern SocietyMarriage has endured a metamorphosis throughout the years. In Western law, wives are now equal, rather than subordinate partners; interracial marriage is now widely accepted, both in st...
