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Same-Sex Marriage Should Be Legalized In All States Of America
Floyd Dryden Viewpoints

By Emily Adams - Floyd Dryden Eight Grade Student
Wednesday, January 27, 2010

"Homosexuality is not a disorder and thus there is no need for a cure." This is a quote from the American Psychological Association. Why should people who are homosexual not have the same rights as people who are heterosexual? Therefore same-sex marriage should be legalized in all states of America.

Most people aren't bothered by same-sex marriage. In a poll using one hundred people, eighty-six of them said that they aren't bothered by same-sex marriage. Currently four states (Vermont, Iowa, Massachusetts, and Connecticut) have same-sex marriage legalized. Nine countries also have legalized same-sex marriage (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, and Canada). Therefore most people aren't bothered by same-sex marriage, although there are some people who are bothered by same-sex marriage.

Most people disagree with homosexuality because they believe God hates homosexuals, but in the Bible it does not say that God hates homosexuals. In fact there are six things the Lord hates: "The Lord hates haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers" (Proverbs 6:16-19). Although the Bible does say that God does not approve of homosexuality, it also says that it is no greater of a sin to be homosexual than it is to commit adultery or any other sin. God promises the strength for victory over sin, including homosexuality, to all of those who believe in Jesus Christ for their salvation. And so God does not hate homosexuals. Furthermore, although the Bible says God hates hands that shed innocent blood, there are numerous hate crimes against homosexuals.

There are horrible hate crimes against homosexuals and same-sex couples that physically and mentally harm them. Research indicates that 31 percent of gay youth were threatened or injured at school. Kids, no matter what their sexual preference, should feel safe at school. How can they feel safe if they are worrying about if they are going to go home healthy or even alive? On February 19, 1999, in Sylacauga, Alabama, computer programmer Billy Jack Gaither, 39, was brutally beaten with an ax handle. His throat was cut, and his body was set on fire. One of his convicted killers, Steven Mullins, testified he killed Gaither because he was "queer." Should homosexuals constantly be worried about these sick killers and hateful people? Homosexuals are people too, and they deserve to feel safe and as important as the rest of us.

We have already gone through this type of hatred. But when African Americans stood up for their rights there was a huge change. All of this happened because they got sick of being hated and feeling less important, and they did something about it. I don't think our amazing country needs to go through another depressing time. That is why we should legalize same-sex marriage in every state in America.

Editor's note: This is part of a series of essays written by Floyd Dryden eighth grade students in Samantha Davis' class. One essay will appear each week in the CCW through May 12th.

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"Fear Eats the Soul"