Gay marriages in colorado Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Gay marriages in colorado - Research Paper Example As from 2006, marriage was defined to be between one woman and one man, registered, licensed and solemnized according to the procedures, which were established. Additionally, common law marriages are treated as recognized marriages if at all they are between one woman and one man and the partners hold publicly that they are married. Only recognized marriages in the country can enjoy the rights entitled to married couples. This applies to Mesa County as there is a marriage license office. These include collecting worker’s compensation, life insurance, and pensions even if one is not stated as the beneficiary, deciding on the medical treatment each other should receive, incurring and paying debts jointly, ending marriage and distributed the properties as per the law, filing income tax returns jointly, among others (Deamtteis). It is believed that Coloradans have shifted their thinking against gay marriage. This was also shown in the 2006 ballot in which only 55.02% supported ban ning same-sex marriages while 44.98% were against the move. However, since then many people are supporting same-sex marriages; their thinking has changed. The arguments in favor of banning gay marriage are very weak and lack support. One of the arguments is that of public’s interest to support the commonly known marriage definition. The definition of marriage has been a union between one woman and one man and this is what needs to be preserved in order to ensure that the environment is conducive for protecting, nurturing and creating children. The second argument is that of a constitutional amendment to avoid distracting court ruling when it comes to issues of family and marriages (Head). On the contrary, those opposing the ballot cast of 2006 argued that the same constitution had a clause that guarantees the citizens of their rights. Many of these pro-homosexuality are located in Mesa County. These rights include making a decision on whom to marry and spend the rest of oneâ €™s life with. Amendment 43 is unconstitutional based on the fact that it denies same sex married couples rights to legal protection and rights as those enjoyed by heterosexuals. Basing the argument of human rights, the opponents have strong arguments compared to the supporters who base their argument of preserving the definition of marriage (Head). Considering the opponents’ arguments, it goes without saying that gay marriage should be legalized in Colorado. Gay marriage should not be seen as anything illegal or unethical but only respect for human rights. Making a decision by a man to get married to another man is not illegal; it should be treated the same way as that man deciding to get married to a woman (Head). This is what the activists in Mesa County are fighting for. Colorado is a country that is known to having so many same sex marriage couples. The number is increasing drastically forcing the legalization of same sex marriages in the country. It is notable that over 14% same sex married couples in Mesa County have children. In 2000, the number of same sex married couples in Colorado was 10,045. This number has increased to 15,915 in 2005. It is notable that female same sex couples are more than male, at 54% and 46% respectively. This means that out of the 15,915 couples in 2005, around 7320 couples were gay. This is a substantial number to legalize gay marriage in the country. Considering the fact that even after gay marriage is discouraged