We’ve all heard the classic argument between the pros and cons of a heterosexual marriage vs. a homosexual one. From the church, we hear the classic argument based on the morality and “religiousness” of it all and how in the Bible, homosexuality is condemned and that from the very beginning, God created Adam and Eve so that MAN can be with a WOMAN. There are no other exceptions. From the conservatives, we hear the argument that marriage is solely between a man and a woman, and that a union between two males and two females is not recognized as a “legitimate” marriage. From the liberals, we hear the argument that marriage is between two people who love one another regardless of gender, and that marriage between gays and lesbians should be legalized. These countless opinions have been placed side by side and against one another, influencing our own views on the subject matter itself.

One argument that I find particularly interesting is the seemingly beneficial marriage of different sexes when compared to same sex. While I myself am a proponent of same sex marriage and believe that everyone should have the right to marry whomever they please, it was interesting to see that there were certain benefits that came with being in a same sex marriage that cannot be directly applied to gay marriages. It has been said that while not all marriages are the same, and that there are cases where some same sex marriages have greater success than different sex marriages, and vice versa, there are some glaring characteristics of different sex marriages that are unique to them. For one, researchers have found that one benefit of different sex marriages is that they are recognized by the law. When you get married, you sign a marriage certificate signifying that the state recognizes your union, at least, if you are performing a different sex marriage. While some states are currently approving the bill to legalize gay marriage, it is not yet nationally recognized by the law. Having your marriage recognized as being legal, gives it a sense of being real and gives the partners in the marriage a sense of support and stability in the feeling that this marriage may work out. Another benefit of different sex marriages is the public support that comes with it. As most of us have seen through the media, the support for gay marriage has been rising, but there is still a great deal of opponents for the union. There are many people who oppose of the union by publicly speaking their mind, making posters and signs to advertise throughout the public, and even going out of their way to target pro-gay groups and trying to disrupt pro-gay events. Public acceptance of gay marriages would help with the recognition of the union, not only to the public, but to those taking part in it. Knowing that your union is accepted by the country can help strengthen some gay unions and ensure a better marriage.

These benefits of having a different sex marriage, while they may not be evident in every marriage, bring about a point that same sex marriages are not very easy to partake in. Not only do you have to fight with the law to have your marriage recognized, but you have to fight to make sure that you and your partner recognize the marriage for yourself. The benefits of different sex marriages should, hopefully, carry over to same sex marriages and give those who want to partake in it, a worth while marriage.