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Immanuel Kant's In Defense Of Same-Sex Marriage

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A moral theory is a description of what makes an action and person right and acceptable or good (Vaughn). There are many different views ethicists can take when considering the subject. Same-sex marriage is defied as marriage in a full legal sense of gay and lesbian couples (Vaughn). There are many arguments as to whether marriage between the same gender is morally permissible or not. Many wonder if it should be allowed and if so, do the couples receive the benefits a traditional couple would receive? Some of these benefits include health and life insurance, property rights, tax breaks, and adoption. The argument over the topic of same-sex marriage has always been around, however in the past twenty years it has become more intense and common. In 1996, the United States Congress voted to pass the Defense of Marriage Act. This act prohibited the federal government to acknowledge same-sex marriages. However, it did not take away the power of the states to …show more content…

The categorical imperative is a command we should follow despite our own particular wants and needs. It is inferred that Immanuel Kant would have disagreed with the idea of same-sex marriage. According to Kant, it is everyone’s duty to not be involved in any action that if everyone would do it, would lead to the fall of mankind ("Kantian Stance on Same-Sex Relations"). One of the most obvious reasons for the end of mankind would be due to a stop of reproduction. Same-sex marriage would not result in childbearing, therefore it is wrong. However, Kant’s theory may also support same-sex marriage (Vaughn). Kant’s theory also includes the respect for persons. It states that we must treat people not a means to an end and that the people’s rights be given the supreme priority. By denying gays and lesbians the right to marry, it takes away their rights. They are deprived of the equality and the opportunities they

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