Ban on Gay Marriage Denies Justice to Children-- Critical Analysis

The article "Ban on Gay Marriage Denies Justice to Children" by Sara Miles is about the unfairness of banning gay marriage to the children of gay couples. The author talks about how a judicial ruling from Judge Robert S. Smith against gay marriage is unfair and illogical. Judge Smith's main point was that marriage is very important to the welfare of children with which (to some extent) I agree, but he also implied that gay couples to not meet these marriage standards, which is simply not true.

Among other arguments, Smith said that gay or lesbian couples denied a child access to a role model of the opposite sex. However, Ms. Miles' response to that was " If the point is a variety of role models, why allow single straight people to adopt?" which is a very valid question! Another of Smith's arguments was that (according to Miles) "Wayward, irresponsible, sexually promiscuous straight people need the legal benefits of marriage as inducements to lure them into 'solemn, long-term commitments to each other so that they can responsibly care for children.'" Sara Miles concluded that there are gay couples who will and do care for their children more responsibly than these "Wayward, irresponsible, sexually promiscuous straight people" even after marriage. If this is the case, and marriage is an "inducement," than shouldn't gay and lesbian couples be able to marry too? Lastly, Ms. Miles asked, if Judge Smith really was vouching for the welfare of children, why are the kids of gay couples (who are deprived of many legal securities) not counted as children who need protection? If Heterosexuals should get married to protect their children, why not Homosexuals?

In her forceful arguments, Ms. Miles wants us to feel that lesbian and gays are being cheated out of marriage. She wants us to see that the Judge's argument is invalid and illogical. In truth, she makes him look a little idiotic. She does this by making such sensible arguments and strong comebacks (such as remarking on the Judges "impeccable" logic) that she actually humiliates the Judge. It is a very strong essay and is quite persuasive. I fell she completely obliterates the opposition.

Personally, I agree with Ms. Miles' argument. Gay and lesbian couples should not be omitted from the opportunity of marriage, and their children should not be cheated of legal protections. I also agree that many people's opinions on Gay marriage (like Judge Smith's) are very irrational and ignorant and maybe even idiotic. In any case, gay and lesbian couples should be allowed to marry. Them and their families are essentially being discriminated against.