Gay marriage should be permitted

== My case ==1) Equal protection before the lawHomosexuality is not a choice. It is found in nature. According to New Scientist, "A gene has been discovered that appears to dictate the sexual preferences of female mice. Delete the gene and the modified mice reject the advances of the males and attempt to mate with other females instead." [1] The majority of research suggests that homosexuality has a genetic component. [2] I'm sure my opponent agrees that marriage is -- in most cases -- predicated upon sexual/romantic attraction. According to Wikipedia, marriage "is principally an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually sexual, are acknowledged." [3] Interpersonal relationships of a sexual or romantic nature rely on attraction. As such, if homosexuality is not a choice, then banning gay marriage is depriving homosexuals of the right to marry. Depriving a certain group of a right without reason is inherently unjust -- because justice, by definition, is fairness, or treating people without discrimination. Not recognizing same-sex marriage is discriminating against a certain class of people based on an inherent characteristic. Homosexuality is as much of an inherent characteristic as, say, blue eyes. Saying "homosexuals can't marry" is the same as saying "anyone with blue eyes can't marry." Con might argue that homosexuals *can* marry people of the opposite sex, but, as mentioned, marriage is intrinsically tied to sexual/romantic interpersonal connections -- which homosexuals experience only with people of the same sex. A just society is a society where intrinsic characteristics do not form the basis of discrimination -- everyone is "given their due," i.e. equals are treated equally. [4] Discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation is done for no valid reason, and, therefore, is unjust. A just society won't discriminate on that basis. I'll also add that not recognizing same-sex marriage is a symbolic act of discrimination, as if the state rejects the very orientation of same-sex attraction. This causes insecurity, stigmatization and psychological harms. A study by Wight, et al. found that "being in a legally recognized same sex relationship, marriage in particular, appears to diminish mental health differentials between . . . lesbian, gay and bisexual persons." [5] Restricting marriage to opposite-sex couples is an expression of the same stigma by the state. According to the American Psychological Association, "Laws that exclude lesbian, gay and bisexual people from marriage cause stress, and that stress negatively impacts physical and mental health." [6] Banning same-sex marriage also stigmatizes the children of same-sex couples, causing bullying and harassment. [7] Since banning same-sex marriage is fundamentally unjust, vote Pro. 2) Economic benefitsA just government must also do what benefits its people, since that forms the fundamental role of the state. Recognizing same-sex marriage provides multiple economic benefits. Adam Stevenson (2012) conducted a study that showed that gay marriage would bring in between $20 and $40 billion more in tax revenue. The marriage penalties brought in increase overall labor and this labor, according to the study, isn't cancelled out by the marriage bonus. So, even considering the marriage bonus effect, this much revenue would be gained by the government in income taxes. [8] Multiple state-level studies have shown that, because of gay marriage, the amount of money spent on wedding ceremonies, gifts, et cetera, would significantly boost the economy by (1) increasing consumption, (2) allowing greater sales tax revenue, and (3) creating jobs, allowing more income tax revenue and inherently boosting the economy. [9] Another major economic benefit is that since people become more financially secure due to marriages, they will no longer be eligible for government-provided welfare and safety nets. It would save the government hundreds of millions in welfare costs. [10]I have proven that recognizing gay marriage is the only just thing to do, because (1) banning gay marriage denies equal protection before the law and causes stigmatization, and (2) legalizing gay marriage increases government revenue, consumption and employment. In Martin Luther King's words, injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. Therefore, vote Pro. [1] http://www.newscientist.com...[2] http://seattletimes.nwsource.com...[3] https://en.wikipedia.org...[4] https://www.scu.edu...[5] http://ajph.aphapublications.org...[6] http://www.apa.org...[7] http://edition.cnn.com...[8] http://www-personal.umich.edu...[9] http://www.huffingtonpost.com...[10] http://tinyurl.com...