Gay Marraige Should Be Allowed.

Will do. =) 1. Popular Vote vs. Equality: To clarify, I never stated that the popular vote is meaningless. I merely stated that there is an exception that cannot be forgotten nor ignored. Take the civil war, for example. The events that led to such a "civil unrest" were similar in that the majority was in direct conflict with the idea of equality. Although my opponent fears for an "inevitable" chaos following the legalization of gay marriage, there is a more subtle chaos at work as things are now. The popular sentiment clashes with the core value of equality. The civil war demonstrated the struggle between the two ideals. Take, for example, the following quotes. >>>The Texas Declaration of Causes for Secession said that the non-slave-holding states were "proclaiming the debasing doctrine of equality of all men, irrespective of race or color", and that the African race "were rightfully held and regarded as an inferior and dependent race".<<< (1). Abraham Lincoln, 1855: >>>As a nation, we began by declaring that "all men are created equal." We now practically read it "all men are created equal, except Negroes." When the Know-Nothings get control, it will read "all men are created equal, except Negroes and foreigners and Catholics."<<< (2). Although the oppressed demographic was different then than it is now, the same basic idea applies. So was it wrong to abolish slavery? Of course it wasn't. 2. Definition of Equality: My opponent states that the definition of equality is uniformity. However, this is only one take on the definition of equality. Equal opportunity is not so static as to deny others the lifestyle of their choice. I define equality as a complex consideration of ability, situation, etc. It's not fair to deny someone something because they aren't exactly like you. 3. Homosexuality is innate: I have seen any logical reasoning on my opponent's side to say that it isn't. The fact that such a "correlation" exists just lends support to my argument. Thus, it is not immaterial to this debate. 4. Children and animals CANNOT give consent: First off, children and animals both lack the cognitive abilities to give legal consent when it comes to marriage. Particularly in the case of animals, seeing as my opponent confuses instinct with consent. Homosexual marriage is between two consenting adults. 5. Polygamy and Polyandry: There is a reason that polygamy is not allowed besides that it would "re-define" marriage. One person cannot collect insurance benefits from multiple spouses. That is a blatant cheating of the law. Again, legalizing homosexual marriage would still require monogamy. 6. Education: We have already indoctrinated our youth and society with homophobic propaganda. Conclusion: Gay marriage is an extremely important issue in society today. Homophobia and anti-gay violence is a common and remarkable occurrence. The grounds of denial of consenting and monogamous individuals are littered with hypocrisy, fear, and inequality. America should no longer allow such grounds and stick to the value of true equality. I thank my opponent for a wonderful debate. =) Sources: (1) - http://www2.tsl.state.tx.us... (2) - The Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln edited by Roy P. Basler, Volume II, "Letter to Joshua F. Speed" (August 24, 1855), p. 323.