Homosexuality is Natural and gay marriage should be legalized

If you look at the scientific process many accepted theories are not 100% proven. Likewise the gene theory in regards to homosexual behaviors is not 100% proven but the evidence highly suggests it. It is safe to assume that the mostly likely answer is indeed the correct answer so long as you keep researching and do not attempt to block new information that could discredit the current stance. Gene theory is the most likely scenario based on the evidence at hand my opponent seems to think that because its not 100% proven he can take the answer that is least likely and backed not by evidence but by personal convictions.. This is not academically honest. While gene theory may not give benefits it would prove that homosexual tendencies are a natural phenomenon in which people have about as much choice as they do in deciding their eye colour, and yet people still discriminate My opponent assumes that I don't understand the difference between intelligence and rationality. A rational interpretation of the facts brings us to one stance "gene theory is not proven but it is the most likely answer based on the evidence we have accumulated, while it is possible that homosexuality could be a choice there is no evidence to back it up, in fact the evidence we have suggests the opposite. Because of this choice is the less likely alternative." Until further knowledge is gained we cannot claim choice is just as likely for that is dishonest and hold basis only in personal convictions. True I do not have a statistic to explain how much the growth rate in population would shrink if gay marriage was made legal, and quite frankly I wouldn't trust the statistic to be all that accurate based on the number of homosexuals in the closet. Common sense would lead to reason that if the false feelings of guilt and immorality were removed and discrimination was not a factor homosexuals would stop entering into heterosexual relationships in attempts to please society, family and hold to this false sense of morality (which as a side effect creates children). Since we will have homosexual couples the side effect of children will be eliminated. If we have people unhindered by discrimination improving the quality of their life they will be able to contribute more to society. As side effects the growth rate will shrink, and we will have more time and more manpower to deal with current issues (such as environment) My opponent claims to have proven a shrink in population. Fact: all the universities and peer-reviewed journals recognize a growing trend in the population. We are growing not shrinking. Right now the bulk of the world's resources is used by a minority of the population. In 1999 there was about 6 billion people on earth. Conservative estimates suggest we will have about 9 billion in the year 2050. This specific Stat was taken from William Nortons "Human geography the 6th edition". Addressing the issues in this system will help us to consume less. Getting rid of centralized agriculture would reduce copious amounts of waste. Backlash will be violent, but we can put laws in place and deal with those who break it to discourage violence. Historically this works, there is a cost and it takes time, but the end result is worth it. by putting more systems in check to help protect the rights of individuals we can prevent some of this violence. Look up your history about colored people in America. The issue of suicide will not be solved only by gay marriage but it needs the aspects of education to stop discrimination. It would be hypocritical to say we should stop discrimination yet still discriminate on the right to marry. Marriage will help stop discrimination because it will bring equality. To say that the Counter-plan solves all inequality is dishonest. It allows heterosexual couples to marry and not homosexual ones. This is a form of inequality. Yes my opponent is working on some of the inequality and to that he deserves some respect, however, he does not address it all. I am simply calling for him to elaborate on the CP and make it better by reducing even more inequality. Having the benefits of marriage is different than having marriage. Gay couples know this. Gay couples want the ability to marry if they choose thus having equal rights. Backlash can be dealt with by laws. Frankly if we do not address the discrimination that leads to backlash we are ignoring crucial parts of the issue. My opponents counter plan is respectable as it does attempt to reduce the amount of inequality that homosexuals face. The problem with it, is that it does not eliminate all of it. Gays still can't marry under it because of a threat of violence. This threat should not be tolerated. This threat needs to be addressed, confronted, and abolished, not appeased. There is violence against gay couples under civil unions as well. Why not get rid of the violence by creating harsh laws and consequences for those who are violent and those who discriminate. Allowing Gay marriage will reduce discrimination and benefit society. The possible positive outcomes outweigh the risks (which can be dealt with by implementing new laws to protect the rights of people). Gays should not be seen as second-class citizens. Its time to take a stand against discrimination. My opponent is on the right track but his solution has shortcomings that must be dealt with. If we are truly to get rid of discrimination we must give equal rights to homosexuals (including the ability to marry) and protect them from any form of violence that could occur in response. Marriage alone is not the answer but it is a part of it. Thank you for your time.