Gay Marriage

I. Homosexuality is NOT a choiceIn this rebuttal, my opponent says that things I previously referenced (gender, hair color, eye color, etc.) are determined by genetics and God. He also claims that being gay can't possibly be genetic, as it takes a man and a woman to have a child biologically. However, this is simply wrong. How so? Take a look at this excerpt. "That's at least according to a new and groundbreaking study recently published in the journal Psychological Medicine, which details how a study of more than 800 gay participants shared notable patterns in two regions of the human genome - one on the X chromosome and one on chromosome 8."While many previous studies have looked into potential genetic drivers of homosexuality, these studies often boasted a significantly smaller sample size or lacked common controls. This is the first study of its kind to boast such a robust sample size and also be published in a scientific peer-reviewed paper." [1]In other words, it is, in fact, genetic.Also, the study my opponent quoted suggests that being gay is genetic. In fact, here's what one of the scientists who worked on the study said, regarding the results.“'This study knocks another nail into the coffin of the "chosen lifestyle" theory of homosexuality,' says Simon LeVay, the neuroscientist and writer who, in 1991, claimed to have found that a specific brain region, within the hypothalamus, is smaller in gay men. 'Yes, we have a choice in life, to be ourselves or to conform to someone else’s idea of normality, but being straight, bisexual or gay, or none of these, is a central part of who we are, thanks in part to the DNA we were born with.' “'Much hard work now lies ahead to identify the specific genes involved and how they work, as well as to find equivalent genes in women,' he adds." [2]You know what the funny part is? My opponent actually quoted this part in his rebuttal. My opponent then goes on to say that a homosexual must ask themself if the abuse is worth being gay. To me, this makes no sense. Why should a gay person have to question if being open about their sexuality is worth the bullying? I'll create a scenario in which it involves a straight person. Say that you're a man. You're in love with a woman. Should you be bullied for the gender you love? No. So why should it be different for gay people? Whether it's a choice or not, who you love is your business. No one should be allowed to try to convert you or change your mind. Why? Because it's not their life. II. Equality/Separation of Church and StateFirstly, my opponent says that if the Founding Fathers wanted homosexuals to be equal to heterosexuals, they would've made it legal throughout the U.S for gay people to marry. However, wouldn't the Founding Fathers also make slavery illegal if they truly wanted everyone to be equal? What about women being able to vote? They certainly would've made that legal to. And what about women being able to join the military in combat, rather than just for cooking and nursing purposes? Homosexuals, women, and black people have all been discriminated against in the past, which shows inequality. However, should we always stick with our old ways or strive to make the United States equal for all?My opponent drops my arguments on economic benefits and adoption, so keep that in mind when voting for either side.Closing StatementMy stance on gay marriage still stands, as I believe that it can aid everyone, whether it means through equality, economic growth, or adoption increase. The treatment LGBT people of the past is something we can make up for, just like we did with other similar civil rights issues. While discrimination may never go away, we can do our best to help oppressed people have equal rights to others in America, or eventually the world. To end, I present a quote from Mackelmore in the song "Same Love".And a certificate on paper isn't gonna solve it allBut it's a damn good place to startNo law is gonna change usWe have to change usWhatever God you believe inWe come from the same oneStrip away the fearUnderneath it's all the same loveAbout time that we raised up... [3]Thank you for the quality debate. Best of luck to you. So long and goodnight! Citations[1]http://www.natureworldnews.com...[2]https://www.newscientist.com...[3]http://www.azlyrics.com...