Mediation Brief

Problem 1: Should gays be allowed to marry?
Scott: Yes, It is against the constitution to make laws based on religious dogmas. The only argument against gay marriage is religious based.
Kaycie: No, marriage is a sacred union between one man and one woman. This is not only clearly written in the Bible but it is also cultural. Same-sex marriage would completely change the definition of marriage.
Both: Civil union would be an acceptable alternative to a religiously observed marriage. Both of us can agree that homosexuals should be granted equal rights of a married couple.
Problem 2: Should gays be allowed to adopt?
Scott: Yes, There has not been one study that conclusively shows that children raised by same-sex couples are inferior in any way to those raised by heterosexual couples. In fact, by allowing gays to adopt, you are creating stable two-parent homes for the orphans in America.
Kaycie: Since homosexuality is socially unaccepted in many parts of the United States, it is unfair to place children where they would face persecution from their peers. Also, there have been studies that show children raised in homosexual households are at the disadvantage.
Both: As long as the homosexual couple has had a civil union, we agree that they should be able to raise a child. Regardless of sexuality, more two-parent homes are needed for the orphans.
Problem 3: Is it wrong to base laws off of religion?
Scott: Yes, Basing laws off of religion discriminates against minorities and is unconstitutional. It clearly states in the constitution that, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion.”
Kaycie : By denying gays the right to marriage, we are not basing a law off of religion alone. Christian ideals reflect the thinking of the majority of Americans so it is more cultural than religious.
Both: We agree that it is wrong to base laws off of religion.

Brief 2

Although many people will agree that homosexuals should have equal rights to heterosexuals, many are hesitant to accept allowing them marriage or adoption. These people have perfectly legitimate reasons for their hesitations. We have been brought up to believe that marriage is between one man and one woman. Whether this assumption is religion based or not is unclear because it has been in our culture, one of many different religions, that people of the same sex should not marry. Same-sex marriage goes against everything we have understood about the sacred union of marriage and people are not willing to accept such a sudden change. Not only are gay relationships immoral according to preachers of the Bible, but they also seem unnatural according to anyone raised in a normal surrounding, regardless of religion. How can one argue against homosexuality being unnatural when engaging in sexual activities as a homosexual is fruitless. Oftentimes, along with marriage comes procreation. This is certainly not the case for homosexuals, should they marry. As far as the financial benefits that come along with marriage is concerned, I do feel homosexuals should have equal rights. However, they should be able to obtain the same rights without exploiting the sacred bond of marriage. Gays also should not be allowed to adopt because I don't feel raising children in a same-sex household is the optimum environment for the child's social growth.

Brief

Scott and I are arguing over gay rights. I'm arguing that because gay relationships are unnatural, go against Christianity and the Bible, and create a negative impact on their children (if they have the right to adopt), some rights of gay couples should be limited. According to conservative Christians, sexual acts are for procreational purposes only. Being that the sexual activities of homosexuals are fruitless, homosexuality goes against many people's beliefs. Not only that, but the Bible implies in Genesis 2: 24 that marriage is between "one woman for one man for one lifetime." Therefore, arguing gays' right to marry is directly related to arguing against the Bible. That's asking for a ticket to hell. Also, studies have shown that children growing up in a household with parents of the same-sex are more likely to become gay and/or be socially different from their peers than those raised in a straight household. Imagine growing up with two dads or two moms. There's is no doubt that you will be teased and humiliated by your peers; it's just common knowledge. This will most-likely result in social problems for the child. As a whole, I'm not arguing to discriminate against gays, but I do believe that in reality, the rights of homosexuals must be limited. They should not be allowed to adopt, nor should they be allowed to marry.