Point/Counter Point

by Braily Lee and Chelsie Darrow

Should gay marriage be legal in Michigan?

Chelsie: Do you think gay marriage should be legal in Michigan? I do.
Braily: Not really, no.
Chelsie: Why? People should be able to do what they want in order to be happy.
Braily: Well, yeah, I agree with people doing what they want to be happy, but same sex marriage is not normal.
Chelsie: I’m not saying it’s normal, but you can’t help who or what you like.
Braily: Actually you can, I think it’s just in the state of mind.
Chelsie: It’s not just in the state of mind; it could be something that they’re born with.
Braily: I don’t believe they’re born with it! I think it’s an idea that is put into their head, starting in childhood. I mean something so out of the ordinary shouldn’t be legal.
Chelsie: The Constitution itself states that we, as the American people, have the right to the Pursuit of Happiness, and isn’t the choice to be gay a way for people to pursue happiness in their lives?
Braily: The Constitution does say that, but homosexuality is morally wrong in many religions throughout our country and even though church and state are “separate” the religions, whether you believe it or not, do have an influence on laws that are passed.
Chelsie: Well, the religions that have a problem with it can deal because if the individuals are not a part of their congregation it’s not affecting them, so they shouldn’t have a problem with it.
Braily: Actually this could in fact affect things and bring unnecessary violence to their community.
Chelsie: The overall divorce rate in America is almost 50%. Same sex marriages may be more successful. In some states gay marriage has the lowest divorce rate.
Braily: “In some states”…exactly. This doesn’t mean it will apply to Michigan. Gay marriage shouldn’t be legal in Michigan, or any other state, it’s wrong.
Chelsie: Well, that’s your choice, and my choice is pro-gay marriage.