Recently homosexuals have been trying to change the proper and current meaning of marriage into one of their own, allowing people of the same sex to get married. Currently there is no federal mandate allowing same sex marriage, however 17 states have already given in to the demand for same sex marriage and have happily allowed unnatural behavior to continue. Though many people see no problem with same sex marriage, there should not be a federal mandate allowing it because same sex marriage makes churches practice/perform undesired rituals that go against their beliefs, and it changes the meaning of the valued ritual of marriage.
Freedom of religion was a founding principle of our country and is guaranteed by the constitution. There is a direct conflict between the majority who are religious and believe that marriage is ordained by god and is between a man and a woman, and the minority who want same sex marriage. The issue can not be debated in a vacuum, ignoring freedom of religion. Marriage between a man and a woman leads to birth of children, yet in a homosexual marriage no children can naturally be born to replenish the earth. The survival of our species depends on sexual reproduction which can only occur between a man and a woman. "Government recognizes traditional marriage because it benefits society in a way that no other relationship or institution does. Yet promoting marriage does not ban any type of relationship. All Americans have the freedom to live and love as they choose, but no one has a right to redefine marriage for everyone else. Marriage is society's least restrictive means of ensuring the well-being of children. State recognition of marriage protects children by encouraging men and women to commit to each other and take responsibility for their children. Research clearly demonstrates that family structure matters for children, and the family structure that helps children the most is a family headed by two biological parents in a low-conflict marriage.