The right to marry is one of the most basic rights we as humans have. One would say it is almost inalienable. But in America, this right is denied some people because of who they would choose to marry. As of 1996, same-sex marriages in the United States are illegal thanks to the "Defense of Marriage Act" signed by President Clinton. This is a violation of homosexuals civil rights and therefore unethical. .
The American dream is to own a house with a little white picket fence, start a little family, and have a little dog. This is America, right? Everyone has an equal opportunity to enjoy this ideal existence, right? Wrong. The American dream is currently still possible, but made more difficult for people who are attracted to members of the opposite sex. Reasons given for the opposition of same-sex marriages range from religious beliefs to the downfall of society as we know it. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but forcing one's opinion on someone else is against everything America stands for. People have the right to be their own moral being. Forcing a set of morals on someone else against their will is absolutely wrong, yet this is what the non-legalization of same-sex marriage does. It should be left to individuals to decide who to marry.
Why all the fuss about marriage? Why not just live together and call it marriage? There are several benefits that are awarded only legally married couples. The two most important are inheritance rights and hospital visitation rights. In heterosexual marriages, when one spouse dies, the other automatically inherits the house, the furniture, and any personal items. In homosexual partnerships, no such thing happens. If the house was in the name of the deceased partner, then it goes to the deceased's next of kin, not the partner that was left behind. Any personal items that the partners may have acquired together are fair game for the deceased's family as well.