Thesis Statement
The term marriage has changed greatly over the last couple of decades, ranging from arranged marriages, polygamy, polyandry, traditional marriage, and same sex marriages. How is the definition and meaning of marriage changed over the years?
History of Marriage
“The first recorded evidence of marriage contracts and ceremonies dates to 4,000 years ago, in Mesopotamia.” (www.theweek.com). Originally, marriage was a way to preserve power or for alliances. Kings would marry off their daughters to form alliances, for land, or to form heirs. Women had no rights and no say as to who they would be married to. Love was not even put into consideration while forming these marriages. It was more of a business arrangement, than a love affair. These arranged marriages have since been almost completely done away with in the United States, but …show more content…
“Jan. 1, 1973: Maryland becomes the first state to pass a statute banning same-sex marriages.” (http://www.usatoday.com). Although this was the first state to pass a ban, there were already previously cases that had been turned down when they had appealed for a legal marriage. “Sept. 22, 1999: California becomes the first state to pass a domestic partnership statute.” (http://www.usatoday.com). The great state of California was the first to pass a “domestic partnership” statute. This sparked more equality for same sex marriages, but the fight wasn’t over yet. “ Nov. 2, 2004: Constitutional amendments denying same-sex marriage are passed in 11 states.” (http://www.usatoday.com). Even though some states had declared acceptance of same sex marriages, others were still fighting against the idea. Some see the idea of same sex marriages as a threat to the stability of our society. Same sex couples are using medical means to have a family of their own, and this is changing the household
The term marriage has changed greatly over the last couple of decades, ranging from arranged marriages, polygamy, polyandry, traditional marriage, and same sex marriages. How is the definition and meaning of marriage changed over the years?
History of Marriage
“The first recorded evidence of marriage contracts and ceremonies dates to 4,000 years ago, in Mesopotamia.” (www.theweek.com). Originally, marriage was a way to preserve power or for alliances. Kings would marry off their daughters to form alliances, for land, or to form heirs. Women had no rights and no say as to who they would be married to. Love was not even put into consideration while forming these marriages. It was more of a business arrangement, than a love affair. These arranged marriages have since been almost completely done away with in the United States, but …show more content…
“Jan. 1, 1973: Maryland becomes the first state to pass a statute banning same-sex marriages.” (http://www.usatoday.com). Although this was the first state to pass a ban, there were already previously cases that had been turned down when they had appealed for a legal marriage. “Sept. 22, 1999: California becomes the first state to pass a domestic partnership statute.” (http://www.usatoday.com). The great state of California was the first to pass a “domestic partnership” statute. This sparked more equality for same sex marriages, but the fight wasn’t over yet. “ Nov. 2, 2004: Constitutional amendments denying same-sex marriage are passed in 11 states.” (http://www.usatoday.com). Even though some states had declared acceptance of same sex marriages, others were still fighting against the idea. Some see the idea of same sex marriages as a threat to the stability of our society. Same sex couples are using medical means to have a family of their own, and this is changing the household