Recognize same-sex marriage denying equal rights

  Is refusing to recognize same-sex marriage denying equal rights to homosexuals? Or is it simply refraining from extending a further and publicly divisive privilege to them?      
Ultimately then, when answering this question it is important to consider both sides: for example—while there can be no doubt that refusing to recognize same-sex marriages limits certain opportunities available only to those who are allowed such recognition —it should also be recognized that those who oppose such unions may have valid reasons for doing so; after all freedom of religion has been enshrined in many constitutions as a basic human right. Thus while there can be disagreement over whether or not banning same-sex marriage actually denies equal rights as defined by law—there can still be agreement amongst individuals with differing views regarding their own personal definitions of equality and what is best for society as a whole.

Sample Solution

The question of whether or not refusing to recognize same-sex marriage is denying equal rights to homosexuals depends on one’s definition of what constitutes “equal rights.” On the one hand, some would argue that by not allowing them to marry, homosexuals are being denied a right which heterosexual couples enjoy – and thus this constitutes an inequality in rights. On the other hand however, many opponents of same-sex marriage would say that they are simply refraining from extending a further privilege—one which involves publicly recognizing relationships between two people which may be considered “divisive” due to certain religious/cultural views—to homosexuals.(If we take the latter perspective then it follows that these opponents do not think that denying same-sex marriage denies homosexual couples any fundamental human rights).