Members of the opposition, esteemed judges, ladies and gentlemen, my name is

Maria Singh and I am here with you to today as the second speaker of the
proposition to enlighten you on why same sex marriage should be legalized. First
of all: Why should we oppress same sex couples in the legal system? Arent they
humans with rights too?
Marriage inequality fosters discrimination and prejudice. This exclusion of same
sex couples from marriage sends out the message that discrimination on the
grounds of sexual orientation is acceptable. What are we teaching our youths and
children for the future? That it is okay to discriminate? That they have the right to
judge how persons should live? We are basically subjecting these people to unjust
treatment. What happened to equality?
Another factor to be taken into consideration is human rights and civil rights. We
live in the 21st century, not condemned to societys whims and strict demeanor. We
live in an age where rights are highlighted and respected. Most of all we live in an
era of freedom and right to self-expression. Same sex couples have the right to
choose who they wish to spend their lives with. No one has control over who they
love and therefore no one should have the right to say who precisely that person
should marry.
Another point is the benefits of children. Homosexual marriage would make it
easier for same-sex couples to adopt and provide stable homes for children who
would otherwise be left in foster care. Right now, the world is struggling with
millions of homeless children without parents or relatives. Homosexual marriages
open a realm for these children to have stable and loving homes. Some may argue
that it may have psychological and social impacts on the child but studies have
contradicted this belief. A longitudinal study published in Pediatrics on June 7,
2010 found that children of lesbian mothers were rated higher than children of
heterosexual parents in social and academic competence and had fewer social
problems.
We need to let the world see that legalizing same sex marriage is a step in the right
direction. Since 2000, 15 countries have legalized same-sex marriage, along with
parts of some countries such as the US and Mexico. Let us join together in raising
this number. Thank you.