Societies should follow traditional conceptions of marriage

Societies should follow traditional conceptions of marriage
Subjects
Marriage	Tradition
Linking arguments
Governments should recognize both opposite and same sex marriages Governments should restrict adoption to heterosexual couples The governmental interest in promoting procreation through marriage is equally satisfied through adoption and other means Interracial marriage and same-sex marriage should be treated legally the same The legitimate interests of governments in recognizing marriages could be adequately pursued through alternate means Marriage is a right

Supporting arguments

Traditional ideas about institutions such as marriage should be valued because they are the result of the accumulated wisdom of numerous people over time. Traditions are therefore valuable, and societies should continue to follow them.  Related argument: Societies should enforce traditional ideas.

This point relies on Christian doctrine. God created marriage and decided how it should function. Societies should follow this conception because it is God's intention.  Related argument: The Christian God exists. Related argument: Societies should be governed based on Christian ideas.

Opposing arguments

In Western culture, ideas about marriage have already changed considerably. For example, interracial marriages used to be considered morally objectionable. But society has changed to the point where most people don't disapprove of interracial marriage, consider spousal rape real and allow women to own property. There is no reason that process shouldn't continue with other kinds of marriage.   Related argument: The institution of marriage has changed significantly throughout history.

Marriage has traditional religious roots, but it now has a modern and secular component. Both notions of marriage are equally valid.

Societies should not limit the behavior of individuals in this area unless there is a demonstrably harmful result, which is not the case for same-sex marriage.

Societies have traditionally approved of practices like slavery, and it is now almost universally accepted that that was morally wrong. Thus, there is no reason to think that societies should cling to traditional notions of marriage.

This point applies only in Australia. Modern society has moved beyond the traditionally religious, family-focused purpose for marriage, which is now effectively a state institution. Therefore, the scope of marriage should be legally expanded to cover same-sex couples.