Review Jordan (2004) begins by asserting that having an opposing opinion to same-sex marriage is not necessarily anti-gay. Marriages across different races were initially opposed. On the contrary, same-sex marriages are upheld by opinions that are not against gay practice. The author further explains three models of marriage which are commonly practiced. The models include Sacramental This is entirely related to the Bible whereby marriage is defined as a holy union between a male and a female. A well-instituted marriage guarantees a long-term relationship between the married male and female. Additionally, marriage provides a healthy atmosphere for practicing sexuality, procreation, and bringing up children through which a stable society is well put in place through a family unit which he considers to be “basic” (Jordan 2004 p.231). Consequently, society has a noble role in making sure that marriage remains heterosexual and not polygamous. This definition of marriage is based on the Bible and puts the existence of God into the whole equation. Whether this applies to non-Christians or not is not answered. Moreover, the old age practice of marrying many wives and which was biblically accepted in ancient times also remain unanswered. Communion Marriage Model A well-instituted marriage guarantees a long-term relationship between the married male and female. Similarly, marriage provides a healthy atmosphere for practicing sexuality, procreation, and bringing up children. The male and female characters relate to each other through their biological teleology and a common flesh. Moreover, the model assumes s that individuals are biologically incomplete unless a man and a woman commune through flesh. This model does not involve God and is independent of theological facts. This model obtains its evidence from the fact that we are biologically endowed to reproduce through procreation and any attempt to deviate from that is not good. The act of reproducing is natural in biological beings and it is equally not immoral if we refuse to reproduce ourselves. Although society has preconceived the idea that any marriage should be accompanied by childbearing, there is no provision whatsoever which states that the inability to reproduce makes one less of a human being (Jordan 2004). Transactional Model The model perceives marriage as a form of transaction between the two parties and that the state recognizes and controls this kind of marriage model. Besides, a legal plan must be laid down although it is not necessarily a contract. Propositions of this model include such issues as marriage has its benefits; marriage is a legal exchange between a man and a woman and is recognized by the state. The arguments posed in this model do not have any indicators of whether the said propositions affect the heterosexual and monogamous unions. Theology or biology is not a prerequisite in this kind of model. The essential mark is on the legal engagements. Jordan (2004) does not offer a direct argument against same-sex marriage. He approaches the debate by undermining the propositions and oppositions for and against same-sex marriage.
Same-Sex Marriage It is “at home only within the transactional model” (Jordan 2004 p.240) as much as it is not a liberal choice. Partners are usually denied the legality of their union. There are two objections to this marriage arrangement: homosexuals are not favored by conventional marriage and also prohibiting same-sex marriage is similar to that avoiding marriage between different races. Jordan argues that both homosexual and heterosexual marriages fulfill the actual reason behind marriage hence should be treated equally-both types of marriages are laced with desires which the state is not obliged to impede. If the marriage of whatever nature is driven by desires, then the state should treat equally both homosexuals and heterosexuals. Homosexuals are harmed. This is because heterosexual unions are legally recognized contrary to homosexuals. The law should provide an equitable ground when choosing a marriage partner. The transactional model of marriage can work well with same-sex marriage, unlike the other two models. Liberalism is independent of legal requirements of any kind of marriage arrangement
References
Jordan J, “Contra Same-Sex Marriage,” in Same-Sex Marriage; the Moral and Legal Debate, Baird & Rosenbaum, eds. (2004), 230- 242.