Thesis Heterosexual couples can meet, get married and divorced within 48 hours. However, depending on the state, the union between same sex couples is not recognized. The debate on whether or not homosexuals should be granted the right to get married or enter a civil union is a battle spreading from state to state. In courtrooms across the nation, attorneys argue that same sex couples should be granted the right to marry and receive the same benefits and protections as married couples. They also claim that denying homosexual couples the right to wed is unconstitutional discrimination. Opposers disagree and claim that marriage is a union that should only be entered by a man and woman. They feel that homosexual couples do not deserve the same rights. Only after discussing and obtaining a greater understanding of the opposing views can we create an informed and educated opinion. There are multiple opinions and views on gay marriage. The argument regarding whether or not gay marriage should be legalized is extremely controversial. According to history, same-sex marriage has long existed and was accepted in parts of Mesopotamia and ancient Egypt. Artifacts from pharaonic tombs display same sex couples. Pieces like this cause historians to believe that their union was recognized and accepted by the kingdom. The debate over the legality of gay marriage has been going on in America since the 1960's. Since that time, gay Americans have been calling for the right to marry, or at least to create more formalized relationships. America, the land of the free gives each citizen the right to privacy, freedom of speech and freedom of religion. Americans are welcomed and encouraged to practice their individuality. However, if you are a gay American your rights are not identical to heterosexual Americans. In any state, one male and one female, over the age of 18 can walk into a courtroom and apply for a marriage license. However, gay couples do not ha