One of the most controversial topics in the United States is gay marriage. In the United States the constitution states that marriage is defined as the union between a man and a woman. Since the nation was founded based on the principles of the constitution, most people agree. Unfortunately, in the United States exists a large population of lesbian, gay, transgender, and bisexual people. These individuals are fighting currently to have gay marriage legalized in the United States a whole. The argument is that the constitution interprets marriage in the reflection of a religious assumption and assertion. The United States being the land of the free, contradicts itself when it imposes ways of life on people. Many gays believe that gay marriage laws are in direct violation of there constitutional rights, thus making them unconstitutional. Additionally, there is not set religion or requirement to believe in one, so the basis of gay marriage laws on the religious view is a direct contradiction to the constitution. Many gays have fought to have gay marriage laws reversed and have not yet succeeded on a national level. Some people believe that gay marriage should be allowed because it doesn’t directly affect them. These people believe that gay marriage would give gays benefits regarding taxes, health, adoption, etc.. Additionally, many believe that it is wrong for the government to judge who someone has sexual relations with. After all, the only difference between gay and straight people, is who they have sexual relations with, right? Well, others on the opposite end of the gay marriage issue believe that the union known as marriage is sacred, and to change it would just be wrong. Most people are married in churches, giving validity to the gay marriage laws in respect to that fact alone. The current status of gay marriage laws have made it hard for gay couples to function in society normally. This disadvantage has forced many to live in the shadows of there lifestyle, and many times hide it. Additionally, they are often forced to separate themselves from “ordinary people”.