Today's society widely disputes the righteousness of same-sex marriage. For many people, marriage is seen as a relationship between two people, preferably a man and a woman. The LGBT community is fighting for their right to marry without being denied by the government. The legalization of same-sex marriage in the United States is of great importance to the future of marriage equality within the LGBT community. Same-sex marriage will not harm the functioning of society or other marriages within it, and it is constitutionally protected and relieves lifelong discrimination. Legalizing same-sex marriage will not harm heterosexual marriage or the functioning of society. Marriage is a union between two people. It is based on the love two people share, not on gender and sexuality. Heterosexual marriages do not influence each other on a daily basis. Therefore, same-sex marriages will not be either. Ellen DeGeneres, comedian, talk show host and one of the most popular outwardly gay people in Hollywood, has been married to her wife, Portia, for four years. They only had the chance to marry during the short period when same-sex marriage was legal in California. “Portia and I have been married for 4 years and they have been the happiest of my life. And in those four years, I don't think we harmed anyone else's marriage. I asked all my neighbors and they say they are fine. » (Boone) As of December 23, 2013, eighteen states have the freedom to marry same-sex couples. More than 38% of the U.S. population lives in a state that either has the freedom to marry or honors out-of-state marriages of same-sex couples. (Freedom to marry) Same-sex marriage will not harm other marriages or society. In fact, they will help society. Gay marriage ... middle of paper ...... marriage is a controversial topic in today's society. As the LGBT community fights for marriage equality, they feel inferior to those who are able to marry. Same-sex marriage is not intended to harm heterosexual marriage or affect the functioning of society. Studies show that same-sex marriage would help the economy and, if the government allows it, increase adoption rates. According to the First and Fourteenth Amendments; Same-sex marriage is protected by the Constitution. The Constitution is supported by multiple court cases on marriage equality. Same-sex marriage would end the stigmatization of homosexuals and discrimination against them. There are over a thousand rights that same-sex couples are deprived of. Marriage equality and these civil rights would see all men being treated equally again. The future of marriage equality lies in legalizing same-sex marriage.