Colorado – ethics and gay marriage assignment

The first question that arises when considering the divine command theory is the lack of agreement as to which religious text or authority should guide our ethical deliberations. Right now in Colorado the population’s religious affiliation breaks down into the following categories: 64% Christian, 2% Jewish, 1% Muslim, 5% other religions and 25% unaffiliated. With this kind of diversity one can easily image the confrontations that could arise while debating the issue. So who is to say what is right and wrong in a community that is derived from numerous races, religions, sexes and orientations.

The only truth to be obtained concerning same sex marriage is subjective and is considered conventional ethical relativism. Conventional ethical relativism is “ the claim that what is really right or wrong is relative to each particular society. ” (Lawhead 427) Each affiliation or group in Colorado would have to act independently of each other. To find an ultimate truth of the matter, all would have to come together and agree on what philosophy will be accepted. This is very unlikely to ever happen because one religion or group would have to submit and acknowledge an enhanced philosophy.

It is denying human rights to a portion of its population that continues to grow. Furthermore, the book of Mark says “ And the second is like, namely this, THOU SHALT LOVE THY NEIGHBOR AS THYSELF. There is none other commandment greater than these. ” (Mark 12: 31KJV) These are the actual words of God and clearly tell us to love everyone without judgment. Has the Christian population forgotten or overlooked this passage? It seems evident that it has, since there are laws against same sex marriage in this state. Kantian ethics demonstrate a sound philosophy that could help our state eliminate discrimination.

Kantian ethics are “ the theory that we have absolute moral duties that are determined by reason and that are not affected by the consequences. ” (Lawhead 428) This philosophy suggests we have things that we do that are a matter of morals and do not consider consequences. I agree with Kant philosophy regarding this matter. The issue of gay marriage is one of morals or ethics. Simply put, gays and lesbians are being discriminated against in Colorado. They are being denied human rights that no other portion of the population is being denied. It is morally wrong to deny any human their rights in a country or state such as ours.