Equality and Marriage
Equality is a topic that has received a lot of attention recently. This is one of several concepts that characterize social justice and its relevance to people's desire of a happy life. Murkowski, one of Alaska's senators, wrote an article about the necessity of equality in marriage. Murkowski (n.p.) draws attention to the misery of people in same-sex marriages in order to seek acceptance from the government and the rest of society. She observes that same-sex marriages are harmed by the legislation and do not enjoy the same rights as spouses in other types of marriage. For instance, one cannot give a medical consent on behalf of the other as a spouse.
Marriage and the Pursuit of a Good Life
Marriage can be considered as an individual's pursuit of good life. Rawls concern is how the society promotes the interests linked to happiness. According to Rawls' theory, all individuals have dignity and worth. The society should be committed to preserving and promoting this dignity. In this process, the society should have a sense of justice and a conception of what it means to promote the good of these individuals. There should be fair terms of cooperation between the society and the individual.
The Government's Role in Marriage Equality
Senator Murkowski's article brings out the government as a negative force in the promotion of equality and good of its citizens. She notes that same-sex marriage partners are denied privileges that can promote their own wellbeing such as custody of their children and being recognized under the law. This has discouraged other Americans and Alaskans who would like to give themselves to each other and become happy. Therefore, it is not morally right for the government to undermine marriage equality.
Works Cited
Murkowski, Lisa. Lisa Murkowski: Why I support marriage equality. Alaska Dispatch News, June 29, 2016. Web, https://www.adn.com/commentary/article/lisa-murkowski-why-i-support-marriage-equality/2013/06/19/. March 21, 2017.
