Marriage is sacredMarriage has always been a sacred agreement between a man and a woman. This definition was written in the Bible and sanctified by God. Our country was founded on the principles of the Bible and therefore should not support action, such as legalizing same-sex marriage, that goes against our founding beliefs. When it comes to the issue of same-sex marriage, Americans have many different views. Research shows that the majority of Americans oppose same-sex marriage, but when it comes to deciding who should make the laws, Americans are split down the middle (Bayles 6). 48% of Americans believe that the federal government should make laws and 46% believe that it should be left to the states (6). This information shows that the majority of Americans have strong opinions on the issue, but do not know of any way to solve the problem (6). The controversy surrounding same-sex marriage is visible even in groups that support strong marriages. Author Karen Peterson uses her article to address the question of same-sex marriage's place in the "marriage movement," the coalition of professionals dedicated to strengthening marriages (7). This movement successfully included pro-marriage initiatives across America and created new relationship courses in high schools (Peterson 7). Peterson notes that the "marriage movement" has many different viewpoints and struggles with the question: "How can one be a supporter of marriage in general but oppose same-sex marriages" (7). David Blankenhorn, founder of the Institute for American Values ​​and a senior member of the coalition, says they hope to address the issue and no longer remain silent about it. The coalition hopes to participate and improve the national...... middle of paper ...... stems from this decision. Allowing homosexuals to marry would go against American history and only cause problems for the American people today and in the future. Works cited by Bayles, Fred and Andrea Stone. “Enemies of same-sex marriage attempt to stop 'activist courts'. » USA Today February 25, 2004: 06a. Bennett, William. “Leave the marriage alone. » Newsweek June 3, 1996: 27. Breslau, Karen, Brad Stone, Debra Rosenberg and Tamara Lipper. “Outlaw Vows.” Newsweek March 1, 2004: 40. “Broken marriages, not same-sex marriages, pose a risk to children. » USA Today February 23, 2004: 18a. Peterson, Karen S. "On Gays, the 'Marriage Movement' Is on Both Sides of the Aisle." » USA Today August 4, 2003: 07d.Sullivan, Andrew. “Let gays get married.” Newsweek June 3, 1996: 26. Taylor, Chris. “I do: no, you don’t.” Time March 1, 2004: 3c. “USA Today/CNN/Gallup Poll.” USA Today February 24, 2004: 06d.