What is marriage?According to the Cornell University School of Law, the definition of marriage is "the lawful union of a couple as 'husband. The basic elements of a marriage are: (1) the legal capacity of the parties to marry, (2) the mutual consent of the parties, and (3) a marriage contract as required by law. This definition states that marriage is essentially a contract between two people. Nowhere in this definition does it state that marriage must be between a man and a woman. However, the definition of marriage in the Merriam-Webster dictionary is "(1): the state of being united to a person of the opposite sex as a husband." or wife in a consensual and contractual relationship recognized by law (2): state of being united with a person of the same sex in a relationship similar to that of a traditional marriage. This definition allows marriage to be interpreted as marriage, whether it is a heterosexual or homosexual marriage. What is a gay marriage? When you look up a dictionary definition of gay marriage or same-sex marriage, you won't be found. However, on Wikipedia (which is not the most reliable source) a definition was found. It states that same-sex marriage (also called same-sex marriage) is a marriage between two people of the same biological sex and/or gender identity. Legal recognition of same-sex marriage or the ability to perform same-sex marriage is sometimes referred to as marriage equality or equal marriage, particularly by supporters. Many opponents call the legalization of same-sex marriage a “redefinition of marriage.” Florida Same-Sex Marriage Law: In Florida, same-sex marriage is not legally permitted due to statutes that define marriage as the union between a man and a woman. Defense ... middle of paper ... same-sex marriages, whether a person believes in it or not. However, if they are to occur, then people in same-sex unions should do so. be led to contribute to society as a union of “man and woman”. Works cited • “Marriage LII / Legal Information Institute, nd Web April 5, 2014. • “Marriage”. , nd Web. April 5, 2014.• “Gay Marriage Laws in Florida.” Np, nd Web. April 5, 2014. • “Florida Law Office of Gideon I Alper RSS.” April 5, 2014. • “Gay Marriage ProCon.org.” ProConorg Headlines, nd Web, April 5, 2014. • “Gay Marriage” Wikimedia Foundation, June 4, 2014. Web. “Gay marriage: States that allow same-sex unions have lower divorce rateshttp.” The Huffington Post. www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/27/gay-marriage_n_3513028.html June 27. 2013.