“Marriage plays a fundamental role in civil society because it is characterized by sexual complementarity, monogamy, exclusivity and permanence” (Anderson). Legalizing same-sex marriage would affect all ethical and moral aspects, leading to an unacceptable outcome. Therefore, same-sex marriage should not be considered respectable and appropriate in any lifestyle. Same-sex marriage is the union between partners of the same sex, whether a man and a man or a woman and another woman. Traditional marriage involves tying a man and a woman together (Anderson). Marriage exists primarily to bring a man and woman together as husband and wife to be the father and mother of all children their union produces (Anderson). The family and marriage constitute an institution linking affection, sex, procreation and parenthood (Yenor). The marital union is based on the principle of complementarity between man and woman, necessary for procreation; reproduction depends on a man and a woman, unless “…the father decides whether he wants to be involved in the life of the child(ren)” (Anderson). The public object and function of marriage is the procreation and education of children, which requires a traditional marriage (Yenor). “Marriage brings together the two halves of humanity (man and woman) in a monogamous relationship” (Anderson). Same-sex marriage should therefore not be considered a legal union because it does not follow traditional marriage rules. Although same-sex marriage does not follow traditional marriage, it has been permitted in some states. Currently, 17 states have legalized same-sex marriage and 33 states prohibit same-sex marriage (ProCon). Traditional marriage predates government and is the fundamental foundation of same-sex marriage throughout the United States of America. Works Cited Anderson, Ryan T. “Marriage Matters: Implications of Redefining Marriage.” »The Heritage Foundation: Gay Marriage (2013): 1. The Heritage Foundation. Internet. (April 3, 2014).Anderson, Ryan T. “The Social Costs of Abandoning the Meaning of Marriage.” » The Heritage Foundation: Gay Marriage (2013): 1. The Heritage Foundation. Internet. (April 1, 2014). Chitton, Lynn Nore and Geraldine Wagner. “Point: children suffer with same-sex couples. » Viewpoints: Gay Marriage (2013): 2. Viewpoints Reference Center. Internet. (April 3, 2014).ProCon.org. “Gay Marriage.” ProCon.org: Gay Marriage (2014): 1. ProCon.org.Web. (March 27, 2014). Yenor, Scott E. “The True Origin of Society: Family Founders.” » The Heritage Foundation: Gay Marriage (2013): 1. The HeritageFoundation. Internet. (April 1 2014).