This paper looks at the social definition of
marriage, which is that two people express their love and make the commitment
to be together for the rest of their lives through
marriage. It examines how, currently, same-sex marriage is not legal in the U.S. and how many gays are fighting for the right to marry their partners. It also discusses how the U.S. allows alternatives to marriage for gays, such as civil unions and
domestic-partner programs.