What is marriage? According to Cornell University Law School, the definition of marriage is “The lawful union of a couple as spouses. 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 Merriam-Webster dictionary definition of marriage is “(1): the state of being united to a person of the opposite sex as husband or wife in a consensual and contractual relationship recognized by law (2): the state of being united to a person of the same sex in a relationship similar to that of traditional marriage". This definition allows for the interpretation of marriage as marriage, whether it is an opposite or same-sex marriage. What is a gay marriage? When you search for a definition in the dictionary of gay marriage or same-sex marriage it cannot be found. However, a definition was found in Wikopedia (not the most reliable source). Same-sex marriage (also known as gay marriage) is stated to be marriage between two people of the same biological sex and/or gender identity. Legal recognition of same-sex marriage or the ability to perform a same-sex marriage is sometimes referred to as marriage equality or equal marriage, particularly by advocates. Many opponents characterize the legalization of same-sex marriage as a “redefinition of marriage.” Florida Law on Gay Marriage: In Florida, gay marriage is not legally permitted due to statues that define marriage as a union between a man and a woman. The state passed the Defen… at the heart of the charter… same-sex marriage, whether a person believes it or not. However, if they are to happen, then those people living in same-sex unions should be made to contribute to society as a “man and woman” union. Works Cited • “Marriage LII / Legal Information Institute,” April 5, 2014. • “Marriage.” , n.d. Web. 05 Apr. 2014.• “Florida Gay Marriage Laws.” April 05, 2014.• “Gay Marriage ProCon.org.” ProConorg Headlines, 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.