17612. GAY MARRIAGE AS AN AMERICAN RIGHT. This paper provides an overview and analysis of the gay marriage controversy. The history of the gay marriage controversy (including recent federal and state legislative history) is traced and the arguments for and against same-sex marriage are presented. The arguments against gay marriage are dismissed as faulty and/or specious as well as un-American and discriminatory. The conclusion makes the case for legalizing gay marriage throughout the United States. KEYWORDS: gay marriage same-sex marriage pro gay marriage. Written 2005. MLA Style. 11 pages, 29 footnotes, 10 bibliographic sources. 2,641 words.