Same-sex marriage is now legal in seventeen states. The government of these states considers marriage rights to be civil rights. However, same-sex marriage is not a civil right and therefore should not be legalized. Civil liberty is being subject only to laws established for the good of the community, especially regarding freedom of action and expression. These are individual rights protected by law against unjust government interference. These rights are based on universal characteristics and not on feelings, desires or voluntary conduct. Civil rights are personal rights protected and guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. They include freedom of speech, the right to vote, due process of law, equal protection of the laws, and protection against unlawful discrimination. Civil rights have nothing to do with the issue of same-sex marriage. Marriage is not a civil right and is considered an institution. The government can define an institution and legally limit the number of its members. If marriage were a civil right, the government could not control it because these rigging...