Gay marriage is now legal in seventeen states. The government of those states considers marriage rights to be civil rights. However, gay marriage is not a civil right, so it should not be legalized. Civil liberty is the state of being subject only to laws established for the good of the community, especially regarding freedom of action and speech. They are individual rights protected by law from unjust government interference. These rights are based on universal characteristics, not on feelings, desires, or volitional behaviors. Civil rights are personal rights protected and guaranteed by the United States Constitution. They include freedom of speech, the right to vote, due process, equal protection of the laws, and protection from 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 its membership. If marriage were a civil right, the government would not be able to exercise control over it due to such violations...