The Grammy's are known to be the biggest night in music; however, controversy arose from the 56th telecast when a series of couples were married, including same-sex couples in what seems to be a political statement by many Conservatives. The backlash followed immediately from Conservatives who viewed it as "both inappropriate for a music awards show and a blatant attack on religious values."
The wedding ceremony was criticized for mocking the traditional values of Christian, Catholic, Jewish and other religions opposing gay marriage. Fox News Radio reporter Todd Starnes was one of the many appalled by the same-sex wedding, calling the ceremony "sick" with the sole purpose of "bashing God and the church."
Many Conservatives voiced their opinions on Twitter, Facebook and social media to criticize the show for their one-viewed stance while same-sex activists praised the show for their support to gay marriage. Over 34 couples were married in a ceremony officiated by actress Queen Latifah as rapper Macklemore and Ryan Lewis performed the song, "Same Love," which is an advocacy for gay rights.
"The right-wing conservatives think it's a decision, and you can be cured with some treatment and religion," sang Macklemore during his performance which also featured Madonna and Mary Lambert. From the camera view of the show, many celebrities were moved and expressed their support for same-sex couples.
Religious groups such as Catholics also responded negatively to the Grammy's glamorizing and tolerating of same-sex marriage on national television. Jamie Beu of Examiner explained that the Grammy's deterred moral values and denounced the true definition of marriage. "The heterosexual union, codified by religion and the state, has been the core to providing stability to societies, cultures, and nations by providing a contract where one or both partners can feel safe in combining provisions for the family while creating and raising the children of that union," said Beu in his blog.
While many religious and conservatives expressed their disdain over the ceremony, many opposers were not surprised by the media which has been labeled biased and liberal. "What do you expect from this crowd of the Hollywood elite?" asked Steve Scheffler of the Iowa Christian Alliance. "They are certainly out of the mainstream of American thinking and what this country was founded upon."
In the United States, same-sex marriage is legal in 17 states and banned in 33 states. The ongoing debate of same-sex marriage continues to divide and set a blaze topics of discussions in the country where both sides express their opinion loudly.
