...thinking has become the norm for much of society due to this increasing belief in a scientific basis for our decisions. However, in a society that seems to pride itself on being superior in intellectual and technological progress, where one of the very watchwords of the day is equality, we still cling to a fairly archaic idea of the definition of marriage. This definition holds the rights and responsibilities, as well as the protections inherent to this idea of marriage being only available as a legal construct for heterosexual couples. We discriminate against our homosexual citizens and their right to have their long term relationships recognized and given the same validity as those long term relationships of heterosexual couples through the societal construct of marriage. Same-sex marriage has become a huge issue for many in the United States, it is a “lightning rod” issue that seems to polarize the two sides of the argument. There does not seem to be much, if any, common ground to stand upon. A person either holds the belief, often backed by their faith, that gay marriage is unacceptable, or they discard that belief and can't conceive of why that viewpoint is in any way valid. For most people there really is no middle ground. The focus of this paper is to examine same-sex marriage through the lens of the state and federal levels of legislation and constitutional precedent. My personal interest in this subject stems from my own beliefs about homosexuality in general, and...
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...Course Instructor Date Adoption Jean Garton once said that adoption is the only thing that has served women, children and the society well. The decision to adopt a child is a serious and huge one. Families are increasingly becoming pro-adoption with some even crossing borders and continents for the sake of adoption. Adoption is the process whereby a child or children are brought together to form a family by adults, who are not their biological parents. Adoption is not a new practice in society, in fact it has been practiced for a long time, though mostly through informal processes. The adoption process in the US today involved a lot of legal processes mostly for the sake of protecting the welfare of the children. This is important due to the inability of their biological parents to care for them. The active history of adoption dates back to the period between 1945 to 1974.This period was named the baby scoop era because of rapid acceptance of adoption as a way of family building. The World War II brought about a rise in the number of illegitimate births. The option of adoption therefore became a remedy for the unmarried mothers and couples who had fertility problems (Conn 45) These occurrences promoted adoption in the American setting making adoption legal with its main aim being to ensure the best interest of the child. It is also worth noting that the first American adoption law began in Massachusetts. This law also upheld the secrecy of the adoption process especially by...
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...Course Instructor Date Adoption Jean Garton once said that adoption is the only thing that has served women, children and the society well. The decision to adopt a child is a serious and huge one. Families are increasingly becoming pro-adoption with some even crossing borders and continents for the sake of adoption. Adoption is the process whereby a child or children are brought together to form a family by adults, who are not their biological parents. Adoption is not a new practice in society, in fact it has been practiced for a long time, though mostly through informal processes. The adoption process in the US today involved a lot of legal processes mostly for the sake of protecting the welfare of the children. This is important due to the inability of their biological parents to care for them. The active history of adoption dates back to the period between 1945 to 1974.This period was named the baby scoop era because of rapid acceptance of adoption as a way of family building. The World War II brought about a rise in the number of illegitimate births. The option of adoption therefore became a remedy for the unmarried mothers and couples who had fertility problems (Conn 45) These occurrences promoted adoption in the American setting making adoption legal with its main aim being to ensure the best interest of the child. It is also worth noting that the first American adoption law began in Massachusetts. This law also upheld the secrecy of the adoption process especially by...
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...the peace, deter aggression, promote the rule of law, combat crime and corruption, strengthen democracies, and prevent humanitarian crises” (Bureau of Public Affairs). With this said and published why is there so much debate and argument over the rights of those in the Gay and Lesbian community being allowed to marry each other? The Bible does indicate that marriage is between a man and a woman, but the Bible was written by man as an interpretation of God’s word. This Country with many others has overcome so many obstacles within the times. Banishment of slavery, equal rights to women, and acceptance of interracial marriages has become respected and acceptable. If all of this can come full circle to where it is acceptable, the rights of those who are gay should also be accepted. Equal rights to all human beings regardless of race, religion or sexual orientation should be recognized. In 1967 there was much controversy over the interracial marriage of an African American woman and a Caucasian man. This prompted a court action that was well known as “Loving v. Virginia”. Mildred Loving and Richard loving married in Washington D.C. in 1958 and both at the time were residents of the State of Virginia. At the time Washington D.C. allowed interracial marriages where Virginia did not. When the couple returned the were arrested because they...
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...have to do is simply go to yahoo, type in gay marriage in North Carolina and thousands of results come up. Now you may think at first that most of these websites or links may just be talking about the approaching topic, but you would be baffled by what you actually do find. In my case the first time I searched the topic of gay marriage in this state, I was at a loss for words when the first 500 results were all against gay marriage. Such titles as “support traditional marriage” and “nogaymarriage.com” where some of the first I saw. You would have to rummage around through thousands of results before finding one moderate website that could actually tell you what was going on without putting in their own input. Gay marriage, in my opinion should be allowed. There is no strong reason for why homosexuals cannot be married. People should drop all of the political jargon and realize how they would feel if someone told them they could not marry the person they loved just because they were heterosexual. It’s easier to understand once the shoe is one the other foot. One argument heard is that same sex marriages will take away from the founding of marriages everywhere. Not to be funny, but that has been taking away centuries ago. With 57% of marriages ending in divorce today, it seems as if many people don’t take this whole marriage thing seriously. In 2002 North Carolina’s marriage rate was 7,700, and the divorce rate was 4,500. Another point I should probably make is religious groups...
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...The following case analysis seeks to examine the Supreme Court’s decisions in Racine v. Woods, [1983] 2 S.C.R. 173, in regard to the legal questions, basis of reasoning, as well as the cultural implications. In order to fully understand the outcomes of this case, it is necessary to briefly review the legal issues that prompted the appellants and respondent to pursue legal action. The initial factor was the apprehension of a six week old infant named Leticia Grace Woods, on October 20th, 1976, by C.A.S. of central Manitoba. Upon removing her from her mother’s custody, in an effort to protect her, she was placed in a foster home as stipulated in the Child Welfare Act, C.C.S.M., c. C80. After several months in foster care, Mrs. Woods’, Leticia’s mother consented to a year extension on her daughter’s stay in Society care, followed by an additional six month period. At which time Leticia was situated in the foster home of Sandra Ransom (later Racine) and Lorne Ransom. In March of 1978, when the extended period had ended, Leticia was returned to her mother. At this point, the Racine’s had developed an attachment and sense of responsibility for her care, which impelled them to visit Leticia with Mrs. Woods’ permission. On the second visit, in May of 1978, Mrs. Woods authorized the Racine’s to take Leticia home with them. This concept of “taking home” was later disputed by the Racine’s and Mrs. Woods on the basis of intended length of stay. The Racine’s believed that Mrs. Woods intended...
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...its beginnings are traceable to the "sexual revolution" that began in the 1960's. A time where the father was the bread winner for his wife and biological children, to today where family arrangements aren't that model, we're now living many varied family arrangements. Unfortunately over the past decade there has become a wide acceptance of homosexuality, causing many differences in the society and government. These differences have raised the question of whether same-sex couples should be allowed to wed even if society says it is morally and ethically wrong or illegal. There are numerous issues surrounding the question of legalizing same-sex marriage. In the wake of recent state, and federal court decisions here in America, the argument over gay marriage has reached a crucial time here in America. With socialist as President and many other socialists in congress America is at a cross roads when it comes to this issue. There have been debates if gay marriage is right according to the Bible, and even if it’s legal according to the U.S. Constitution. What is marriage? Merriam- Webster defines it as “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.” The United States does not recognize this by “law” so therefore legally same sex marriages can not legally occur. Could homosexuality be a moral issue? Is homosexuality immoral? This is a question being asked by Christians. Is the question...
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...When two people are married, they are taking a vow in front of witnesses, claiming that they will be with each other for the rest of their lives. They state publicly and express their love openly as a sign of commitment to each other. Marriage is a very symbolic gesture, and to take that privilege away from two people who are in love is a serious problem. We love who we want. You can’t change who you fall in love with. Opponents argue that is against their religion—marriage should be between a man and a woman so that they can pro-create. However, Evan Wolfson, from a gay-advocacy group called Freedom to Marry, argues that “every religion can decide for itself whether to perform or honor any marriage…but no religion should be able to dictate who gets a civil marriage license” (Wolfson). This country was founded and has continued to develop the concept of separation of church and state. It is up to individual religions whether to acknowledge same-sex marriages. However, it is the nation’s responsibility to acknowledge all unions, instead of discriminating couples based on their sex. To infringe upon couples right to civil marriage is a violation of human rights. Gay people, who are in love, have the right to commit to each other and have it legally recognized by the United States government. Banning an issue doesn’t make it go away. The American Constitution said that everyone deserves the same, equal rights that include gay people. So banning same-sex...
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...Joel Gichuhi. – 643203. LECTURER : Brenda Wambua. TASK: Semester Group 1 Term Paper. MEMBERS & id: Habiba Abdullahi – 640263. Jimmy Elia Lomuro – 644694. Michelle Khalenya Shimoli – 640717. Njenga Joel Gichuhi. – 643203. LECTURER : Brenda Wambua. TASK: Semester Group 1 Term Paper. BASED ON SEXUAL ORIENTATION: SHOULD THE GAY COMMUNITY BE ACCEPTED IN OUR SOCIETY GLOBALLY? What is sexual orientation? According to the American Psychological Association (APA), sexual orientation is an enduring, emotional, romantic, sexual or affectional attraction to another person. Basically, Sexual orientation is about who attracts us. This attraction may lead to love hence marriage. The issue of same-sex marriage is an argument that we have heard of and have strong opinions on. We believe that homosexual couples should have the same marriage rights as heterosexual couples. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, "Marriage is a basic human right. You cannot tell people they cannot fall in love." While he said this in reference to the marriage between races, the same can be said about homosexuals (Smiley, 2013). Who are we to judge who people get married to or not? Homosexuality, years ago, was unacceptable. Most gay people hid it from others who would discriminate the act. They married the opposite gender in order to live out a "normal" life. There were many instances of homosexuals being prosecuted and discriminated...
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...INTRODUCTION Proponents of same-sex marriage have used arguments centered on equality, fairness, and microeconomic factors such as reducing taxes for couples who are married, pension inheritance, and Social Security benefits. Opponents of allowing same-sex couples to marry use religious, historical, and political arguments. There seems to be no common basis for one side to convince the other to change its collective mind. Opponents who use the argument that Judeo-Christian holy law declares homosexuality a sin and therefore encouraging sexual relations between people of the same sex by recognizing same-sex marriage is untenable. This argument, of course, requires belief that (1) the Judeo-Christian laws should be the basis for our federal laws, (2) they actually makes such a statement, and (3) that if they make such a statement that the proscription should be taken literally. If one doesn’t accept these assumptions, the argument isn’t compelling. Similarly, the argument that history is on the side opposing same-sex marriage presumes that there were no gay marriages historically and that what was appropriate in the past is also appropriate for the present. Proponents of same-sex marriage claim that the federal Constitution and other civil rights laws provide rights and protections for minorities equal to the rights and protections enjoyed by the majority, which are being denied to the homosexual minority. These arguments only make a point if the opposition believes that...
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...Chapter One Introduction The growing concept of globalization and the opening up of the world among countries have created an inter- country business (tourism), social (education), and cultural situations where people from different countries must learn the attitude and behavior of each other in order to engage in business and co-exist in this global world (Waldman & Rubalcava, 2005). Furthermore, Globalization has brought about intercultural marriage. In today’s world intercultural marriage is inevitable, therefore potential and existing couples are more likely than not to encounter intercultural differences and intercultural shocks such as divorce (Tallman & Hsiao, 2004) Globalization wise intercultural marriages are vital. They create a new wave of culture called the third culture (Casmir, 1993). Intimacy between persons of diverse cultures is becoming a common phenomenon lately, and has led to an upsurge in intercultural marriages, (Waldman & Rubalcava, 2005; Frame, 2004). There are degrees of differences in marriage including intercultural relationships or marriages. When you meet someone for the first time, you see them; you talk to them, so the first important question is, ‘Do we look alike or the same? Furthermore, you talk to them, so the subsequent question you ask yourself is ‘Do we speak the same language or different language? Do we speak with the same accent or different accents? Do we use the same vocabulary or...
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...everyday life of same-sex couples, continuing regulations and constant policing of sexuality and gender form around every aspect of same-sex couple and their marriage. Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) a federal law designed to uphold the traditional meaning of marriage which is described as a union between one man and one woman by not recognizing same-sex marriage and taking the option away from the states to make their own decision. DOMA has become a leading problem not just for the same-sex couples who are denied the rights and privileges in which opposite-sex couples are afforded under the federal law, but DOMA has also been called into question for its constitutionality and whether it not only goes against equal protection for American citizens but also legally discriminates against a group strictly based off their gender and sexuality. Federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) Analysis Problems that Necessitate the Policy: Section 2 of DOMA says “no State, territory, or possession of the United States, or Indian tribe, shall be required to give effect to any public act, record, or judicial proceeding of any other State, territory, possession, or tribe respecting a relationship between persons of the same sex that is treated as a marriage under the laws of such other State, territory, possession, or tribe, or a right or claim arising from such relationship (H.R. Res. H.R.3396, 1995-1996)”. Section 3 of DOMA determining the “meaning of any Act of Congress, or of any ruling, regulation...
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...No. 15-1972 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES Spring Term, 2015 ________________________________ GEORGE E. SCHAEFER, III, in his official capacity as the Clerk of Court for Norfolk Circuit Court and JANET M. RAINEY, in her official capacity as State Registrar of Vital Records, Petitioners, MICHÈLE MCQUIGG, Intervenor/Petitioner, v. TIMOTHY B. BOSTIC; TONY C. LONDON; CAROL SCHALL; and MARY TOWNLEY, Respondents. ________________________________ ON WRIT OF CERTIORARI TO THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE FOURTH CIRCUIT ________________________________ BRIEF FOR THE RESPONDENTS ________________________________ Law Student Counsel for the Respondents QUESTION PRESENTED Whether Virginia’s Marriage Laws, which prohibit same-sex couples from marrying or entering a civil partnership in Virginia or in any other jurisdiction, violate the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment when: * Virginia’s constitution limits marriage to one man and one woman; * Virginia’s code prohibits same-sex marriages or civil unions; and * Virginia’s code refuses to recognize same-sex marriages or civil unions lawfully consummated in other jurisdictions. TABLE OF CONTENTS page QUESTION PRESENTED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i TABLE OF CONTENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...
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...The Miscegenation Hoax Though the Civil War was ravaging the countryside, and union soldiers were fighting and falling in what would become the bloodiest of all American wars, the political rivalry between democrats and republicans was not curtailed. In fact, the impending election in 1864 would heighten tensions, and the methods that would be utilize to besmirch and defame the opposing party, in some respects, were unorthodox. President Lincoln was campaigning for his second term and his democratic opposition were seeking to discredit him by any means possible. One of the primary methods utilized was to attack his supposed love for the recently freed African-Americans. The “great emancipator” was condemned and criticized by many for emancipating the slaves, and not supporting a regime that promoted a racial hierarchy and white supremacy. The war that had begun in order to save the Union had been transformed into a war for African American liberty, and to many, that was unacceptable. The democratic opposition worried that this new caste of Freedmen would become a powerful force, one that could potentially alter the entire social structure of American society. Moreover, the opponents to emancipation and black equality were also concerned with the sanctity and purity of white blood and many feared that another term under Lincoln would mean that “compulsory marriage of white and black had finally become the main plan in the republican platform.” To that end, two New York...
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...RESEARCH and WRITING CUSTOM EDITION Taken from: Writing Research Papers: A Complete Guide, Eleventh Edition by James D. Lester and James D. Lester, Jr. To the Point: Reading and Writing Short Arguments by Gilbert H. Muller and Harvey S. Wiener ISBN 0-558-55519-5 Research and Writing, Custom Edition. Published by Pearson Custom Publishing. Copyright © 2006 by Pearson Custom Publishing. Taken from: Writing Research Papers: A Complete Guide, Eleventh Edition by James D. Lester and James D. Lester, Jr. Copyright © 2005 by Pearson Education, Inc. Published by Pearson Longman, Inc. New York, New York 10036 To the Point: Reading and Writing Short Arguments by Gilbert H. Muller and Harvey S. Wiener Copyright © 2005 by Pearson Education, Inc. Published by Pearson Longman, Inc. Copyright © 2006 by Pearson Custom Publishing All rights reserved. Permission in writing must be obtained from the publisher before any part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system. All trademarks, service marks, registered trademarks, and registered service marks are the property of their respective owners and are used herein for identification purposes only. Printed in the United States of America 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 ISBN 0-536-97722-4 2005240359 AP Please visit our web site at www.pearsoncustom.com ISBN 0-558-55519-5 PEARSON CUSTOM PUBLISHING ...
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