...The Controversy of Same-Sex Marriage Same-sex marriage has been a controversial social issue in the U.S. for several decades, but public opinion on this topic seems to be evolving. For example, an annual poll by Gallup has been tracking the question of whether or not same-sex marriages should be legal since 1968, and the percentage of favorable responses has increased from 27 percent to 53 percent during this time frame. Although this certainly is not a huge majority, it does indicate that the support for same-sex marriage within the U.S. is likely to become increasingly widespread over the next couple of decades. However, there are still several religious and political groups who are opposed to the idea of same-sex marriage. This opposition is typically based on the belief that homosexuality is a sin, but the separation of church and state is supposed to make this viewpoint legally irrelevant. The Current Status of Same-Sex Marriage Same-sex marriage is legal in nine states, Washington, D.C. and two Native American tribes. There are also several other states that are considering making same-sex marriage legal, and Illinois is poised to become the next state to take this step. In addition to which, the U.S. Supreme Court is getting ready to hear arguments in a case that will determine whether or not California’s same-sex marriage ban is unconstitutional. President Barack Obama declared his support of same-sex marriage in May 2012, and some people believe that this has had...
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...The Changed Debate on Same-Sex Marriage in the United States Same-sex marriage was in the summer of 2012 a very discussed topic among the American citizens. But today the topic has lead to another focus: “Children’s rights.” The debate in 2012 In 2012 a growing debate concerning same-sex marriage at its highest. In the article “U.S. gay marriage debate shifts to Supreme Court,” “CBCnews World,” it is announced that: “The running fight over gay marriage in the U.S. is moving from the ballot box to the Supreme Court.” This sentence confirms how huge the debate was and the fact that there has been a big movement against same-sex marriage. A forefront for the movement against same-sex marriage David Blankenhorn, in his office in New York. David Blankenhorn, in his office in New York. Blankenhorn is the founder and president of the Institute for American Values, a nonpartisan organization devoted to strengthening families and civil society in the U.S. and the world. Blankenhorn is the author of “The Future of Marriage.” He is a well-known figure in the campaign against same-sex marriage in the United States. His view on the matter for instance finds expression in his book “The Future of Marriage,” and the article “How My View on Gay Marriage Changed,” The New York Times website, June 23, 2012 by David Blankenhorn. Same-sex marriage gains more acceptances in the world As time changed same-sex marriage gained more acceptances. With the late modern society the original...
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...freely define what the word marriage means. The majority of the states continued to define marriage as the union between man and woman, however, some still opposed this controversial definition of marriage. In recent years, the debate of homosexuality and same sex marriage has become even more of a hot topic due to the media, politics, and society in general. So, what does the definition of marriage mean to an individual? Christian conservatives say that marriage is strictly the formal union between man and woman. However, some general Christians may argue that marriage means to live a happy and joyful life with an intimate partner regardless of gender. Within these countless arguments about banning same sex marriages are the small but controversial topics that heat up the debate even more. The biggest issue that fuel the fire even more are the constant debates regarding the definition of the word “marriage”, people around the world have different definitions of the word marriage based on their environments, religion, and other external sources. Another issue that debaters, politicians, and people of the country are constantly debating and arguing about is the concept that can be simply put as “is homosexuality natural?”, believe it or not this one question is the most debated and argued topic between people who oppose same sex marriage and people who approve of same sex marriage. The final issue is the disagreement of the pros of same sex marriage, every time there is a positive...
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...Recognition of gay and lesbian marriage and pluralism Word Count: 2024 What does pluralism reveal about the recognition of gay and lesbian marriage? What are the strengths and limitations of this theory in understanding the recognition of gay and lesbian marriage? Power overlaps between interest and political groups and as a result, political decision-making is reached through negotiation and compromise (Manley 1983). Indeed, when examining the progressive debate concerning the legal recognition of same-sex relationships in Australia, the perception that power is bartered through interest groups becomes highly plausible through the lens of classical pluralist theory. There are competing visions of diversity in Australia, and behind the main positions; supportive, neutral, and opposing, there are a multitude of perspectives underlying these umbrella groupings. For some in the community, the concept of gay and lesbian marriage is controversial, and its complexities raise fundamental social, religious, moral and political questions. In analyzing how power has operated in this situation, I will apply classical pluralism to converse sides of the moral argument to reveal how Australian attitudes have changed over time in a progressively consensual political environment. For this issue, the strengths of pluralism lie in its empirical nature; it is an observable and comprehensive view of understanding how power operates in society, with regard to a multitude of perspectives and...
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...------------------------------------------------- Same-sex marriage in the USA In the summer of 2012, gay marriage was a steaming hot topic of discussion in the United States. The right of marriage between two men or two women is one of the most controversial debates in the history of America. On several locations around the world, gay marriage is a legal act. But should homosexuals have the same right as “normal” people when it comes to marriage? A lot of different reasons why homosexuals should not have the right to get married have occurred in this discussion. One of the reasons why homosexuals should not have the right to get married, according to American law and point of view is, that if its possible by society, a child has the right to be taken care of by the parents who gave them life. David Blankenhorn, a publisher in the magazine “The New York Times” and author of the book “The future of marriage”, took a stand in this debate in a Californian court where he referred to a piece of law by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Children, which guarantees children this exact right. He starts out saying that he once opposed gay marriage on simple principles such as lack of biological ability to create a child, and that the child has the right to be raised by those individuals that committed to each other. Once this is explained, Blankenhorn goes on to say that he is now a marriage advocate, and that it was time for him to change his view on gay marriage. Blankenhorn believes that marriage between...
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...Same Sex Marriage and Religion In the 21st century, the controversial debates about the LGBT (Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender) community and their rights are becoming more and more common in the media. Over millennia, same sex relationships have transformed from a socially accepted way of living in ancient times, to a social taboo with the birth of Christianity, and finally into a widely accepted way of living in the 21st century. Most sources of media, especially television shows have embraced this evolution and have become supporters of the LGBT community, these shows include some of the most popular series around the world such as Glee, Pretty Little Liars, Doctor Who, Grey’s Anatomy, and many more. Furthermore, many influential people are part of or advocates for the LGBT community. For instance, Madonna, Janet Jackson, Christina Aguilera, Ellen DeGeneres and many more. Today I will talk about the history of LGBT rights and evaluate the supporting arguments and opposing arguments of this topic in today’s society by assessing a host of different media sources, including newspaper articles, magazine articles, and documentaries. First of all, I will present the history of LGBT rights and assess to what extent society has changed its views and ideas on this subject. The first evidence found on same sex couples were found in Egyptian hieroglyphics and old Mesopotamian records which demonstrated same sex relationships were accepted in their community. (Eskridge) Although this...
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...enter into consensual marriage is enshrined in international human rights standards. Article 16, Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR): Men and women of full age, without any limitation due to race, nationality or religion, have the right to marry and to found a family. They are entitled to equal rights as to marriage, during marriage and at its dissolution. For more than a decade, this non-discrimination principle has been interpreted by UN treaty bodies and numerous inter-governmental human rights bodies as prohibiting discrimination based on gender or sexual orientation. Non-discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation has therefore become an internationally recognized principle and many countries have responded by bringing their domestic laws into line with this principle in a range of spheres including partnership rights http://www.amnestyusa.org/our-work/issues/lgbt-rights/marriage-equality Gay marriage has divided the American people over the past few years. Yet such a sharp divide is a very recent occurrence. Only a decade ago, gay marriage was nil but an afterthought on the plates of many U.S. leaders. Liberal Democrats like John Kerry and Hillary Clinton did not even support or condone the idea that gays should be able to marry. Yet the turn of the century brought new life and perspective into this issue, and at this moment, a substantial majority of the American public actually support gay marriage. The Legal Definition of Marriage: Why Rely on the Bible...
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...Gay Marriage PHI 103 February 14, 2011 Gay Marriage The American family has changed radically over the last several decades; 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...
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...Keenen Walker Price Sociology 1160 3 December 2013 Same Sex Marriage The term social problem is defined as something that is damaging to society. There is a process for something to become considered a social problem. The process is made up of multiple steps all starting with claims making. Claims making is the step that defines the problem as an actual issue that is harmful to society. In the issue of gay marriage rights, the claims makers are people such as political leaders and people who have authority in society. Gay marriage rights is a major controversial issue here in the United States. Even though, according to a poll taken by Gallup, the majority rule of fifty-two percent would be for gay marriage to be legalized by the American people, it is still a very big issue. There are still many people who are not accepting of the gay marriage rights, believing that marriage is tradition between a man and a woman. The issue has been a main topic in political campaigns, and even in the 2012 election between Obama and Romney. The issue was brought up in many of the debates because it such a current issue, with both sides having very different opinions. In the poll taken by Gallup, the demographic groups who are the most supportive of gay marriage rights were: liberals with seventy seven percent agreeing, those with no religious affiliation with seventy six percent, Democrats with seventy percent, young adults aged eighteen to thirty-four with sixty nine percent, those...
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...legalize the same-sex marriage here in the Philippines?” “Marriage is about LOVE, not GENDER”, this is what the gays and lesbians wanted to say. Nowadays, this issue, the same-sex marriage is viral in the whole world. But, what is same-sex marriage? It is defined as a union between two people who are of the same gender or biological sex. Since 2001, ten nations and other jurisdictions have made this type of union legal. Whether or not to recognize such marriages remains a source of debate as far as civil rights, political and social issues go. Introduction of same-sex marriage laws has varied by jurisdiction, being variously accomplished through legislative change to marriage laws, a court ruling based on constitutional guarantees of equality, or by direct popular vote (via ballot initiative or referendum). The recognition of same-sex marriage is a political and social issue, and also a religious issue in many countries and debates continue to arise over whether people in same-sex relationships should be allowed marriage or some similar status (a civil union). Same-sex marriage can provide those in same-sex relationships who pay their taxes with government services and make financial demands on them comparable to those afforded to and required of those in opposite-sex marriages. Same-sex marriage also gives them legal protections such as inheritance and hospital visitation rights. Various faith communities around the world support allowing those of the same sex to marry,...
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...Same-Sex Marriage Argument Sarah Springstube PHI103 Informal Logic Instructor DeFusco August 4, 2014 Same-sex marriage has been an issue among society for many years. Not all people understand there is no ban on same sex-marriage nor is it illegal. In all fifty states there are couples of the same sex who live together, ones who choose their professional job to be in a workplace where joint benefits are offered, and ones who choose a religious community which accepts their relationship. Those who believe this is an issue and feel it should be illegal were likely raised to believe it is wrong to marry someone of the same gender. Whether these people in society were raised by what their religion believes or what their families have taught them to believe it is one’s own beliefs that determine a person to feel whether such an act as same-sex marriage is wrong or right. What’s at issue is whether the government will recognize such relationships as marriages—and then force every citizen, house of worship and business to do so as well. At issue is whether policy will coerce and compel others to recognize and affirm same-sex relationships as marriages (Anderson, 2013). The first premise in this argument; All same-sex couples have the right to be married, it is not illegal. Second premise; Same-sex couples need to be treated equal. This leads us to the conclusion. The conclusion is; Same-sex couples need government approval to be accepted in the public eye. After evaluating...
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...“The History of Marriage- A Right or Privilege?” Tatayana Mcfaddin English/147 9/21/2015 Annie Oakes “The History of Marriage- A Right or Privilege?” In early times, same-sex marriage was not considered taboo and in many cultures, it was encouraged. Random history (2011) explains that in the early civilizations of Mesopotamia and ancient Egypt, the union between couples of the same-sex was recognized by the kingdom. During Greek’s early years, attraction between a man and another man was normal and was considered an expression of love. “The main considerations in same-sex relationships in early history were often love, beauty, and excellence of character rather than gender. “(Random History, 2011, P.1). Same-sex Marriages were often believed to be more pure than a heterosexual marriage. Marriage was believed to be the union of two people based on love. A marriage consisting of two males or two females, if women had the right to get marriage, was not frowned upon. It was not until the rise of Christianity that a negative attitude towards same-sex marriage became introduced. The belief that marriage was based on procreation and any relationship that was non-procreative began to increase in many societies. Random History’s 2011 research describes how Eastern religions varied in their views about homosexual marriages. Japanese Buddhism records the most tolerant attitude toward homosexuality, praising it for its mystery. Today, there...
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...Gay Marriage Gay marriage has provided one of the biggest debates in this decade. Now in 2015, after about 10 years of discussion of whether gay marriage should be legal or illegal, gay marriage is now legal in every state of America. Though there are still many different opinions about whether gay marriage should be legal or illegal. A debate on the website ProCon.org shows different quotes for and against gay marriage. The newest quotes are written June 26th 2015, which is the date where gay marriage officially became legal in every 50 states of America. Below there is a graph, which shows the legality of gay marriage in America during the last 22 years. A quote against gay marriage, from ProCon.org, written by The National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) is about how God designed marriage and that it is a relationship between a man and a woman. Another quote against gay marriage comes from Mike Huckabee, who is a Republican Presidential candidate and former Governor of Arkansas. Mike Huckabee argues against gay marriage by talking about the purpose of marriage. He says that the purpose is to create the next generation and to train the next generation, so they can replace us. In the end of the quote he says, “Marriage is a sacred covenant, not just another social contract”. In the gay marriage debate on ProCon.org there are also quotes, which are for gay marriage. An example is a quote from Obergefell v. Hodges written by Associate Justice Anthony M. Kennedy. This...
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...Gay Marriage debate Recently, gay marriage has become an issue of great concern all over the world. The question whether this marriage should be legalized has continued to raise heated-up debates in all social, religious and political arenas. The matter was has come into fresh discussion after the president of The United states of America passed a motion that allows gay marriage in the country. The following is an analysis of a debate that was held to discuss whether gay marriage should be legalized. Arguments supporting legalization of gay marriages If two people are in love, regardless of whether they are both male, both female, or of the opposite sex, it should be no one else’s business. The decision as to whether they are committing their lives to living together lies on them, and should not be jeopardized by the opinions, believes and feelings of others. They have a right to get married- if they so wish, as marriage is a personal decision, and one chooses the life he wants to live, as long as he/she does not compel others to follow that way, and as long as as the decision does not violate or endanger the rights of others (gaymarriage.procon.org). When same sex couples, such as gay couples, are denied the right to get into marriage, it sends the notion that it is acceptable to discriminate against gay people. It depicts such people as social and moral misfits, and thus exposes them to unfair treatment by the members of the society. As much as one may argue that the authorities...
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...Marriage is defined as a contract by which a man and a woman engage to live with each other during their join lives, in the union which ought to exist between husband and wife. Marriage has always been a sacred agreement between a man and a woman. This definition was written in the Bible and sanctified by God. Our country was founded on the principles of the Bible therefore should not support an action, such as legalizing same sex marriage, which goes against our founding beliefs. Same sex marriages has a major impact on today’s society in regards to the union of marriage being legalized in all states, how future generations will be affected and how it will affect the institution of marriage in the future. When it comes to the issue of same sex marriage, many people have different views. Research shows that the majority of Americans oppose same sex marriage, but when it comes to deciding who should make the laws, Americans are split in half . (Bayles) 48% of Americans said that the federal government should make the laws and 46% say it should be left to the states. This information shows that the majorities of Americans have strong opinions about the issue, but don’t know of any way to solve the issue. The debate over same-sex marriage has been a prominent issue in our society over many years now, appearing in several ballot initiatives such as California's Proposition 8. The idea of allowing two people of the same gender to enter into the institution of marriage has brought...
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