...William J Bennett Article Rebuttal Dalila Solis BCOM/275 June 18, 2012 Robert Beaudry William J. Bennett Article Rebuttal Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are not dictated by one’s sexual preferences let alone sexism or racism but by ones will to live and love. Over the centuries, society has evolved to allow for corrections to inequalities. Changes such as women’s rights and minority rights have changed to reflect human equality. Reading the Gay Marriage: Not a Very Good Idea article was a bit disturbing to me since I believe in human rights and equality. The rights for woman and the rights for males regardless of the their sexual preferences are being violated based on our constitution as it pertains to choosing who we want to partner with. The institution of marriage is an exclusive relationship in which one individual commits to another in mind, body and soul in a joint venture of their lives. Laws against same sex marriage exposes hatred and inequality to said individuals due to the nature of their union (male – male, female – female). The opposition to gay marriages contradicts our views on equality as stated in our constitution. Devaluation, as stated by Bennett (1996), of marriage because of sexual revolution is essentially stating that each individual is striped of his or her rights once they join in same sex marriage because the value of marriage has been tainted. Traditionally, marriage meant to bring businesses...
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...Should Gay Marriage be legalized? “What you saw was the people of New York having a debate, talking through these issues. It was contentious; it was emotional; but ultimately they made a decision to recognize civil marriage. And I think that's exactly how things should work,” said President Obama in the news conference in June 2011. In the view of the legalization of gay marriage in New York State, this issue has been debated and remains controversial. Gay marriage has been a major social issue that even President Obama puts an eye on it, as well as the gay communities, who support this action; yet, there are different religious parties who oppose this idea too. Gay marriage should absolutely be granted because of the following reasons: it benefits the gay individuals economically and psychologically, it defends the fundamental human rights of them, and it benefits to the society as a whole. The legalization of gay marriage can benefit the gay communities economically and psychologically because of the relationship is safeguarded. Firstly, a married couple can support each other’s medical expenses, make important decisions and be responsible to them. According to the article writer Ramon Johnson, gay couples are not allowed to interfere his or her personal decisions. In his article, he mentioned “ …same gender loving people are left without protection for their loved ones, such as the authority to make medical decisions, handle insurance claims, supervise estate...
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...Within this essay, the main focus will be to develop a thorough analysis and discussion in relation to the topic of gay marriage. In order to construct this, this essay will discuss positions in favor of and against gay marriage. In reference to the position supporting gay marriage, the discussion will focus on; discrimination and equality and respect on individual’s rights. The points that will be discussed contraty to gay marriage will be building upon ideas that we rose in the debate as well as incorporating some new material. Throughout this essay, the ‘for and against’ positions will distinguish between both sides of the argument. Inclusion of scholarly articles will become evident throughout this essay to support the main points that will be made within this argument on gay marriage as well incorporating case studies that support both ‘for and against’ gay marriage. Overall, this essay will display a thorough representation and discussion on how gay marriage can be positioned in society with valid points made both ‘for and against’. Gay marriage has slowly become a significant factor amongst individuals of today’s society. Similarly, this leads to the discussion of homosexuals having the right to marry in society. Ultimately, conflict from the opposing position of ‘against’ gay marriage may arise that gay marriage can destroy the concept of marriage and mock the importance of procreation. In reference to this; everyone in society has the right to marry regardless of gender...
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...Within this essay, the main focus will be to develop a thorough analysis and discussion in relation to the topic of gay marriage. In order to construct this, this essay will discuss positions in favor of and against gay marriage. In reference to the position supporting gay marriage, the discussion will focus on; discrimination and equality and respect on individual’s rights. The points that will be discussed contraty to gay marriage will be building upon ideas that we rose in the debate as well as incorporating some new material. Throughout this essay, the ‘for and against’ positions will distinguish between both sides of the argument. Inclusion of scholarly articles will become evident throughout this essay to support the main points that will be made within this argument on gay marriage as well incorporating case studies that support both ‘for and against’ gay marriage. Overall, this essay will display a thorough representation and discussion on how gay marriage can be positioned in society with valid points made both ‘for and against’. Gay marriage has slowly become a significant factor amongst individuals of today’s society. Similarly, this leads to the discussion of homosexuals having the right to marry in society. Ultimately, conflict from the opposing position of ‘against’ gay marriage may arise that gay marriage can destroy the concept of marriage and mock the importance of procreation. In reference to this; everyone in society has the right to marry regardless of...
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...Within this essay, the main focus will be to develop a thorough analysis and discussion in relation to the topic of gay marriage. In order to construct this, this essay will discuss positions in favor of and against gay marriage. In reference to the position supporting gay marriage, the discussion will focus on; discrimination and equality and respect on individual’s rights. The points that will be discussed contraty to gay marriage will be building upon ideas that we rose in the debate as well as incorporating some new material. Throughout this essay, the ‘for and against’ positions will distinguish between both sides of the argument. Inclusion of scholarly articles will become evident throughout this essay to support the main points that will be made within this argument on gay marriage as well incorporating case studies that support both ‘for and against’ gay marriage. Overall, this essay will display a thorough representation and discussion on how gay marriage can be positioned in society with valid points made both ‘for and against’. Gay marriage has slowly become a significant factor amongst individuals of today’s society. Similarly, this leads to the discussion of homosexuals having the right to marry in society. Ultimately, conflict from the opposing position of ‘against’ gay marriage may arise that gay marriage can destroy the concept of marriage and mock the importance of procreation. In reference to this; everyone in society has the right to marry regardless of...
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...Same Sex -Marriage What comes to one’s mind when he or she hears same-sex marriage? Same sex marriage or gay marriage is the union of two people from the same-sex. In the United States marriage is approved, currently five states have legalized same-sex by vote to the State Legislature. The issue has been controversial, because for many people same-sex-marriage is considered immoral. Most religions see homosexuality as abnormality because of their religious believes. In the article “Gay Marriage, an Oxymoron” by Lisa Schiffren. In the article she claims that the basis for society to develop and support marriage is for people to engender and raise children in the normal form. Her allegation is that is that same-sex marriage should not be legalized because making it legal will change the definition society gives marriage, giving it a different definition that will try to make same-sex marriage equivalent to heterosexual marriage. Schifrin fails to argue in her article based on the following subjects of discussion: religion, the importance of children in marriage, the fairness of legal benefits. First Lisa Schifrin brings out religions, more specifically Judeo-Christians claims that the concept of same-sex marriage is contradictory. In her article she express in her writing. “Same-sex marriage” is inherently incompatible with our culture’s understanding of the institution. Marriage is essentially a lifelong compact between a man and a woman committed to sexual exclusivity...
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...POL210: Final Project Gay Marriage Abstract Gay marriage has many viewpoints both for and against. These viewpoints are from religious organizations as well as studies that have provided statistics regarding gay marriage. There are many articles that are used for research that disprove many of the theories that religious organizations use to defend the opposition of gay marriage. Religious based bias against gay marriage comes from beliefs and a person’s moral make up. Gay marriage has been legalized in places like Massachusetts for over eleven years. There has been little to no impact on gay marriage. Studies show that gay marriage is actually a benefit rather than a disadvantage to the general population. An analysis of those for or against gay marriage show that arguments that are solely based on religion can be disproved by actual studies that have been conducted rather than religious rhetoric. There are five basic arguments against gay marriage. They are: 1. It would weaken the definition and respect for the institution of marriage. 2. It would further weaken the traditional family values essential to our society. 3. It could provide a slippery slope in the legality of marriage (e.g. having multiple wives or marrying an animal could be next). 4. It confuses children about gender roles and expectations of society, and only a man & woman can pro-create. 5. The gay lifestyle is not something to be encouraged, as a lot of research shows it leads to...
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...Gay Marriage Research Paper Did you know that only 17 states in the United States have officially legalized gay marriage? Some of these states include: California Maryland, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York. Maryland became the first state to pass a statute banning marriage between same-sex couples on January 1st, 1973. Then, President Bill Clinton signs the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) into law on September 21st, 1996. The DOMA mandates unequal treatment of legally married same-sex couples. 3 years later, California becomes the first state to create a domestic partnership statute, on September 22, 1999 allowing same-sex couples to receive some, but not all, of the protections afforded by marriage. (History and Timeline of the Freedom to Marry in the United States). Gay marriage should be legalized in all states because it will boost the economy, it will provide health benefits for the couples , more children will get adopted, and because it can allow same-sex couples to visit their spouse in case they are at the hospital. Making gay marriage legal will boost the economy for sure. Why you ask? It is because the more marriages there are, the more money the state earns. Same-sex couples spend at an average of $9,039 on their weddings, while 31% spent $10,000 dollars or more. New York statistics show that after the first year of legalizing gay marriage, they gained $259 million dollars. (CNNMoney) . Also, according to a 2005 Stanford study cited by the Fiscal Times...
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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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...November 8, 2012 Fighting for Gay Rights Over the past few decades, homosexuality has started to become noticed in many cities, TV shows, and even movies. By noticeable, I mean less “closeted” individuals who are not afraid to show their true selves. More and more people are becoming socially accepting of homosexuals after realizing that their intentions and overall lifestyle follows the same as heterosexual people. We all face the same implications of life, including forming relationships, drama, raising a family, working and paying taxes, etc. Ranging from common folk to famous celebrities and even royalty, homosexuality seems to affect many in ways that also range from positive to negative as well. It is a complication not by the individuals who feel and exhibit it, but due to a lifestyle that demands respect and acknowledgement. The gay community, or LGBT, today faces many obstacles when it comes down to fighting for equality. In many schools around the United States, a broader sense of welcome has opened up for those individuals who seek sanctuary in coming out to their friends and loved ones. In The Advocate Magazine, the national gay and lesbian magazine for many teenagers, a freshman from Minneapolis named Javier shares his story about coming out to everyone at his new high school but is concerned of what just may happen. In his time at high school, Javier meets a teacher that is lesbian who understands him and helps support him as they form a gay-straight alliance for many...
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...Policy Frameworks Amy Lind University of Virginia Studies in Women and Gender Program This article addresses the effects of heterosexist bias in social welfare policy frameworks on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals and families in the United States. It discusses the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA), the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), federal definitions of family and household, and stereotypes about LGBT individuals. It argues that poor LGBT individuals and families lack full citizen rights and access to needed social services as a result of these explicit and implicit biases. Key words: Welfare reform; family policy; civil rights; gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LGBT); heterosexism Welfare reform is fundamentally about family policy—about promoting and privileging particular kinds of families, and about penalizing and stigmatizing others. (Cahill and Jones 2002: 1). Two pieces of legislation were passed in 1996 that set an important tone for family policy in the United States: The 1996 Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA), an act that expanded welfare-to-work programs throughout the country, restricted people’s access to public assistance, and crystallized the broader restructuring of public-private boundaries; and the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which defines marriage as a legal union between a man and a woman. At first glance, the two initiatives appear unrelated...
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...Running head: FEDERAL DEFENSE OF MARRIAGE ACT (DOMA) ANALYSIS Federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) Analysis Ashanti Craine Northwestern State University Analysis of Contemporary Social Policy Issues SOWK 4350 Professor Sepora Fisher, LCSW April 29, 2013 Abstract The Law plays a prominent role in the 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...
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...homosexual? What is homosexual marriage? Homosexual is defined as same-sex; meaning ‘sexually attracted only to people of the same-sex as oneself’ (Oxford Dictionary, 2000, p. 883). Homosexual marriage is between two same-sex partners’ also known as same-sex marriage. Homosexual marriage is illegal in some countries and states on a decade of a century ago. The government and the society’s point of view towards the marriage institution should only consist of a man and a woman. The trend of homosexual couples are increasingly gaining approved in other countries but they are still not been allowed to marry. However, in 2004, Massachusetts which is a part of the America is the first state that was allowed same-sex couples to marry (Vestal, 2009). Same-sex marriage was gradually permitted in some countries. According to the Confessore and Barbaro (2011), New York has the highest rate where gay and lesbian couples get married. Due to this, it is obvious that homosexual couples wish that their relationship can be accepted by the society. Nowadays, majority of the people have no problem towards the issue of homosexuality. According to a questionnaire result that was stated in the Beijing News, 100 percent out of 83 percent of the respondents born in 1980 years to 1990 years did not disagree of homosexuality (The Star, 2012, p. 39). The purpose of this paper is to point out that homosexual couples have their rights to marry as legalizing homosexual marriage can also bring a multitude advantages...
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...Table of Contents · Introduction · Homosexual Marriages Should Have the Same Rights as Heterosexual Marriages. · Comparisons to Other Countries · Europe · Africa · Background · First Argument with Gay Marriage · Changes in the Ability to Get Married · Hate Crimes · Identification of Policy Alternatives · Legalizing Gay Marriage Amongst All States · Legalizing Gay Marriage Amongst All States, but Naming it “Civil Unions” · Legalizing Gay Marriage/Civil Unions Against Some States, Recognizing it in All · Recommendation · References INTRODUCTION: Same Sex Marriages Having Same Rights as Heterosexual Marriages Gay marriage has been an active debate amongst politicians, religious figures, and the public. The debate has spanned over a decade with little change for either side. The issue of gay marriage is not just about the name of what the union is called, but the right to be able to legally join as homosexual couples with the same rights as heterosexual couples. Reasons for someone to be in favor of this topic are that there should be a separation of religion and politics, it deprives homosexuals of their natural rights, and this issue has escalated to violent hate crimes towards homosexuals. As it stands, currently 9 million adults are homosexuals, representing 4 percent of the 18 and over population in the United States with no signs of diminishing. Public administrators have done little...
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...Same-Sex Marriage Chip Dodds COM/172 May 21, 2013 Dr. Rosalind Williams Same-Sex Marriage Same-sex couples should be able to enjoy all of the same spousal rights along with benefits that are concurrent with applicable federal and state statutes that traditional couples enjoy. With more states legalizing same-sex marriages, it is becoming clearer that this is an issue that cannot and will not go away quietly. The politicians that seek to define marriage as a union between a man and a woman are stating that it is perfectly all right legally to discriminate against American citizens solely on the basis of his or her sexual preference. According to the United States Constitution, it is stated that “all men are equal under the law.” For same-sex couples, it is their right to love who they choose to love and provide for their families and loved ones. Under the current laws and statutes, same-sex couples are not allowed to do so. Marriage equality is rapidly becoming a hot topic on the American political landscape. Some of the rights that same-sex couples face include that same-sex couples are not eligible to file jointly as a married couple and thus cannot take the advantages of lower tax rates when the individual income of the partners differs significantly. Another right that same-sex couples cannot enjoy is that they cannot protect a jointly-owned home from loss because...
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