...The ethical dilemma surrounding gay marriages Homosexuality is an erotic reaction to the sexual desire of people of the same sex. It is not only about sexual intercourse with similar sex as this could be as a result of limited sexual chances or even rituals in cultural practices. Homosexuality has been considered as a mental disorder. Some think it is Satanism. The issue of gay marriages is a hot topic in our country today. Some states have legalized gay marriages while other states still refuse same sex marriages. For instance in march last year, Michigan State legalized same sex marriages and later the same day, the ruling was stayed and later in the month, a central appeal court stayed the ruling for an indefinite period (Koppel & Jones,...
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...Professional, Ethical, and Legal Issues in Human Services-BSHS/332 Professor: Brad Leedy, MSSW Many of us have been brought up in some type of religious beliefs. Many of the religions follow the guidelines of the Bible. By following the Bible many learn their ethics in life. Those who follow the teachings of the Bible also believe that a marriage is between a man and a woman. They also believe that a man to lay with another man or a woman to lay with another woman is an abomination. Same sex marriages have such an ethical dynamic that it has caused great controversy. The topic of same sex marriages has become such an ethical issue in the United States and other countries through the world. Both people who are in favor and those who are opposed to same sex marriages are very strong in their beliefs. This ethical dilemma is a delicate subject. Since this topic has so many different views it makes it a very controversial topic. The issue of same sex marriages continues to change due to the very strong opinions in regards to the topic. In this paper I will touch on the past issues of same sex marriages, the current issues, the changes that are taking place, the future of this situation, as well as my opinion and the dynamics of same sex marriages. In the United States the history of same sex marriages is not very long. In 1993 because of a case in the state of Hawaii the issue of same sex marriages brought national...
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...Gay Marriage Tina M. Keena SOC 120: Introductions to Ethics & Social Responsibility Instructor: Daniel Beteta August 31, 2012 Gay Marriage “The protection of fundamental human rights was a foundation stone in the establishment of the United States over 200 years ago. Since then, a central goal of U.S. foreign policy has been the promotion of respect for human rights, as embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The United States understands that the existence of human rights helps secure 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...
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...The Rights of Same-Sex Marriage Erin Collier SOC 120 Brianne Larson July 1, 2013 Same-sex couples who commit to one another and choose to share every aspect of their lives should have all have of the same rights and responsibilities as a hetero-sexual couple. Discrimination, no matter what form it takes, is wrong. Surely we have all been on the receiving end of discrimination at some point in our lives and usually for something out of our control like race, gender religion, age, weight, height or even something as silly as hair color. Why is society so quick to judge people for something beyond their control, like who they fall in love with? Being gay is not a choice, a lifestyle, or a phase – it is just what someone is, and to deny someone the right to share their life and everything that entails with the person they love is simply wrong. My own daughter came out to me when she was a freshman in high school. I cannot deny that I was a little bit sad, even as open minded as I am, but I soon got over it and embraced my child for who she is not what she is. I think my sadness came from the thought of what she will have to endure for the rest of her life, the discrimination, the hate, the ignorance of others. She is now 19 and in the Navy and even though being gay in the military is now allowed does not make it always tolerated by everyone she encounters. Is it ethical to deny a same-sex couple that has been together for 20 years the same rights as a heterosexual...
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...The Ethical Issue of Homosexuality Oct. 31, 2011 Homosexuality is defined as the romantic and sexual attraction to a member of the same sex. The conclusion that the behavioral and social sciences, as well as the health and mental professions is that homosexuality is a normal human sexual orientation. (Bell, Weinberg & Hammersmith) (Bullough) (Ford & Beach) (Kinsey, Pomeroy, & Martin) (Kinsey, Pomeroy, Martin, & Gebhard ) Homosexuality was once looked at as a mental disorder, and was listed as such in medical journals until 1973, and to this day scientists can only theorize as to what actually causes someone to become homosexual. Some believe it has a biological nature, while others believe not only that it is a mental disorder, but a tool of a being named Satan. Barbara Blewster, a member of the Arizona State Legislature was quoted as saying, "The perversion that follows homosexuality is bestiality and then human sacrifice and cannibalism." This is where the ethical issues of homosexuality arise. The issue ranges from attitudes like Mrs. Blewster’s who believe homosexuality to be an abomination and a sin, to those who feel that discrimination and hate toward someone who was just “born that way” is unethical. This leads us into the question of homosexual marriage. Should homosexuals be granted the same holy matrimony that heterosexual couples have? The first recorded depiction of homosexuality was found in Mesopotamia, circa 3000 BC where artifacts...
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...GAY MARRIAGE 1 Gay Marriage In The United States By: Michael White SOC. 120 PJ Rosch April 2, 2012 GAY MARRIAGE 2 America is a place where a person man or woman can be whoever they want to be. America is the only place in the world where freedom reigns everywhere in the country. But, Why is it that two men or women who love each other can not get married?. Here and now people in LGBT community are fighting for equality. They want the same right as people who are considered to be regular americans to get married. Opposing forces such as certain religous groups, and several other organizations are fighting to stop this from happening. There is an easy solution to the problem why not let people be. If America is truly a land of freedom and expression then why is same sex marriage is prohibited. HISTORY Gay Marriage is something that has been going on for centuries all around the world. Same sex marriage existed in places such as China dated as far back as the Ming Dynasty. The relationships consisted of men and women mostly women who entered into contracts with younger men and women in a fancy ceremony. These ceremonies are similar to the modern day wedding between a male and female. The first recorded gay marriage occured during the Roman Empire. This marriage was between an Emperor by the name of Elagabus and slave named Hierocles. This marriage still was not fair because in the eyes of the Roman Law, the slave Hierocles was noted as a female. Various Cultures...
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...RUNNING HEAD: SAME SEX ADOPTION-AN ETHICAL DILEMMA Same Sex Adoption- An Ethical Dilemma The topic of homosexual equality is a very controversial one for many people; from legalizing gay marriage to inequality in the workplace. Homosexual adoption is another issue that is overlooked by many. The view of a happy and healthy family in the United States has always been looked at as a traditional mother, father, 2.5 kids a dog and a goldfish and that the child’s wellbeing is determined by having a good, strong mother and a father to teach and guide their children to be the best they can be. However, what about the opposite? Many same-sex couples are ready and willing to adopt and have a family of their own, but many states have laws in place that ban same-sex couples from being able to adopt. This ban on same-sex adoption leaves thousands of children without families in the foster care system or in unstable households where they will never reach their full potential. Currently, there are 130,000 children in the foster care system without a permanent family (Ryan, Averett, & Nalavany, 2009). Giving same-sex couples the opportunity to adopt could lessen the load and give more children loving, healthy, and happy permanent families. As of today, 24 states recognize same-sex marriage and only 19; including Washington DC permit same-sex couples to jointly adopt; which allows a couple to adopt a child at the same time. 13 states permit second-parent adoption...
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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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...that man should not be alone; it also states that marriage should be between a man and a woman, and it is an abomination for man to lay with man and woman with women. The bible was something that all families based their guidelines for life, values, ethics, and beliefs and no one dares to go against it. As I researched an ethical dynamic that has caused much controversy, in the United States, same sex marriage has become an ethical issue. Because of very strong opinions regarding same sex marriages from both the pros and the cons, the issues continue to change. The individuals for same sex marriages and the individuals against same sex marriages tend to represent their beliefs and values very strong. This topic can has many views, which makes it extremely controversial; to go through all the ethical issues of this topic will be impossible. In this paper the past issues regarding same sex marriage, the current issues, changes taking place, the future of these situations, and my opinion on the issue and dynamics of same sex marriages. This ethical dilemma is a very delicate subject. The Previous Situation The history of same-sex marriage is short but heated in the United States. This issue was first bought to national attention in 1993 because of a case in Hawaii. The judge that presided over this case thought that the United States Constitution was a reason not to give homosexual individuals equal rights in marriage. Because of the judge’s ruling, Congress was driven...
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...Ethical Dilemma Paper Do you think same-sex marriage should be legal? Some cons of gay marriage is that it will legalize other marriages. Like, fathers and daughters, people and animals and group marriages. Also, it will raise taxes and people should not have to pay for things they do not believe in. Gay couples cannot have children. They would have to adopt or find a surrogate mother. Children need both a mother and father. A father and mother both play very different roles in a childs life. With same-sex couples it might confuse the child and they might not get the same relaptionship a hetrosexual couple might give their child. A child might be confused if they have two moms or two dads. They might end up gay because they are being persuaded by their parents. Allowing gay marriage could change the intuition of marriage. People in further generations might be confused and persuade other people it’s okay for this to happen. Homosexuality is unnatural, it’s not how humans have been in past generations. Also, it’s not what’s in the bible. It’s not what God intended for people to be. God said it’s a sin and unnatural. Everyone has a right to their opinion and it should be up to the person what they want to believe in or not. Would you want to be denied your right to be married? Denying a person a right to marry is unethical. Marriage is a right to all human beings and should be allowed everywhere and to anyone. There are thirty seven states where same-sex marriage is legal. Gay...
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...of an ethical issue than a political one. Numerous religions evoke the practice of homosexuals. Those who stand against homosexuality are considered to be homophobic, their choice to do so is no less nor greater than the decision someone makes to like their own. Discrimination and marginalization of gay people is present in almost every society, despite the global stride for equality. People who despise or abominate homosexuals built their rebellion upon teachings from the bible. However, if every sin mirrors the same weight, why isn't there laws that stands against adultery? This shows how humanity's perception of life is warped and twisted to satisfy what we think is acceptable. Prohibiting gay marriage is grounds of discrimination, evidently preventing someone from being happy and satisfied should not be within human protocol. It is no longer a theory rather its reality and also adoption rates will genuinely sky rocket due to their inability to reproduce. Scrutinizing someone's lifestyle from a prospective that it should imitate yours, is contradicting humanity's theme, equality. Despite one's skin color, race or gender, they should have equal rights and be entitled to privileges that everyone considered acceptable is. Likewise with homosexuals, their sexual orientation should be a norm among this predominantly borderline society. Within the LGBT community (Lesbians Gays Bisexual Transvestites) they all share this one mutual thought; their choice to be gay should...
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...What would happen if gay marriage were to be legalized across the country? Would a third World War break out? Would Various plagues erupt nationwide? Would schools begin teaching kids how to have gay sex? Would the terrorists win? Probably not; although, my intuition tells me that the “worst” thing that could possibly come from the legalization of gay marriage is, well, the marriage of gay couples. Now, I do not recall the legal union of two heterosexual strangers influencing an individuals life in our world today; why would it if these two individuals happened to be homosexual? When addressing the theories of ethics, cultural relativism states that cultures evolve in the way that species do (pp) . Over the past years, decades, generations, and centuries, our country has come and exceedingly long way in regards to what is considered morally right and wrong. Amongst many contentions within the longevity of our nation there were notorious ones such as: the ban of interracial marriages, prohibition era, the advertising of cigarette smoking, and even the fact that years ago it was morally incorrect for a married couple to sleep in the same bed. Interracial marriages were viewed almost identically to how gay marriage is viewed today: iniquitous and abominate. When the ban was lifted in 1967 it progressively became okay for interracial couples to get married, and now at least a fourth of Americas population is biracial. When the prohibition era ended, the selling, manufacturing...
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...Should the Federal Government Pass Legislation to Support Same Sex Marriages America is a Christian country founded upon Christian beliefs that are built on values and morals which is why it is understandable for gay marriages to be frowned upon in most states. However America is also the land of the freed which means Americans have the freedom of choice. But are gays limited to their choice? Which raises the question should same sex marriages be legalized? I. Why Should The Federal Government Pass Legislation to Support Same Sex Marriages? 1. Denying them is a violation of religious freedom and can be considered a form of minority discrimination. 2. Marriage benefits such as joint ownership, medical decision-making capacity, health plans, and taxes should be available to all couples. Any benefits that apply to man-woman marriages apply to same-sex marriages. 3. Homosexuality is an accepted lifestyle nowadays with most evidence strongly supporting biological causation. This lifestyle doesn’t hurt society, it is those who are judging the lifestyle and preventing same sex couples to marry that are hurting society’s growth and development. 4. It encourages people to have strong family values - promotes monogamous relationships. Raising a child in a two parent home creates a stronger foundation for the child. II. Same Sex Marriages Should Not Be Legalized. 1. Gay lifestyles can confuse children about gender roles and expectations of society and procreation...
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...The benifits of Same-sex Marriage I. Introduction http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20141012/PC16/141019796 Marriage itself contains many different aspects of ethical values and traditions concepts. The scope of same-sex marriages issues are far-reaching than the marriage itself. It was helpful business if we legalized gay marriage. For there are many different views on the same system of marriage, and I divided into three part to discuss the benefits after legalize same-sex marriage for country, society, and individual. II. The benefits for the country A. Care about one’s human rights The U.N. High Commissioner, Navi Pillay, was quoted on February 2011: Law regard same-sex as a criminal will seriously violate the basic rights of those people (Navi Pillay, 2011)If a country could legalized same sex marriage, it may means this country really care about the importance of basic human right. Start from country, ask people to give same sex couples a different sexual orientation and basic respect. And also, give same-sex couples the same rights with heterosexual people. With this same right and equal treatment. People will be more willing to perform their social obligation. At the same time, if it is able to legalize same-sex marriage, it could also decrease discrimination. Avoid same-sex couple treated as inferior. B. Good for economy The goverment will get positive boost if gay marriage are legalized. The legalization of same-sex marriage brings boundless business...
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...Gay Marriages: Right or Wrong? SOC 120: Introduction to Ethics & Social Responsibility Instructor: Danielle Ely May 19, 2013 Gay Marriages: Right or Wrong? Gay marriage has been a touchy topic in society for many years now. It is an ethical issue because it goes against most people norms and this alone causes many problems. Deciding whether it is right or wrong is the issue at hand. Many people believe that two people of the same sex should not be allowed to get married, while others think that it is ok. In this case, who can we say is right and who is wrong. Is that really our decision to make? Mosser, (2010). states, “A natural way to see if an act is the right thing to do or the wrong thing to do is to look at its results, or consequences.” I agree that before making decision in life we must first determine how critical it is and how it might affect the people around us. Also, are we ready to suffer the consequences we may face such as family members and people in the community not supporting us? Utilitarianism believes that, if you are given a set of choices, the act that we should choose is the act which produces the best results for the largest number of people affected by that decision. Relativism disables us from making our objections to practices that appears not just wrong relative to a society's values, but plain out simply wrong. Also, it can be very hard to figure out what one's culture is in the relevant ethical sense to make relativism work, and it...
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