...Marriage Equality in the United States Com172 Marriage Equality in the United States There is a crusade against same-sex couples in the United States of America, and this conflict affects the rights of those in love with someone of the same-sex wanting a peaceful life in matrimony. It is a persistent battle, and continues to be as difficult as the fight for women’s rights and the desegregation conflicts of the past. Infringing upon Civil rights makes this a matter of human decency, and ignorance-based resistance makes it a matter of fear. Both sides have evoked controversy from political and religious standpoints, and both sides have fought diligently for their beliefs. However, when two consenting adults decide to marry, it is not the business of the government to dictate the relationship between the impending spouses. Marriage is the right of all consenting adults, and when those rights are the property of the state simply because of religious beliefs or personal beliefs, same-sex couples become second-class citizens. In the United States, there are only 13 states legally accepting same-sex marriage, 35 states that consider it illegal and two states that have made no legal decision. Of the 13 states recognizing same-sex marriage, the fight to extend those rights to a federal level has been arduous, making a first major win recently, in June 2013. The Supreme Court ruled the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) to be unconstitutional, stating, "DOMA singles out a class of persons...
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...whomever we desire is not one of them. There should be no limits or rules in place against the marriage of same-sex couples, and we should each get the happiness we are told that we are granted. What is marriage? The definition of marriage is “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”. Though that is how the law sees marriage, it should be defined as a union between two people, regardless of gender, based on their love and commitment. When a man and a woman decide to take the step in getting married, it is no one person’s business but whomever they wish to have involved. If it is not considered an issue for two people of the opposite gender to get married, then why does it have to be a complicated matter when it is two people of the same gender involved? Why is discrimination against same-sex marriage wrong? History tells us that discrimination in our country can be overcome, especially when the discrimination is unconstitutional. According to the Equal Protection Clause in the Fourteenth Amendment, “…nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law…” Denying same-sex couples the right to marry is also denying them of the liberty they rightfully should have. Along with the topic of government law comes the Defense of Marriage Act. It states that “no state, territory, or possession of the United States…shall be required...
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...Marriage Equality Have you ever been in love? And have you ever had someone try and tell you that you can’t or shouldn’t be with that person? If you have, then I’m sure you did everything you could to try and be with them. Fighting for someone or something that you love can be tiring and stressful. Homosexuals have been fighting for years to get the right to be together. They’ve protested, complained, fought, and argued to try and change the minds of the world. We live in a society where we try and fit in and be like others, so we start to agree with others even if we know it’s wrong. Same sex marriage should be legalized in every state so that no matter where you go you’ll always have the right to be you and be with the person you choose. In 1988, there was a much higher opposition towards same sex marriage, almost everyone was against it. I think the reason for this is because religion was much more of an issue back then than it is now. Now in 2014, people have seemed to become more comfortable with the fact that people are homosexual and getting married. It’s almost like there’s a stereotype of people who are against it though. They say that its elderly people, African Americans, and republicans that seemed to be the most opposing ones. If the issue has come this far in such a short amount of time, I can only imagine how little of time it will take for same sex marriage to be legal in the entire country (Changing Same Sex Marriage Attitudes In America From 1988 Through...
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...Ameilia Davis Professor Walters English 101 30 June 2014 Same-Sex Marriage Equality They say that marriage is between a man and a woman. But personally, I believe marriage is between love and love. These two loves can be man and woman, or even man and man, or woman and woman. Same-sex marriage should be legal because two people in love have the right to be together, as a married couple. It is uncivilized and unmerited to infringe upon the rights of those who choose to be with one of the same sex. The Constitution states many of our rights, mainly life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness which no man should be deprived of. The last one, though, being deprived of homosexual and bisexual people; they cannot be married to the one person they truly love which violates their freedoms. There are only nineteen states, according to gaymarriage.procon.org, that have legalized same-sex marriage which are: California, Delaware, Maine, Utah, Virginia, Oklahoma, Texas, Michigan, Arkansas, Idaho, Wisconsin, and Indiana. But in other states, such as: Alaska, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Nebraska, Missouri, North Dakota, Ohio, Kentucky, Kansas, Mississippi, Georgia, Louisiana, and Alabama same sex marriage is not allowed, let alone a civil partnership. You can ask: why should same-sex marriage be legalized? But then, I would ask: who is the person next to you, or you yourself, someone to dictate who marries who? Like the Loving V. Virginia case, they could not be married because...
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...The Struggle for Equality in Marriage of Gay and Lesbian Couples William Rigney COM156 4-14-2013 Meg Mikovitis Gay marriage, those two words have the power to stir up controversy, feelings and discussion like no others. Those two words have driven a wedge between the people of the United States, a wedge of tolerance and intolerance. There does not seem to be any middle ground with this debate, one is either in support of this issue of gay marriage, or one is opposed to it. Whatever your feelings are regarding this issue, there is no denying that gay marriage will be an issue for debate for a very long time. While religion may say it is wrong many people believe gay and lesbian couples deserve the same rights as straight couples and do not deserve to be treated differently. Webster’s dictionary defines marriage as n., (1) the state of being united to a person of the opposite sex as husband or wife in a consensual or contractual relationship recognized by law,(2) the state of being united to a person of the same sex in a relationship like that of a traditional marriage <same-sex marriage>. This change in definition was made in 2003. Marriage should be about getting married to that special someone that you love, it is not just a piece of paper that ties us together. It also involves legal, economic and social aspects as well. Civil unions and domestic partnerships are discussed every day in society, but neither is the same as a “legal” marriage, and are not afforded...
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...Robert Murray Ms. Arthurs English 100 22 October 2014 Marriage Equality in America Marriage is an important part of our society. A civil and emotional bond between two lovers, the strongest and most sacred there is. Imagine how indignant we would be if we as Americans were denied this essential right. Fortunately, this is the land of the free, and most of us have the legal and social privilege to get married and raise a family. Unfortunately, there are about 11.7 million people who get left out of this deal because their partner is the same gender as they are. These marriages are no different from other legal marriages, yet we still refuse to recognize them in the United States. A miniscule six states have made these marriages legal. The main reason is that there are opponents of marriage equality with concerns as to the consequences of allowing marriage equality. Present here are the largest concerns of the opposition, accompanied by compromises and solutions which are backed by research and dispelling of common myths and misconceptions. Many people rationalize their bias against marriage equality with the claim that non-heteroexuality is unnatural. We are a nation of progress. We are always innovating and inventing and bringing new things into our culture. Are SmartPhones and iPods “natural”? Are polyester and air conditioning “natural”? Are the medications keeping our our loved ones in the hospital alive “natural”? No. The American lifestyle has adopted these “unnatural”...
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...“Same-Sex Marriage and the Civil Rights Movement” Shelby Atkinson COM/170 April 27, 2015 Vanessa D. Hayden “Same-Sex Marriage and the Civil Rights Movement” Is the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s and the fight for same-sex marriage the same? African Americans fought discrimination and unfair treatment, segregation and hate for being who they were. Same-sex couples are doing the same thing, now in fighting for equality, rights, and liberties that America owes them all. Same-sex couples may not have been enslaved, but doesn’t that mean same-sex couples don't feel hurt all the same by not being allowed to be with someone they love or in danger because of it. Just because they didn't endure the years of hardship that African Americans doesn't mean same-sex couples don't have their fair share of discrimination for extremely illegitimate reasons. It boils down to people’s blatant fear of change and allowing anything new to blossom. Marriage equality is the same fight as the Civil Rights Movement because it will benefit everyone, end discrimination, and make a better future for our country. Marriage equality will benefit everyone like the Civil Rights Movement did in the 1960’s. Federal, state, and local government will benefit the same ways it did after the Civil Rights Movement. There are 1,138 benefits, rights, and protections available to married couples, but not to same-sex couples until marriage equality is approved everywhere. Marriage equality will create opportunities...
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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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...Susan Lowman-Thomas English 102 22 Feb 2014 When thinking about same-sex marriage some of the the most common questions that appear have to do with the impact it will have. How will this effect todays society such as the impact on the future generation, the affect on the institution of marriage, and the legality of gay marriage. Most of all this paper will cover some questions that have to do about how society’s attitude toward gay marriage has changed. The most common occurrence of this topic is in current events in the United States. Same-sex marriage is the big topic of discussion now and is very relevant today with changing the institution of marriage. The long term effects of the continuing changes to the institution of marriage are the battle of equality, giving the rights for all couples to marry. Although many changes have happened throughout the history of marriage, struggles still occur today for all types of marriages. This topic influences everyone today. People have an opinion on the situation whether good or bad. The impact of this subject is huge. Not only are the people who are fighting for equality affected but everyone else as well. Even if people turn their cheek to the issue they still play a role. Same-sex relationships will continue to evolve and it will take everyone’s involvement to make changes. For instance interracial marriage has paved the way for marriage equality and much of what interracial couple have gone through is what same-sex couples...
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...LGBT Equality {Name} DeVry University LGBT Equality Rights for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) people in the United States are comprised of a patchwork of laws in all levels of government. Currently, there are six states, plus Washington D.C., where same-sex marriages are legal. (Hamilton, 2012) Maryland has laws that recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states, but does not allow same-sex marriages to occur in the state.(Davis & Wagner, 2010) Twenty-one states, plus Washington D.C., have laws against discrimination based on sexual orientation or identity.(Repa, n.d.) Adoption policies also vary greatly from state to state. LGBT rights have taken part of the fight that republicans and religious fundamentalists have waged against LGBT people and women’s rights that has swept the county in the last couple of years. Although some people believe that LGBT people should not receive equal marriage or adoption rights, there are many reasons to extend those basic rights to LGBT couples. In the United States, there is a patchwork of laws regarding LGBT rights. In fact, there is a Supreme Court judgment in 2003 that started the move towards equality. The landmark case was the Lawrence v. Texas, which struck down sodomy laws in Texas. This, by extension, invalidated other similar laws in 13 other states and territories. (Lithwick, 2012) In 2009, President Obama passed the Mathew Shepard act.(Weiner, 2010) This act brought about one of the largest...
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...Gay marriage is a controversial topic in society today. Most Americans do not agree with same sex marriage because of religious beliefs. What they fail to realize is that banning gay marriage will go against the United States Declaration of Independence well known phrase, “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness”. Homosexuals have nothing to do with heterosexuals. The homosexual community harms and destructs nobody and no one. That being said, people should not be so hostile against same sex marriage. Americans should have their own rights to enjoy life with their significant other, whether that being with the same sex or not. Society today should learn how to respect other peoples choice of style and preference. Marriage itself is between two people. Therefore, does it matter if it’s with the same sex? People should not be judged based off of their sexual orientation, but by the content of their character. Happiness should not be determined by others nor by the government. When viewed by others people should not see black or white, gay or straight. As a community, we...
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...Same Sex Marriage US Laws Same Sex Marriage US Laws Legal Standpoint Over the past eighteen months America has seen a shift in the views on same sex marriage. In June 2013, the Supreme Court decided to fight any appeals that were brought in California to overturn Proposition 8. From the federal standpoint, the Supreme Court wants to leave all decisions of marriage and civil unions up to state votes. U.S. Supreme Court declined jurisdiction on the appeal to the court decision that overturned California’s Proposition 8, which limited marriages to relationships between a man and a woman and prohibited same-sex marriages. While in New York anyone can get married and not have to be a resident of the state. 2012 Candidate Stance on Marriage Equality 2012 brought the United States two worthy candidates who each had very different views of the same sex marriage debate. The Democratic candidate President Obama is in favor stance was pro and to this day still stands by marriage equality. “President Obama ended nearly two years of "evolving" by declaring his support for legalizing same-sex marriage Wednesday, a historic step that is sure to raise the profile of a divisive social issue in the 2012 campaign for the White House. “ (Fitzgerald, 2012) On the other hand Republican candidate Mitt Romney is against same sex marriage. “I indicated my view, which is I do not favor marriage between people of the same gender, and I do not favor civil unions if they are identical to...
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...Is homosexual marriage a right or privilege? Julie Camp PHI: 103 Informal Logic Instructor: Stephen Krogh September 24, 2013 Is Homosexual marriage a right or privilege? Informal logic is used to provide reasoning’s to assist in examining an argument. A conclusion needs well supporting evidence to provide productive and positive results. A political argument today is on homosexual marriage. My argument will be that the union of homosexual marriage does not have strong enough reasons to provide a productive and positive result because first, God created the institution of marriage, moreover going against the values and morals this country was built on, lastly same sex marriage will not produce a fruitful union. First, God created the institution of marriage between opposite sexes. A nation build on Christianity and under god, religious beliefs found to be just as important as the political one on equality. Traditionalist argue that marriage between a man and a woman should not be changed because of “prism of contemporary American society” (Campbell & Robinson, 2007, p. 131). This is the refracting of understanding of scripture. As Montgomery (2003) states in Kingston-Whig Standard “God is still the supreme ruler of this land, and neither the multicultural program of liberalism nor the strong homosexual political machine can change that, no matter how hard they try” ( para. 8) . Regarding the war on gay marriage the public opinion constitutes a “hard case” for the...
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...lead by a charismatic man, Harvey Milk, who would be elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Harvey Milk continuously fought to de-marginalize the LBGTQ community fighting and dying for his cause. Milk would be assassinated in 1979 becoming the communities first great martyr. Over the following 24 years this fight would meet with great victories and terrible disappointments. Today the battle for these rights still continues, with passionate people on both sides. Attitudes in most parts of this country are evolving, more people are in favor of gay rights and same-sex marriage, but this is not enough. This issue, which has been labeled so many things, needs to be called what it really is. This issue is a matter of civil liberties, this is a fight for the civil rights of a persecuted minority in the United States of America. Today this fight is being waged on the battlefield of marriage and until all people’s of this great nation are able to legally marry, not anything less, only then will they be treated with the respect and dignity that we are all granted in The Constitution of the United States of America. Claims-Making These claims are being...
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...Same-Sex Marriage Some people believe marriage means the combination of the two opposite-sexes or a union between a male and female. Other say that marriage is the permanent relationship between two people regardless of their sex. Most member of churches and religions are against same sex marriages and they said that gay and lesbian marriages are not acceptable in our society. However, same sex marriages should be legalized in the United States because gay marriage is request for equality and will not harm opposite sex marriage or children of same sex marriages. Marriage equality has been approved for same-sex couples in many states of the United States. “By Court Decision, State Legislative, and popular Vote, 16 states have legal same sex marriage and 33 states ban same-sex marriage in America,” says Revel & Riot, marking a new point for same sex marriage down the Defense of Marriage Act while upholding marriage equality in California. As a result, same-sex marriages were approved in California on June 28, 2013. Now gays and lesbians are free to fall in love and get married to whoever they want. In addition, marriage equality brought same sex couples quite a lot of benefits such as “hospital visitation, child custody, adoption, parenting rights, medical decision-making power, and automatic inheritance, divorce protections, spousal and child support, access to family insurance policies”…etc. (Revel & Riot). However, people of 33 states disagree with marriage equality...
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