...Ngezem English 1101 10 November 2014 Marriage Equality Marriage equality has become one of the most controversial topics in 2014. Even though it only has a direct effect on a small portion of the world, everyone else seems to have their own opinion on it, whether it be negative or positive. In a perfect world, everyone would be able to marry the one they love without anyone having a problem with it, but in our world, there are laws in most countries banning same sex marriage. Even though in these same countries, people are allowed to go on wild vacations, get drunk, foolishly marry someone they barely know and then get a divorce a few days later; it is illegal for two people that have been together for years or even decades to get married because they are of the same sex. Marriage equality has come a very long way in the United States. In 1924 in Chicago, The Society of Human rights became the first known gay rights organizations in the US. Then in 1951, The Mattachine Society, which was the first national gay rights organization, was formed by Harry Hay who became known to many as the founder of the gay rights movement. One of the most well known progressions in gay rights history is the Stonewall Riots. On June 28th, 1969, the patrons of the Stonewall Inn fought back against what had become regular, tolerated, city sanctioned harassment by the police department. For the first time in history Gay people refused to accept the status quo of oppression and stood...
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...that have remained silent on the issue. And still others have adopted the use of consensual relationship agreements. According to an article written in the May 2010 issue of Ceridian Connection “Any work environment presents the opportunity for individuals with similar interest to develop a relationship that is more than friendly.” The article goes on to say that according to a 2009 survey conducted by CareerBuilder.com, 40 percent of respondents indicated that they have dated coworkers; and 18 percent said they have been involved in two or more workplace romances. Lynn D. Lieber, an employment law attorney and founder and chief executive officer of Workplace Answers, a San Francisco-based provider of legal compliance education via the Internet feels that “workplace romances can lead to accusations of poor judgment, breaches of ethics, favoritism, lost productivity, poor employee morale, sexual harassment claims and even workplace violence. It's no wonder, then, that HR professionals worry about the possible consequences of employees dating one another. Such concern has led an increasing number of companies to institute "consensual relationship agreements," also known as "love contracts." (HR Magazine 2008) Although employers should be concerned, the taboo of office romance has faded over the last few years. According to the recent Society of Human Resources...
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...and Organizational Behavior October 23, 2012 CONSENSUAL RELATIONSHIP AGREEMENT Consensual Relationship Agreement As the demands and the responsibilities in the workplace increase; so does the number of hours employees are now forced to spend together. It is reported that men and women spend forty percent of their week in the workplace. The workplace has become a natural breeding ground for relationships that extend outside of the workplace. According to the Vault.com,”47 percent of the 1000 professionals surveyed had been involved in an office romance, and another 19 percent would consider it.”(Hellriegel/Slocum, 2011, p.65). The concern with the conduct of employees involved in romantic relationships in the workplace is fairly common; however, the burden to protect the employee and the company rest on the shoulders of the employer. The biggest concern for an employer is the fear of a sexual harassment lawsuit. Sexual harassment laws prohibit "unwelcomed" sexual advances. Additionally it creates boundaries for workplace relationships, legally binds employees to conduct themselves in a professional manner, and helps to protect the employer and employees from legal assessments of sexual harassment claims. Explanation & Documentation Before an employer asks that a couple sign a "consensual relationship agreement," the employer should meet with both employees independently and determine whether there is any possibility that the agreement is not consensual...
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...Kelsey Davidson Dr Dickerson Human Resources November 7, 2013 Workplace Romance Dating someone at your work site is nothing new. Work has always been a key place for persons to meet and learn about one another. Over the years the trend has increased, and because of increased litigation brought on by harassment and discrimination lawsuits, Workplace Romances have become dangerous to a Company environment. Perhaps the most effective way to limit your exposure to litigation is for a Company to develop policy's that address behavior, conduct, and performance issues associated with employee conduct involved in workplace dating. Being with someone over 40 hours a week gives you a chance to know them. You respect them by working on projects with them and a lasting bond is developed. Why then shouldn't a willing couple be granted the time and freedom to enjoy each others company in a workplace setting. After all, you don't get the chance to see and know someone over time which you met at a bar or some other place. The co-worker shares your success's, your Company goals and values, and if your on the same shift, time at and off work. You won't miss work because you want to see her/him on a regular basis, especially if your married and limited to seeing them away from work because of a suspecting husband or wife. After all, everyone is professional and a grown up and knows how to act, we can handle the office romance just fine. Another positive includes always being...
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...Domestic Partnership Benefits Domestic partnership is often defined as a legal or personal relationship between two individuals who live together and share a common domestic life but are neither joined by marriage or a civil union. This includes opposite-sex couples as well as same-sex couples. The laws in some states now permit same-sex marriage, civil unions or registry for domestic partnerships for same-sex or opposite-sex couples. There are many couples out there that cohabitate together sharing expenses such as mortgages or rent and automobile payments however they are not offered the same benefits of those who are traditionally married. The question is, should employers offer domestic partner benefits? There are many pros for an employer to provide benefits to domestic partners. An employer’s policy decisions regarding these relationships are shaped by state and federal laws, business needs and a desire for an inclusive corporate culture. Many employers now voluntarily offer benefit coverage to domestic partners even when it is not required by law. This trend is driven by several factors including changing demographics, the desire to be fair, workplace diversity and the need to improve employee morale. With the number of unmarried households increasing ten-fold from 1960 to 2007, employers find themselves trying to keep pace with the changing profile of the work force. Additionally with all of the recent gay rights controversy and same-sex marriage becoming legal...
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...Slocum (2011) the characteristics of a Consensual Relationship Agreement is defined as an written agreement in which consenting romantically involved staff members acknowledge their relationship is consensual and voluntary; to avoid actions that others may find offensive in the office; follow the employers workplace rules of conduct to include anti-harassment and anti-discrimination; relationship must not affect work performance and behave professionally; report actual or perceived harassment immediately; and not engage in favoritism. After reviewing a second CRA on the internet, an employer and employee confirms that a sexual or romantic relationship between employees is consensual and voluntary. (Bloomsbury Business Library, 2007) In analyzing the case, Consensual Relationship Agreements, the following categories will be addressed: (1) Argue for the use of Consensual Relationship Agreements in Your current (or future) Workplace; (2) Create a counter argument against the use of CRAs in your current (or future) workplace; (3) Discuss the ethical principles involved in the use of CRAs; and (4) Create at least one (1) other option besides CRAs that would address workplace romances. Businesses worry most about two things, that's profits and litigations. Written into most companies employee handbook is explicit rules on sexual harassment. Those rules are to inform the employee of actions taken if anyone violates the company...
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...employer from future litigation in the event that the said relationship goes bad or to address office favoritism in play of a romance between superiors and subordinates. Some may argue that the agreements provide legal protection for all parties involved; others may feel that their employer has no right to meddle in their private lives. While there are alternatives to these “love contracts,” most companies do adopt some policy on workplace romances in order to abide by ethical principles and avoid costly lawsuits and hostile work environments. Arguments for consensual relationship agreements A 2004 survey by Human and Legal Resources interviewed over 1,000 workers in the United Kingdom of which 66% claimed to have participated in workplace romances (Easen, 2004), of which some have become long term relationships and even marriages. While there are many who, in attempts to keep their professional and private lives separate, choose to keep their relationships a secret from others in the workplace, in the event the relationship is revealed the couple may be asked to sign documentation stating they are dating. This voluntary contract is legal documentation in which both parties agree that the relationship is both voluntary and consensual. This documentation protects the company from being sued by either party in the event that the relationship ends or otherwise goes bad. In sexual harassment cases where an employee has tried to claim that the relationship...
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...Diversity in Workplace Sexual Orientation Professor Antionette Dee Currie Richardson Human Resources Management Andre Marcano Florida State College Jacksonville MAN 4301, SUMMER 2014 Abstract This paper looks at the impact of being Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) in the workplace and if there are any limitations by various organizations. Most organizations often claim to value diversity, many Human Resource Systems are developed to encourage, reinforce and allow only similarities. Understanding the economic rationale for discrimination of LGBT and the implications contributes to improving Human Resource Discrimination policies that take into account workforce diversity. Employers should introduce diversity programs to educate employees and create an environment that is more hospitable to LBGT individuals and their allies. The goals and objective of the organizations training must be clearly defined and communicated. The challenge arises when forces within the organization operate to attract, select and retain an increasingly homogeneous group of people. This will suggest shifts in organizational policies, at the same time employees who are antigay or homophobic may dislike the shift in policy and begin to leave the organization. The net effect is to produce a workplace that is more accepting of change. According to the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) an estimated gay and lesbian population at five percent of the U.S. population over 18 years of age...
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...ACA1 Tax Treatments for Individual Returns (Task 302.2.3) A. Recommended Tax Filing Status From the two filing statuses that the couple can use, the most advantageous for them would be married filing jointly and not married filing separately. A1. Explain your recommendation based on current, applicable tax laws. The reason that using the married filing jointly status is more advantageous for the couple is that taxes will be lower than if they filed as married filing separately. Filing jointly provides more tax benefits and the tax rate is generally lower. They will qualify for five exemptions, one for each of the dependent children, all under the age of 19 and that they provide over half the support for, and one personal exemption for each spouse. Since the couple has calculated the rent, food and other family contribution for Spouse B’s mother support at $7,000 per year, and she contributes $7,920 per year, they cannot claim her as a dependent. This being that they did not provide over half the support for her. In addition, filing jointly would also benefit them as they can claim credits, deductions and exclusions which they would not be able to if filing separately. The couple can claim $3,000 in capital losses as opposed to only $1,500 if filing separately, and exclude up to $500,000 on the sale of their primary residence as opposed to only $250,000 if filing separately. A2a. Taxable and Non-Taxable Income Most types of income are taxable, but some...
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...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 and 6 states explicitly ban discrimination based on sexual orientation in foster care (Family Equality, 2014). Second-parent adoption is the adoption of a child by a second parent in a home who is married to the legal parent...
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...Consensual Relationship Agreements BUS 520 April 3, 2012 Abstract This report will examine the issue of consensual relationship agreements (CRA), also known as love contracts, within the workplace. It will define what a CRA is, and argue for the use of CRAs in the workplace and argue against the use of CRAs in the workplace. It will also address the ethical principles involved in the use of CRAs and offer another option to CRAs that would address workplace romances. Consensual Relationship Agreements or CRAs are known to some people as love contracts. Lawyers may define it as a liability of intimacy, and a U.S Military member will be familiar with the term PDA or Public Display of Affection. Regardless of which sector a person is employed, they may be subject to a company's policy on dating or consensually becoming involved in romantic relationships with other employees in their workplace. We can best define CRA's as a document, presented by human resources, and signed voluntarily by both employees, acknowledging a "consensual" relationship. This contract is to specifically state in writing, that a romantic relationship will not interfere with job performance, and reiterates the principles of the company's harassment policy. The agreement will require arbitration rather than a harassment grievance if for any reason the relationship ends, which protects the employer of any liability of any claim being presented at a later date...
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...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 to the society and the country. Despite homosexual marriages have to legalize or not in some countries, there are still controversies surrounding in the society. Although same-sex couples in most country cannot marry because it is illegal, we should not deny the rights of same-sex couples to marry just because of their same gender. First of all, restricting homosexual...
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...Case Study 1 Are Workplace Romances Unethical A large percentage of married individuals first met in the workplace. A 2005 survey reveled that 58 percent of all employees have been in an office romance. Given the amount of time people spend at work, this isn’t terribly surprising. Yet office romances pose sensitive ethical issues for organizations and employees. What rights and responsibilities do organizations have to regulate the romantic lives of their employees? Take the case of former General Electric CEO Jack Welch and Suzy Wetlaufer. The two met while Wetlaufer was interviewing Welch for Harvard Business Review article, and Welch was still married. Once their relationship was out in the open, some accused Wetlaufer of being unethical for refusing to disclose the relationship while working on the article. She eventually left the journal. Other accused Welch of letting his personal life get in the way of the interest of GE and its shareholders. Some even blamed the scandal for a drop in GE stock. Welch and Wetlaufer didn’t even work for the same company. What about when two people work together in the same work unit? Chicago advertising firm, started dating Kevin, one of her account supervisors. Their innocent banter turned into going out for drinks, and then dinner, and soon they were dating. Kevin and Tasha’s bosses were in house competitors. The problem: Sometimes in meetings Kevin would make it seem that Tasha and Kevin were on the same side...
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...to embrace the new world of opportunities in the workplace and marketplace, and be adamant to be the best. Some jurisdictions have set up domestic partnerships as a way to recognize same-sex unions, domestic partnerships may involve either different-sex or same-sex couples. Recent controversy has surrounded same sex domestic partner benefits since same sex marriages are not recognized by the government. Companies that recognizes a critical ingredient of success is the ability to value and leverage diversity-that is, the power of the people. Domestic Partners have been defined as legal or personal relationship between individuals who live together and share a common domestic life but are not joined in a traditional marriage, a common-law marriage, or a civil union. The phrases domestic partner was first used to describe living arrangements in 1985 according to The American Heritage Book of English Usage. The values range from being recognized as a culturally diverse company to attracting talent that would likely go to another company for the benefits. The problem has been health, dental, vision, pharmacy, long-term care, personal accident insurance and life insurance benefits are being offered to employees and their dependents, but not to domestic partners. With the increasing cost of medical attention, it is near impossible to live with out insurance coverage. Some companies are only recognizing legally married couples as qualified family members, which in turns leaves...
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...next form of love is created when we know another person on a personal level, which is philia. Last there is the most intimate and highest form of love, which is éros, it is a love that is experienced between two people sexually. This type of love is displayed during a couple’s marriage. This love is the love that majorities of couples in America are allowed to express towards each other publically. The expression of marriage is portrayed through American couples, as men and women. Why do only a man and a woman define a marriage? If we all experience this love then why does it matter whom it is shown to? If someone of the same sex happens to love another person of the same sex whom can justify if these basic rights are unlawful? If we want to legalize same-sex marriage we need to see all the positives and understand why being homosexuality shouldn’t be a form of prejudice. What makes a person love somebody of the same sex? Some people believe that those few individuals that have love for the same sex do it by choice. If a person happens to be homosexual, why would he or she not change his or her sexual orientation to fit the norm of today and get married easily and legally? The answer is simple: people are born into homosexuality not chosen. According to A Linkage between DNA Markers on the X Chromosome and Male Sexual Orientation, “The linkage to markers on Xq28, the subtelomeric region of the long arm of the sex chromosome, had a multipoint lod...
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