...grant same-sex couples the same rights which are enjoyed by opposite-sex marriages. Same-sex unions have been recognized since 2004 and since 2011 the status of ‘stable union’ which allows for adoption, welfare benefits, pension, taxes, immigration, etc. is available to them. On May 14, 2013 there was a sweeping Federal Court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage in the entire country. According to the Brazilian Census of 2010 (IBGE) Brazil had 60,002 same-sex couples in the same home and strict anti-discrimination laws which ensure that no one will be discriminated against because of their sexual orientation have been in place since 2003. In Japan same-sex marriage is not legal although homosexuals and homosexual relationships are widely accepted. A poll conducted last year found that 24% of respondents were in favor of same sex marriage and an additional 27% supported another form of recognition for same-sex couples. However, the Japanese constitution refers to both sexes and husband and wife in their laws regarding marriage, thus only making provisions for opposite-sex couples. Since May of 2009 Japan allows citizens to marry same-sex foreign partners in countries where same-sex marriages are legal. Prior to that time a document which is required by foreign countries which states that a person is single and old enough to marry was not issued. In the last few years there have been symbolic marriage ceremonies of same-sex couples which are not recognized by the government...
Words: 571 - Pages: 3
...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...
Words: 934 - Pages: 4
...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...
Words: 992 - Pages: 4
...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...
Words: 4066 - Pages: 17
...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...
Words: 3882 - Pages: 16
...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...
Words: 930 - Pages: 4
...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 the...
Words: 1738 - Pages: 7
...Conversation of Gay Marriage Gay marriage has been a critical topic in many countries since 1924. Around the year 2000, countries such as America and the UK started approving gay marriages, although not everyone agreed with this decision. People against gay marriage feel that if it was to be legalized, the importance of marriage would fade away and some people would refer to marriage in a different way. In the United States, gay marriage has now become legalized in all 50 states as of June 26, 2015. It has now become a prominent political issue because many politicians represent states where people feel strongly one way or another. Even though it has become legalized in all 50 states, some Americans are unhappy with the progress that the gay community is making, and more liberal Americans are upset because the gay community is not making enough progress. Kwame Anthony Appiah, a philosopher, believes that cultural differences are to be respected in so far as they are not harmful to people and in no way conflict with our universal concern for every human’s life and well being. (18) Every individual person should have equal rights, regardless of sexuality. Gay marriage should stay legalized in all states and should be legalized in all countries, as it has been held off for too long. Many debates constantly surface about this topic, one of which was present online in an open forum. This forum, found at “www.youdebate.com/DEBATES/gay_marriage,” was one where many people...
Words: 1600 - Pages: 7
...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...
Words: 1642 - Pages: 7
...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...
Words: 1890 - Pages: 8
...Randy Orton Enc316 Mark Henry Conversation of Gay Marriage In the United States, gay marriage has become legalized in all 50 states of the United States. It has now become a prominent political issue because many politicians represent states where people feel strongly one way or another. Even though it has become legalized in all 50 states, some Americans are unhappy with the progress that the gay community is making, and more liberal Americans are upset because the gay community is not making enough progress. Many debates constantly surface about this topic, one of which was present online in an open forum. This forum, entitled “www.youdebate.com/DEBATES/gay_marriage,” was one where many people stated how they feel about gay marriage and why. Anyone was allowed to make statements on this website, no matter how they felt. The ways that these statements were presented on “YouDebate.com” are a form of communication that links Kwame Anthony Appiah’s ideas in his essay “Cosmopolitanism.” Appiah uses the term “cosmopolitanism” to discuss how people from different backgrounds should consider one another’s opinions through conversations. In Appiah’s essay entitled “Cosmopolitanism,” he discusses how people can achieve a better understanding of one another by listening to each other. He believes that if people have an open mind and do not judge one another, then conversing together may create a world that is more accepting. Appiah thinks that the American society has changed...
Words: 1409 - Pages: 6
...“Do you agree to 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...
Words: 2254 - Pages: 10
...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...
Words: 1966 - Pages: 8
... 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 same...
Words: 1188 - Pages: 5
...Gay rights has a major impact on today’s society whether we choose to believe it or not; for or against. Gay rights are becoming one of the more controversial topics being discussed around the America today. Gay rights should be recognized, there are many factors of gay rights that Americans do not completely understand, while times are changing gay rights is evolving from state to state there are still issues yet to be resolved. Today I will discuss three key topics when it comes to gay rights; gay rights in schools, arguments for and against gay, rights and gay rights in adoption. Gay rights has been a controversial topic for quite some time now; in public schools all over north America that last couple decades gay rights has been opened up and discussed. Openly gay students are coming together in a safe haven, where without judgment they can come together and support each other with any difficulties they may be facing. “Gay-straight alliances are a form of social support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) high-school students that emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s. These alliances are generally student-run social clubs akin to other high-school social groups, such as drama clubs, math teams, or yearbook clubs. However, one of the main purposes of gay-straight alliances is to provide support to LGBTQ students in difficult personal circumstances or in hostile school environments, and to advocate for LGBTQ students,” (Fetner, T...
Words: 972 - Pages: 4
