...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...
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...Gay rights is itself an important public policy issue, with strong elements of civil rights and equality. However, the political mobilization of the gay community has also raised a number of more immediate policy issues. Some of those have affected only the homosexual community, but others have had wider relevance such as AIDS research and treatment. As we noted earlier, the style of political activism invoked on gay rights issues has been less that of interest groups and more that of a movement. Still, as that movement has become institutionalized, so too have the forms of interaction between it and government. One of the most important political milestones in that interaction occurred during the Clinton administration with respect to military service. During his first presidential campaign, Bill Clinton had advocated greater rights for the gay community and had received overwhelming support from those voters. One issue that his gay supporters wanted addressed was elimination of the prohibition against homosexuals serving in the military. Once elected, President Clinton encountered substantial resistance from the military to any change in the existing policy. military leaders defended their traditional stance of excluding homosexuals by arguing that permitting homosexuals to serve alongside heterosexual soldiers would be detrimental to morale. The solution that the Clinton administration developed was labeled "don't ask, don't tell", meaning that there would be no efforts...
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...jmc The gay rights movement continue to be a hot-button topic as we push our way into 2013. I find it difficult to believe that the United States is lagging behind in its equality laws. Slowly but surely, acceptance for people of all sexual orientations is becoming a reality across our country; unfortunately however, there is still strong opposition to the inevitable force of equal rights. I believe that gay equality, especially in our nation, should be not a question. The founding principles of American life and the pursuit of the American dream should not be contained to those who choose a certain lifestyle over the other. From gay marriage to refusal of service in businesses across 32 states (North Carolina being one of them), people of the LGBT community are being opposed in nearly every frontier of their everyday commute. Last year, Amendment One passed with a 61% vote for the amendment, putting the nail in the coffin for gay marriage hopefuls in NC. But for what reason was such legislation backed by the majority of NC's voting community? The two opposing sides resemble similar disputes as the ones seen during the passing of interracial couples. Those who oppose gay equality typically root their reasons in religion; however, their arguments can not be considered valid on legislative grounds in the United States because our nation does not identify with a specific religion. For example, if a group of Christians calls one person's marriage invalid because it does not...
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...with certain unalienable rights. These words were written over two-hundred years ago, and even then, the people believed in the importance of equality. All men are created equal, and therefore there should be no discrimination. History shows the discrimination of African-Americans and how our country has evolved regarding racism, but now there is a form of discrimination that is becoming more prevalent. This form of discrimination is towards those of other sexual orientations, such as those who are gay, lesbian, or bisexual. Discrimination, under any circumstances, is morally wrong, and discrimination based on sexual orientation needs to be addressed. Along with the degrading discrimination based on sexual orientation, comes the subjection of verbal abuse and other hate crimes. A gay and lesbian anti-violence report states that 75% of hate crimes are committed by people under the age of 30, and one in three are under the age of 18. More than 80% of victims of violent hate crimes never report the incident, because many are afraid they will be “outed”. Such horrific discrimination and violence can often result in low self esteems, and in some cases, even suicide. Young lesbians, gays, and bisexuals are at a quadruple risk for suicide than people of the same age that are straight. Anti-gay hate crime rates have risen dramatically; an incredible 172% in just the past decade. This tragedy has even become prevalent in families. One study showed that 26% of gay and lesbian teenagers who...
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...controversial topic. May 17, 2004, Marcia Hams and Susan Shepherd cut into their wedding cake at city hall in Cambridge after becoming the first same-sex couple in the U.S. Gay marriage has a short but heated history in the U.S. It first came to national attention in a 1993 Hawaii case, in which judges found that the state's constitution required a compelling reason not to extend to gay’s equal marriage rights. (Time Magazine: A Brief History of: Gay Marriage, Alex Altman Thursday, May 22, 2008). The ruling prompted Congress to push through the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act, which prevented homosexual couples from receiving benefits traditionally conferred by marriage. Twenty-seven states have passed constitutional bans on gay marriage, while just 10 have granted rights to homosexual couples. A lot of people may not approve of this topic but it’s all about how you look at it. Opponents of same-sex marriage may argue that the concept is oxymoronic (contradictory). One might say marriage must involve a man and a woman because that is the definitional essence of marriage or because it’s the modem Western nation-state has structured society around the assumption that only different-sex marital unions are allowed. Me, I agree with same sex marriages, I believe people should be able to express their sexuality whether or not it’s gay or straight. Proponents of same-sex marriage dispute and often ridicule these assertions. With same sex marriage there’s a lot of down...
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...the right to walk down the aisle or have their relationship legally recognized. Regardless of sexual orientation, everyone is entitled to the same rights. Yet in most states, the estimated 3.1 million same-sex couples in this country (Bernstein, 247) cannot legally marry. The controversial topic of legalizing same-sex marriages is not a matter of heterosexual versus homosexual; it’s a matter of the laws of our nation not providing equality. As a straight Christian female, I object to homosexuality but I don’t pass my judgment on to others. More importantly, as a citizen, I know, religious beliefs Christian or any other have no weight in arguments regarding the laws of this democracy. I am outraged by this injustice in America and it’s seems to me that same sex marriages should by all means be legal. This is considered bureaucratic power. Bureaucratic power is a system of government in which most of the decisions are by state rather than elected officials. There are so many reasons why gay (or lesbian) marriages should be legal in the United States. First, look at the document on which this country was founded on, the Declaration of Independence, which states “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, which among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” It’s clear to see, this document’s purpose was to establish equality and grant everyone the same rights (although...
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...University of Toronto Abstract: Using interview data from a convenience sample of 450 lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults, the varieties of victim experiences in hate crimes based on sexual orientation are described. Most crimes were perpetrated in public settings by one or more strangers, but victimization also occurred in other locales, and perpetrators included neighbors, coworkers, and relatives. In deciding whether a crime was based on their sexual orientation, victims tended to rely primarily on contextual cues and perpetrators’ explicit statements. Victims’ concerns about police bias and public disclosure of their sexual orientation were important factors in deciding whether to report antigay crimes, as were beliefs about the crime’s severity and the likelihood that perpetrators would be punished. Reflection: The method used in this research study is the interview method. They collected a sample size of 450 willing volunteers (224 men: 204 gay, 20 bisexual and 226 women: 202 lesbian, 24 bisexual). They all were asked to describe their experiences with hate crimes and there was a split between people who knew for sure they were attacked by biased views and those who knew their attacker did not have any biased views against them. Many volunteers felt they were most likely attacked because they were in the proximity of publicly known venue for gays. Results indicate that attending any gay identified-establishment heightens the risk of getting verbally harassed and attacked in...
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...themselves to each other for life, it now encompasses, gay and lesbians as well, as they pledge to love, honor, and trust each other all the days of their lives . Today same-sex marriage is one the biggest controversies and it seems like no one could ever come to a common agreement. Personal characteristics such as upbringing, culture, religion, ethnicity all play a major role in determining ones feelings on a given controversial issue. Although gays, just like any other human being have a right to a life of dignity, pursuit of happiness, people against homosexuality term such unions as unnatural. In this essay I will persuade the reader why same-sex marriage should be allowed to get married and what civil unions like LGBT are doing to fight back. One of the most arguments against gay marriage is that if they are legalized, the institution of marriage will lose its significance. Traditionally, we think of marriage as a union between a man and woman recognized by law. However the definition of marriage varies different meanings for different cultures but when defined broadly, marriage is considered a cultural universal. If this is true, then why can’t a person be accepted to love a person of the same sex? As American citizens we are promised our rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness then why doesn’t it mean the same thing for a gay person? Why shouldn’t gay families be given a right to live with respect by legalizing gay...
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...Gay Rights GAY RIGHTS – RIGHT OR WRONG Discrimination is Never Right Strayer University Economics 405-003016 Dr. Shailesh Bhandari March 5, 2009 I. Human Rights a. Why are there differences? b. Constitutional rights II. Homosexuality in Religion c. Adoption d. Belief System / Congregation e. Church Credits III. Proposition 8 f. The Battle g. Tax Relief h. Medical Choices IV. Media i. Movies / TV i. MILK ii. Prayers for Bobby iii. Will & Grace iv. Brothers & Sisters V. Politics j. Polititions k. Money l. Gay – the New Minority VI. Homosexuality in Economics m. Fashion Design n. Entertainment o. Human Services p. Travel VII. Benefits to Society q. Tolerance / Acceptance r. Financial s. Family VIII. Closing Merriam Webster defines human rights as “freedom…regarded as belonging fundamentally to all persons” (www.m-w.com). It is not defined as belonging to heterosexual people. We live in a nation that was founded on the premise of individual liberty, and a country which operates with a strict separation of church and state, but gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) people are being denied rights which they do not deserve, but rather to which they are entitled as citizens and human beings. Article Four of the Federal Constitution...
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...recently in the press regarding gay rights. Advancments in gay rights can be linked to many areas. While it is becoming a hot topic for debate, it is impossible to overestimate its impact on modern thought. Inevitably gay rights is often misunderstood by the easily lead, trapped by their infamous history. Relax, sit back and gasp as I display the rich tapestries of gay rights. Social Factors Society is our own everyday reality. When Thucictholous said 'people only know one thing' [1] he must have been referning to gay rights. While deviating from the norm will always cause unrest amongst ones peers, gay rights raises the question 'why?' Of paramount importance to any study of gay rights within its context, is understanding the ideals of society. Clearly it promotes higher individualism and obeyence of instinct. As soon as a child meets gay rights they are changed. Economic Factors Our world is driven by supply and demand. We will primarily be focusing on the Greek-Roman model, a complex but ultimately rewarding system. Inflation gay rights What a splendid graph. Obviously inflation has always depended upon gay rights to a certain extent, but now more that ever. A sharp down turn in middle class investment may lead to changes in the market. Political Factors The media have made politics quite a spectacle. Politicians find it difficult to choose between what has become known in politics as - 'The two ways' - gay rights and political feeling. In the...
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...Gay Rights The controversy of gay rights has been an issue for many years and will more than likely be one for a long time. It is much like the issue of segregation; although most people have accepted the fact that we are all equal in the aspect of race. Maybe people could accept homosexuals in the aspect of their sexuality. When discussing gay rights it usually is about whether a state has laws that ban gay marriage or if they allow it. Most states have banned gay marriage. The result of having more states that allow gay marriage may impact our nation in a good way. It could become a thing of the past. Much like segregation, everyone could come together as equals. According to Lewis, “the legal rights of lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals have changed dramatically over the past two decades. In 1990, only two states and the District of Columbia (DC) banned discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, and the United States banned same-sex marriage by assumption rather than explicit prohibition. In 2010, 21 states (and DC) prohibit anti-LGB (lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals) discrimination, 5 states (and DC) allow same-sex couples to marry, and a dozen provide more limited recognition of same-sex relationships, but 29 states have amended their constitutions to prohibit same-sex marriages, and 10 more have statutory bans (National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, 2010a, 2010b).” (217) This evidence proves that most people are against gay marriage and the rights of gay people. Of...
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...Legalizing Gay Marriage throughout the U.S.A “According to the 2000 census 1.2 million people are in a relationship, not counting the LGBT community. The 2000 census also declared the Gay community to consist of 594,391 couples and growing” (Alper, G. 2013, January 1). This means that over 500,000 people are in a relationship. All of these people share multiple things. They all live in the United States, the land of the free. All of these people have committed themselves to someone else. All of these people just want equal rights. All of these people would simply like to be seen as people and not outsiders. All of these people do matter. Why shouldn’t the government legalize homosexual marriage in all fifty states? Americans shouldn’t be discriminated against because of a unique approach to relationship values and views, yet they still are. Only thirteen states allow Gay marriage and just a few allow a civil union, or a marriage without the word marriage. Why is this though? The number one reason most people oppose homosexuality is religion. The Bible says, "If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall be put to death; their blood is upon them” (Leviticus 20:13). There are also a few other references in the Holy Bible which refers to homosexuality, but since when does the government conform to a religion? America has been known to be the melting pot of the world where all religions, ethnicities, gender, and other differences...
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...bestowed rights of humans have been distorted throughout time. Regarding all who deserve the same privileges as others, compassion is not shown with respect. Given that times are changing, it is only right that everybody follows suit and makes the necessary alterations to equalize all humans. I believe, if individuals are more informed on Gay Rights such as marriage, adoption and the military discussion of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell (DADT) maybe we can fight to give same-sex couples the opportunities that the rest of the population have. The first and topic to establish a more equal world is same-sex marriage, collectively known as Gay Marriage. Marriage throughout time has been instituted as opposite sex only unions. As of March 18, 2011 a Washington Post-ABC poll stated that fifty-three percent of Americans are pro gay and lesbian marriage, which is up from thirty-six percent in 2006 (HRC,2011). Comparing homosexual marriages to heterosexual marriages stand to be very equal in all aspects. Both are considered loyal, devoted partners who are active and committed to their community. The advantages given to these unions are very beneficial to all involved. Not just for income sake, but health issues too. It is proven that when in a marriage, humans tend to live longer and healthier lives. So it is shown that marriage in any form is better for the world in general. Looking at the laws as they stand, in 2011 there are six participating states in America that allow the union of gay couples...
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...GAY MARRIAGE SPEECH Intro * Society is evolving – We elected our first black President, in fact, a woman was even a real Presidential contender as well – the traditional roles of the working family do not look so traditional anymore * I am going to discuss the subject of gay marriage – while we as a society have made great strides we are still far from an acceptable solution * Whether you believe in same-sex marriage or not, I ask that you keep your mind open and listen to my points. I will give a few of many reasons why I believe it is finally time for us as Americans, as humans, to allow everyone, include those from our gay community, to experience the same joys of marriage that the rest of society enjoys. 1. We do not want to discriminate a. America was founded on the concept that the majority should rule, but the rights of minorities should be protected. b. It is the main reason we have a Bill of Rights as well as anti-slavery and equal protection amendments. c. Denying marriage to a homosexual couple is no different than denying marriage to a Hispanic or African-American couple 2. Reasons why gay marriage is beneficial a. In a religious marriage two people promise to take care of each other profoundly the way they believe God cares for them. b. This religious union will encourage people to have strong family values c. It will discourage high-risk sexual life-styles d. In essence, recognizing this union will counter act...
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...Marissa Smith EngC. 0900- 10 Betsy Brown September 16, 2012 U.S. Should Accept Gay Marriage As Americans, homosexual couples deserve the same rights as heterosexual couples. We should legalize gay marriage because everyone deserves the basic constitutional rights. The first thing that should come to mind when you think of America, is a nation of peace and equality, not hate and disgust. We live in a nation of racism, sexism, and homophobia. Homosexuals have been fighting for rights since the 1960s, and yet here in 2012, their pleas and voices still go unheard. I believe we should allow same-sex marriage, because banning it is unfair and unconstitutional; love is all that matters in relationships, and by banning it, we aren’t solving anything, we are just making it worse. First, the Constitution does not state that gay marriage should not be allowed- however it does state that everyone has equal rights and opportunities- that includes homosexual relationships. Banning same-sex marriage is unconstitutional; making this issue illegal is a form of discrimination. A person should not be prevented from getting married due to personal preference. Those who do not understand - ridicule, harass and terrorize. This causes the afflicted to take horrible and drastic measures. Homosexual teenagers are even too scared to go to school because they are afraid to be themselves, and because who they are, they have to go through excessive bullying, teasing, and tormenting every day. We...
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