...The State of America Today Take a moment and think back 1970. Was same sex marriage widely accepted as a social norm? Was coming out even supported? Should anyone have the right to deny another human being their right to pursue happiness? For a country that claims to be the land of the free but denies certain people of the same rights because of sexual orientation is beyond despicable. Same sex marriage can help our county by raising money, decreasing the number of orphans and decreasing depression. So what is there to lose? Is same sex marriage the business of the public? Some would argue yes, because marriage has traditionally been defined as a contract between man and woman (“Gay Marriage ProCon.org., 1-1). But is there really such a thing as traditional marriage? Every marriage is unique its own way and over the centuries has changed significantly (“Gay Marriage ProCon.org., 2-1), for example polygamy (a marriage between one man and many women) used to be a common or “traditional” marriage practice, but is now illegal and deemed immoral. Same sex marriages can help bring financial gains to state and local governments. Collecting higher income taxes and reduces the costs for state benefit programs not to mention the money collected from the marriage license (“Gay Marriage ProCon.org., 5-2). Not only that, but since same sex couples cannot conceive their own children they tend to adopt which would decrease the number of children without families (“Gay Marriage ProCon.org...
Words: 403 - Pages: 2
...or not the same-sex marriage should be allowed, is extremely controversial and the debates never end. In this paper, I take the pro side by providing strong both qualitative and quantitative data, how the homosexual marriage can benefit society, how far they have fought for their rights, etc. Marriage is commonly construed as a legal relationship between a man and a woman or between a husband and a wife to build a new family. According to Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary, a family is “the basic unit in society having as its nucleus two or more adults living together and cooperating in the care and rearing of their own or adopted children.” In spite of this neutral definition of family, it is called neutral because the dictionary never mentions the gender of the adults; many people in our society do not picture lesbian or gay couple when they think about a family. In America, gay or lesbian couples cannot just legally marry as normal couples do in any state, except in Massachusetts; where same-sex marriage is allowed. Same-sex couples have to be ready to receive all the negative consequences because they cannot legally marry; for example, higher estate tax and insurance, difficulties in making end-of-life health care decisions for their partners, etc. But, they still have the right to create their own ‘legal’ relationship, without the limitations that state marriage laws impose. Why does the federal law still forbid the same-sex marriage? Lesbian and gay are also humans, and...
Words: 2994 - Pages: 12
...However, not all citizens are afforded equal rights. Gay and lesbians are consistently denied rights that are typically taken for granted by the average American. Specifically, gay and lesbians couples are denied the right to marry even if they are upstanding citizens. They are held at an unfair disadvantage solely because of their sexual orientation. This discrimination must stop because gay and lesbian couples are law-abiding citizens too, who should be afforded the same rights as heterosexual couples. One common problem that plagues gay and lesbian couples that are denied the right to marry is their inability to claim their partner’s social security after he or she has died. The Human Rights Campaign, which work to achieve equal rights for lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender people, is supporting the effort to attain survivor benefits for domesticate partners. They believe, “Any alteration to the Social Security system must include partners of gays and lesbians in its definition of survivor”(Survivor Benefits 1). Currently, there are no programs that give homosexuals survivor benefits like the ones that are provided for heterosexuals who are married or divorced. Gay and lesbian partners are not able to claim benefits of their deceased, regardless of the fact that all working citizens heterosexual or homosexual pay into the Social Security system for survivor benefits (Survivor Benefits 1). Sadly, this leaves many gay and lesbian couples with an unstable retirement...
Words: 1477 - Pages: 6
...However, not all citizens are afforded equal rights. Gay and lesbians are consistently denied rights that are typically taken for granted by the average American. Specifically, gay and lesbians couples are denied the right to marry even if they are upstanding citizens. They are held at an unfair disadvantage solely because of their sexual orientation. This discrimination must stop because gay and lesbian couples are law-abiding citizens too, who should be afforded the same rights as heterosexual couples. One common problem that plagues gay and lesbian couples that are denied the right to marry is their inability to claim their partner’s social security after he or she has died. The Human Rights Campaign, which work to achieve equal rights for lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender people, is supporting the effort to attain survivor benefits for domesticate partners. They believe, “Any alteration to the Social Security system must include partners of gays and lesbians in its definition of survivor”(Survivor Benefits 1). Currently, there are no programs that give homosexuals survivor benefits like the ones that are provided for heterosexuals who are married or divorced. Gay and lesbian partners are not able to claim benefits of their deceased, regardless of the fact that all working citizens heterosexual or homosexual pay into the Social Security system for survivor benefits (Survivor Benefits 1). Sadly, this leaves many gay and lesbian couples with an unstable retirement...
Words: 1477 - 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
... | In life today one of the most controversial social issues facing Americans today regards the rights of homosexuals. Specifically, the question of whether gay men and lesbians should be allowed to legally marry has come up in several states. Proponents of same-sex marriage argue that, by being denied the right to marry and to receive the social and financial benefits of marriage, they are being deprived of fundamental equal protection under the law. Supporters also argue that legalizing same-sex marriages will positively impact society at large, not just homosexuals. Opponents of same-sex unions claim that marriage is a religious tradition that must not “cave in” to immoral attitudes; in fact, many states have or have attempted to pass constitutional bans on same-sex marriage. After considering the arguments on both sides and reviewing several readings on the matter, it seems that homosexual couples should, in fact, be allowed to legally marry. The opportunity to marry the spouse of one’s choice, regardless of gender, is a constitutional right that should receive the same protections as ethnic minorities, women, and those who practice different religions. Gay marriage supporters point out that heterosexual couples are granted many rights and benefits when they get married. These rights include...
Words: 1099 - Pages: 5
...Table of Contents · Introduction · Homosexual Marriages Should Have the Same Rights as Heterosexual Marriages. · Comparisons to Other Countries · Europe · Africa · Background · First Argument with Gay Marriage · Changes in the Ability to Get Married · Hate Crimes · Identification of Policy Alternatives · Legalizing Gay Marriage Amongst All States · Legalizing Gay Marriage Amongst All States, but Naming it “Civil Unions” · Legalizing Gay Marriage/Civil Unions Against Some States, Recognizing it in All · Recommendation · References INTRODUCTION: Same Sex Marriages Having Same Rights as Heterosexual Marriages Gay marriage has been an active debate amongst politicians, religious figures, and the public. The debate has spanned over a decade with little change for either side. The issue of gay marriage is not just about the name of what the union is called, but the right to be able to legally join as homosexual couples with the same rights as heterosexual couples. Reasons for someone to be in favor of this topic are that there should be a separation of religion and politics, it deprives homosexuals of their natural rights, and this issue has escalated to violent hate crimes towards homosexuals. As it stands, currently 9 million adults are homosexuals, representing 4 percent of the 18 and over population in the United States with no signs of diminishing. Public administrators have done little...
Words: 4035 - Pages: 17
...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
...Arianna Rocha English 100 Margrave April 15, 2014 All's Fair In Love And…… Wait. “America the brave still fears what we don't know, and “God loves all his children" is somehow forgotten, but we paraphrase a book written thirty-five-hundred years ago” (Haggerty & Lewis). Same sex marriage has been a hot topic in the United States for a very long time. This issue is highly important because marriage is a human right and it a basic moral that all should know. Many people are against gay marriage because according to many right wing conservatives being gay is a choice and that it is against what we learn from the bible. Same sex marriage should be legalized in every state in the United States because it is a basic human right, it shows family values and anti- discrimination, will increase children adoption rates and same sex marriage will also bring financial benefits. Gay marriage should be legal in the United States because it is a basic human right. Although conservatives will continue to debate the issues of gay rights and same sex marriages for years to come, there has been many improvements. Many individuals that oppose gay marriage will “come to understand the fundamental injustice of subjecting gay and lesbian Americans to their own form of Jim Crow rather than sharing in equal rights for all” (Lampo). There is no different from what this nation did to African Americans during the Civil rights movement, to what we are doing to same-sex couples today, not allowing...
Words: 2291 - Pages: 10
...denied to heterosexuals. However, there are tens of thousands of children in the United States that go unadopted each year, along with even more same-sex couples. Therefore, in order to provide these children with a loving home, something that homosexuals are completely capable of providing, gay couples should be allowed to adopt in all fifty states. Today, in America, there are thousands of children reported to be living in homes with at least one gay parent. In most cases, the partner of that gay parent is given no legal parental rights. Should homosexual partners be allowed to adopt? Evidence on the effects of gay and straight parenting is very incomplete. With this lack of evidence proving that homosexual couples would be unfit parents for a child and that heterosexual couples could provide a superior home, there is no reason that gay marriage should be banned in any state. This is especially true considering that adoptive parents are subjected to various background checks including mental and financial stability. Sexual orientation does not affect the mental and financial situations of a couple and should therefore not affect their ability to adopt. Only nine states allow openly gay couples to adopt in the same manor that of heterosexual couples....
Words: 1537 - Pages: 7
...Essay 1: Some people believe that marriage is a sacred institution that should only be between a man and a woman, and that it's immoral for marriage to exist between same sex couples, implying inferiority of love between same sex couples. But who are they to stop one’s inalienable right to the pursuit of happiness? I believe marriage should be legal for any two individuals who truly love each other and who have intentions to spend their lives together and be granted legal recognition of their union. Only 5 of the 50 states in the United States of America grant the right of same sex marriage. Under the United States constitution, the 14th amendment specifies equality for all men saying that state cannot “deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws." Though this doesn’t specifically address the topic of gay marriage, it does give a constitutional basis to the belief in equal rights to marriage between people, regardless of sexual orientation, just as marriage is a right to people regardless of their race. It is not fair for some to have the benefits of marriage while others cannot. All individuals should have the same rights in society, and to me personally the idea goes against our constitution when these rights are denied. People all have their reasons for rejecting or accepting this lifestyle. I believe that one significant influence to a person’s acceptance of different sexual orientations is religion, which is often sited as a reason to deny...
Words: 4263 - Pages: 18
...Americans would legalize gay marriage nationwide, favor equal rights for such unions Fifty-two percent of Americans would vote for a federal law legalizing gay marriage in all 50 states. Americans' broader support for recognizing same-sex marriage, at 54%, hasn't changed since the Supreme Court's recent rulings. PRINCETON, NJ -- If given the opportunity to vote on a law legalizing gay marriage in all 50 states, the slight majority of Americans, 52%, say they would cast their vote in favor, while 43% would vote against it. Across the nation's major demographic, political, and religious groups, support for the proposed law ranges from as high as 77% among self-described liberal Americans, and 76% among those with no religious affiliation, to as low as 23% among weekly churchgoers, and 30% among Republicans and conservatives. Other groups showing at least 60% support for legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide include Democrats, adults aged 18 to 34, those who rarely or never attend a church or other place of worship, moderates, Easterners, and Catholics. Others showing less than 50% support include Protestants, adults 55 and older, Southerners, and men. The groups showing the most ambiguity about such a same-sex marriage law, with between 51% and 53% in favor and 43% to 45% opposed, include Midwesterners, nonwhites, and adults aged 35 to 54. No Shift Since Court Decisions in General Support for Legalizing Gay Marriage In the same poll, Gallup asked a separate half-sample...
Words: 5897 - Pages: 24
...Same Sex Marriage Of all the groups in the U.S. today, I believe there is one that possibly has the hardest time getting their point across. They work hard, day in and day out trying to find ways to express their ideas but they cannot seem to get any more support and if nothing is done to change this, we may lose them forever. To try to find a way to save them, I have decided I will try to see things from their point of view and try to show just how logical their opinions can be. For my research paper, I challenged myself to write it about why same-sex marriage should not be legalized. After three days of research, I regret to inform you that, with the information I found, there is no logical reason whatsoever that same-sex couples should not be able to get married. I have tried so very hard to find a logical argument against it but I was not able to get any reasons against it. Before I started my research, I thought of a few reasons I thought I could go further with but when I tried to make them work, I could only find arguments against them. The reasons I thought same-sex marriage should not be legalized are because a majority of people voted against it, there would be less procreation, and it would complicate laws by redefining marriage. For years, the issue of same-sex marriage has been a flashpoint issue in the United States. It has been a competing legislation, lawsuits, and ballot initiatives in attempting either to legalize or ban the practice. Nearly seventy...
Words: 3984 - Pages: 16
...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. On May 17, 2004 Massachusetts was the first state to legally accept same-sex marriage. Following suit on November 12, 2008 was Connecticut. Not soon after in 2009, Iowa authorized on April 3, Vermont on September 1 and December 19 in Washington DC. The last state to date that allows gay marriage to be legal was New...
Words: 2485 - Pages: 10
...When will we see Change? A Critical look at Barack Obama and the democratic party. Charles Kerber POLS 202 9AM American Government Livingston This paper will take a critical look at the history of the democratic party, its most recent 2012 election, its current presidential candidate Barack Obama, and the latest platform. While the paper may read as being highly critical of President Obama, it should be caveated by the fact that this is an extremely trying time in the history of the United States, and the government is under considerable pressures from outside terrorism threats and international relations, to severe recession and domestic economic concerns. Nevertheless, one must look critically at President Obama, and answer has he really given us “change we can believe in”? Biography & history The Democratic party went through a number of iterations before it became the current democratic party. The party began as the anti federalists under the leadership of Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. Thomas Jefferson a former secretary of state under George Washington's administration who had resigned to protest the fiscal policies of Alexander Hamilton. These two rivals would become the basis of the first two political parties of the United States. Alexander Hamilton favored the constitution, the creation of a national bank and repayment of the revolutionary war debt with federal funds. Under this philosophy they would name themselves Federalists, for their leaders support of ratifying the constitution...
Words: 3232 - Pages: 13
