...Gay Marriage Essay Our country was founded on the idea of federalism, which is a term used to describe a system of government divided between a central authority and regional governments (state governments). These two levels of government were originally intended to establish a strong national government, but yet also to allow the people under that government to participate in it. While on this topic, the question arises of which level it should’ve been legalized on, if it was. From my standpoint I would say the states legislatures should’ve had to legalize it. Instead of giving my reasoning for that I’ll first give examples for what would happen if you did it through the other forms of government. If gay marriage was legalized by Congress, it would’ve had to been amended to the bill of rights, which needs a 2/3 vote in house and senate. Even that most people would be okay with because at least the people they voted in will get to represent them. Next, if the state legislatures would’ve lad to legalized individually by state, that would be more fair for both gays and heterosexuals, because the majority of people in that state would determine if it was legalized or not. Lastly, if the courts were to legalize it, which the Supreme Court did through their ruling in the Obergefell vs. Hodges case, it would’ve caused a lot of debate. The reason this is a last resort option I feel of legalizing gay marriage is because first of all it has no involvement of the people into the nationwide...
Words: 1022 - Pages: 5
...Same-Sex Marriage: For Liberty and Justice for All? Carly Baxter The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is a U.S. law that defines marriage as the union between a man and a woman. Last year, President Obama's told the Justice Department to stop defending DOMA. There were worries that it violated the equal protection element of the Fifth Amendment (Montopoli). Later in 2011, the Obama administration confirmed that it would back a bill to get rid of DOMA (Nakamura). Same-sex marriage is now legal in seven states (Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont, New Hampshire, and New York) and also the District of Columbia. Maryland, Washington, and New Jersey will eventually allow same-sex couples to marry, but the bills haven’t taken effect yet. There are several other states that respect out-of-state marriages, and recognize domestic partnerships or civil unions (“States”). Denmark has accepted same-sex marriage for over twenty years and for several years now in Canada. No societies in these two countries have collapsed nor are divorce rates rising, which are common accusations (Eskridge). If Denmark has had a successful twenty years of same-sex marriage without the fall of their civilization, I doubt the societies in the United States will breakdown if same-sex couples get married. However, that doesn't stop the arguments from being made. So, the only thing someone has to do to cancel out a logical argument is to introduce fear. Nearly forty-six percent of people in the U.S....
Words: 2497 - Pages: 10
...in Marriage for Gay and Lesbians. Growing support for same-sex marriage allowing same-sex couples the right to marry legally has been significant. Support for same-sex marriage has increased up to 70% from 51% back in 2003 with the millennial generation, according to the Pew Research Center March 13-17, 2013. There has been an increase with generation x and baby boomers. Reasons for the increase in the support of same-sex marriage can range from, knowing someone gay or a lesbian, and recognizing same-sex couples should be able to marry whoever he or she love regardless of sexual preference not to mention infringement of one’s civil rights. Homosexuality is as natural as heterosexuality, and there is not one societal benefit for denying same-sex unions. Seems the argument against same-sex marriage it is forbidden in the Bible and thinking of the act itself. Acceptance continues to increase among generations, marriage equality will be law and such unions will be recognized. Historically marriage is seen as a heterosexual privilege, not even interracial marriage was acceptable and many people continue to believe this, regardless of the many changes in today’s world. Times have changed and advocates argue same-sex couples deserve right to the same benefits of marriage appreciated by heterosexual couple, and by denying same sex marriage is unconstitutional discrimination. On the other hand the oppositions argues changing the acceptable definition of marriage as between...
Words: 671 - Pages: 3
...Traditional Marriage vs. Modern Day Marriage Communications 215 Traditional Marriage vs. Modern Day Marriage Traditional Marriage is the social institution under which a man and a woman establish their decision to live as husbands and wife by legal commitments and religious ceremonies. Also defined as the state, condition or relationship of being married; wedlock. Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on culture or subculture in which it is found. (Merriam, 1967) Such a union, often formalized by way of a wedding ceremony, may also be called matrimony. I will build a foundation of my personal principals and moral values on traditional marriage opposed to modern (same sex) marriage, and their contributions to the American Family. In society today modern same sex marriage (also called gay marriage) is legally and or socially recognized marriage between two persons of the same biological sex or social gender. The synonym marriage equality is used especially by supporters of legal recognition of same sex marriage. These two definitions are on very opposite ends of the spectrums in society today. These two very different views have caused a lot of adversity and resistance to the American Family Dream. In closing, my personal viewpoint, religious and political standpoint on the issue may be liberating...
Words: 1026 - Pages: 5
...Zubiri opposes same-sex marriage, divorce By: Marc Jayson Cayabyab @MJcayabyabINQ INQUIRER.net 03:10 PM January 14th, 2016 RECOMMENDED Senatorial aspirant Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri on Thursday said he is against same-sex marriage and divorce in the Philippines. During the Pandesal forum held at the Kamuning Bakery Cafe on Thursday, the independent senatorial candidate said the predominantly Catholic country like the Philippines is not yet ready for same-sex marriage. “Personally, I do not agree with it. Although I believe in the freedom of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) community to love who they want to love, to be who they want to be, but when it comes to same-sex marriage, the Filipino culture is not prepared for that,” Zubiri said. He said he is against divorce because it might result in dysfunctional families and children, which he said is a scenario in the United States, where divorce is legal. “Natatakot ako sa divorce. If there’s such a mechanism as divorce na madali lang maghiwalay, ang mangyayari maraming magte-test marriage,” Zubiri said. “You will have dysfunctional families. Maraming magsu-suicide, maraming mga sira-ulo, maraming mass murderers; these are borne out of the dark years of separation of their parents they experienced, and they feel they are to be blamed,” he added. Zubiri said he would rather improve the process of annulment in the Philippines. “At the same breath, we should also strengthen...
Words: 2396 - Pages: 10
...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
...accurate information to create an educated and involved society. Media’s representations impact our society’s perception and shared reality. The way media represents a certain topic creates a public perception. Because of media framing, they can show us certain sides of an issue or shine a light on one perspective while effectively dimming the light on another. Because of this, we create perceptions based off of information that may not be whole. With these perceptions, we begin to construct a social reality. Once this reality is created, it is difficult to change it even if we find contradicting information. Because of these reasons, the way media represents information is crucial. The issue that will be discussed in this paper is that of gay marriage, stereotypes of homosexuals, and the scientific side of homosexuality. The way media has represented this topic over the past 30 years has varied immensely. We’ve come a long way over the past couple decades and homosexuality is now widely discussed in all forms of media including news, television, advertisements, movies, books, magazines and politics. It is important to close the gaps between the perception, the reality, and the representation of the way media portrays homosexuality. Identifying differences between the representations of homosexuality decades ago compared with now will provide necessary information to form an educated and well-rounded opinion on this issue. This issue is important to our...
Words: 4875 - Pages: 20
...102-02 Gay rights and Religion I choose to do my paper on gay rights and religion. I will be talking about Amendment 14. States that support gay marriage. Religious rights versus gay rights. Gay rights and religious freedom. Gay discrimination. Gay rights and the Constitution. In February of 2004 San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom ordered the city clerk to issue marriage licenses to gay and lesbian couples. The issue that had simmered in the background for years was moved toward the front of the nation's political agenda. Supporters of the more traditional conceptions of marriage fought Newsom in the courts. When they failed there they were placed on California's 2008 ballot that would restrict marriage to heterosexual couples only. Before the 2008 election Massachusetts and Connecticut had already legalized same-sex marriage. Soon after California's vote, Vermont and Iowa joined the ranks states that allow gay couples to marry. While many supporters of gay marriage have focused on winning state approval through the political process by passing new laws to legalize the practice. That strategy has succeeded but only in New England. In the other states, gay marriage has been established only through the courts. While most of the legal fighting over gay marriage has unfolded in the various state courts, many gay-rights advocates suggest that soon the battle needs to be taken to the next level and fought out in the federal courts. Total victory will come only, when gays and...
Words: 2495 - Pages: 10
...Democrats versus Republicans A war goes on in politics as the republicans argue against the democrats. Both have very different views on things. The donkeys vs. the elephants; these two political parties a have always had different opinions on topics. Sometimes people cannot agree with one or the other People just go by what they think is right both political parties have different beliefs on many daily American issues. Democrats are known for supporting love between the same sex. They believe in more of equal rights for everyone. They believe that gay marriage should be left a state issue. They are strong supporters of gay marriage. In 2012 Obama won 76% of the votes from gay people. Gay marriage is a huge controversial in the U.S and the democratic party is...
Words: 711 - Pages: 3
... | Women and members of the GLBT (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender) community have had many of the same struggles throughout history. Each group has had rights taken away, progresses in liberations for their individual groups, as well as setbacks for their groups. GLBT people have been noticed as their own group for a shorter amount of time than women groups have but are none the less important. It is generally seen that the gay rights movement that we currently see was started up in the 1980’s because of the emergence of aides and it was an international conclusion that aides was a disease brought about by the homosexual community. The activists involved in defending the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender communities united to form a stronger front against the discrimination they faced. Traditionally the more masculine men have been seen as a more rough, emotionally disconnected and aggressive image whereas femininity has been viewed more as timid, overly sensitive, submissive, and weak. Throughout history women have taken the necessary steps to fight this image and have become seen as more assertive, independent and ambitious. While conversely today it is more acceptable for men to be more emotionally in tune, more concerned with personal appearance, and more willing to be a partner to rather than in charge of their female counter parts. Of course, there are certain people who prefer to stick to the more traditional roles rather than accept these changes. ...
Words: 804 - Pages: 4
...Same-Sex Marriage and Tradition Nancy Messer University of Phoenix Business Communications and Critical Thinking COM275 Fernando Gutierrez-Rueda November 01, 2012 Same Sex-Marriage and Tradition Gay marriage violates tradition. The definition of “tradition”, according to the Oxford Dictionary, is a “long-established custom or belief that has been passed on from one generation to another”. It has been a long-established custom and belief that marriage should only exist between a man and a woman. “A central point of contention in the national debate over same-sex marriage is the importance of preserving tradition. Opponents of such bans argue that tradition is an illegitimate justification for the bans, while defenders of traditional marriage contend that tradition is not only a legitimate justification, but is in fact sufficiently important to withstand heightened judicial scrutiny.” (Ford-Mazrui, 2011, para. 1) Society divides themselves based on class: income, religion, finances, ethnicity, etc.; the majority holding control over the minority since the beginning of time. There is and always will be some group of minorities that are segregated. Traditionally, most cultures have defined marriage as a unification of one man and one woman, but tradition has a dark history. Tradition includes the ownership of slaves, incongruous treatment of workers, and the denial of rights to women. The abolishment of slavery, the women’s rights movement, and civil rights proved that...
Words: 2331 - Pages: 10
...rights for the Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender community (LGBT). Lambda legal is very big on educating the people about the LGBT community. They have a campaign called "#Don’tEraseUs" where they go to different schools seeing how the LGBT community fits in. Lambda is known for fighting and winning some of the noteworthy and first legal cases on behalf of the lesbian and gay community. They even won the nation’s first HIV/AIDS discrimination case. Lambda states they will continue to fight for equal justice for the LGBT people and people living with HIV in all areas of their lives. All though there are groups like lambda that...
Words: 1377 - Pages: 6
...Same Sex Marriage? Ban Same Sex Marriage The Ultimate web site providing information on the issues. We should be anti-gay marriage, and should ban gay same sex marriages and such practices. Pro-Family Groups in Connecticut Rally Voters to Overturn Court's Gay 'Marriage' Ruling" Pro-family activists in Connecticut are urging the people of the state to vote yes for a constitution convention when they head for the polls on Nov. 4. Though the 4-3 split decision by the Connecticut Supreme Court on Friday effectively redefined marriage in the state, Connecticuters will have the opportunity to have the final say if enough voters rally behind a call for the state legislature to convene a state constitution convention. Every twenty years, under the state constitution, the ballot question "Shall there be a Constitutional Convention to amend or revise the Constitution of the state?" is placed on the ballot for consideration. This year marks Connecticut's 220th since its admission to the Union in 1788. The Court's willingness to undemocratically impose same-sex marriage on Connecticut has made it necessary for us to demand the right to Let the People Decide, expressed Peter Wolfgang, executive director of the Family Institute of Connecticut (FIC), in a press release following Friday's high court decision. And that is why thousands of us will vote 'yes' for a constitutional convention on November 4th." If enough votes are found to favor a convention, it will be incumbent...
Words: 4478 - Pages: 18
...Ever since Roe vs. Wade, America has been arguing over the topic of abortion and for many it is a non-negotiable topic when supporting a certain political party. The Democrats being the progressive party have supported the Pro-Choice side of this issue, stating that the government should not be able to infringe on women’s rights. The Republican Party, sticking to biblical principals, is a Pro-Life party, seeing each life as a gift from God. Democrats believe that we should be constantly moving forward on every issue we face, this is the progressive way of thinking. The Democratic are trying to move past the old ideology in this country that kept women from voting and infringed on their basic civil rights. The Republican respect women’s rights but also respect...
Words: 884 - Pages: 4
...Studies in Women and Gender Program This article addresses the effects of heterosexist bias in social welfare policy frameworks on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals and families in the United States. It discusses the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA), the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), federal definitions of family and household, and stereotypes about LGBT individuals. It argues that poor LGBT individuals and families lack full citizen rights and access to needed social services as a result of these explicit and implicit biases. Key words: Welfare reform; family policy; civil rights; gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LGBT); heterosexism Welfare reform is fundamentally about family policy—about promoting and privileging particular kinds of families, and about penalizing and stigmatizing others. (Cahill and Jones 2002: 1). Two pieces of legislation were passed in 1996 that set an important tone for family policy in the United States: The 1996 Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA), an act that expanded welfare-to-work programs throughout the country, restricted people’s access to public assistance, and crystallized the broader restructuring of public-private boundaries; and the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which defines marriage as a legal union between a man and a woman. At first glance, the two initiatives appear unrelated and inconsequential, although the reality is quite...
Words: 5734 - Pages: 23
