...Marriage and Same-Sex Couples One of the leading political debates in our country today is the legalization of same-sex marriages. The very image of marriage is evolving on an on-going basis due to society and the major changes between society defined unions. In 2003 Webster’s Dictionary changed the definition of marriage to include same-sex marriage. Marriage, as per society, is a special event in almost everyone’s life. Marriage should be about getting married to someone you love. Marriage should be a natural event no matter what sex that person is. It is not just a piece of paper that binds you together; it also involves legal aspects, economic and social issues as well. The focus of this paper will be on these issues and how they are intertwined. When society first started discussing this issue they were set on the fact that it would destroy heterosexual marriage and that it would bring harm to everyone. It has been discussed on every major television program and/or channel. Almost everyone has an opinion on the subject but most will not support it with hard facts. According to revised estimates from the 2010 Census, there were 131,729 same-sex married couple households and 514,735 same-sex unmarried partner households in the United States. In the 2000 Census there were 594,391 households headed by same-sex partners and in 2011. Maggie Gallagher, co-author of “The Case for Marriage,” testified in front of the Senate that gay marriage activists are misrepresenting...
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...both inside and outside the traditional relationships of a biological mother and father have a chance to have a child. These families consist of single parents and also same sex couples. With same sex relationships, a third party has to be involved, which could be either a surrogate mother or a male donor. Unfortunately, there are still many people in society that are homophobic. Lesbian co-mothers are growing in population. ART has contributed to a significant increase in the number of lesbian and gay individuals choosing to raise children. Most lesbian couples obtain a child from either a past heterosexual relationship or by alternative insemination where the child then has two mothers and a male donor. People within society are concerned about this because it is not a traditional type of family. They feel that a child should have both a male and female figure represented in a family to make an ideal environment. Gay couples also have a hard time involving ART and children. One reason for this is because gay male couples have to go through both artificial insemination and surrogacy laws. The way that this usually works is that a gay male couple will find a woman who is willing to be a surrogate mother. The woman is artificially inseminated with semen from one of the two males and delivers the baby to the couple after the birth. One of the major problems with this procedure is that surrogate mothers can change their minds after birth and keep the baby. Contracts between the adults...
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...Estate Planning for Same Sex Couples I. Introduction The benefits of marriage are unavailable to same-sex couples. Moreover, outdated intestacy statutes fail to recognize the close family bond between same-sex partners. Moreover, most intestacy laws discriminate against same-sex couples in that gay or lesbian relationships are generally considered invalid for the purposes of distributing the estate of a deceased partner who dies without a will. Accordingly, in order to reap inheritance and tax benefits that are automatically afforded to traditional married couples, these same-sex couples must rely on extensive and creative legal planning. There are several tools that provide solutions to this issue. Contract based estate planning techniques are the most commonly used tools for distributing a decedent’s property at death. Though the following planning mechanisms provide certain advantages, they are also accompanied by various disadvantages. II. Wills A will is an instrument by which a person directs dispositions of property to take effect upon death. It is the only document that allows a decedent’s probate assets to pass testate to persons of his or her choosing as opposed to passing via the strict laws of intestacy, under which the surviving partner would receive nothing. Even in the presence of strategies used to avoid probate such as intervivos trusts, wills are an essential precautionary measure to demonstrate the intent to pass property outside of probate, to...
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...religious beliefs that may or may not be factual and were written approximately 2,500 years ago, an uprising would surely come about. If nine million people here in our very own country were told that they were not worthy of being wed today because of the verbiage within a document that was written by wealthy white men in the late 18th Century, what would we do? In the United States alone, it is estimated that nearly nine million people consider themselves gay or lesbian--equivalent to the populations in the above mentioned scenarios (Gates, 2011). So why is it that nearly fifty years after the Civil Rights Act was passed in 1964, the gay and lesbian community is bearing the brunt of such inequality? In the 1930’s, approximately the same number of Jews in Europe were targeted as an inferior class and we are all well-aware of the atrocities that resulted shortly thereafter (Jewish Virtual Library, 1997). While comparing the Holocaust to the rights of the gay and lesbian community in America is undoubtedly a stretch, it should at least open one’s eyes to the wide-spread nature of the injustice that is occurring in our very own country as we speak. All of us here in the United States have grown up believing that we live in a “free” country--one where democracy reigns and justice prevails. We have been taught this since our earliest days in the classroom. But what if we step outside the box for a moment? The founders of our fledgling nation had these thoughts in mind as...
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...Should Same Sex Couples Have the Same Adoption Rights as Heterosexual Couples? Krystal Davis COM/220 March 13, 2012 Barbara Plyler Should Same Sex Couples Have the Same Adoption Rights as Heterosexual Couples? In 2008, President Barack Obama stated there are too many children who need loving parents to deny one group of people adoption rights (eQuality, 2005). A child will benefit from a healthy, loving home, whether the parents are gay or not (eQuality, 2005). With that statement in 2008 from the individual who holds the most powerful authority in the United States, why are gay and lesbian couples today still battling adoption laws? When in fact while trying to adopt and raise children a couple’s sexual orientation should not be a factor. Homosexuals should not have to battle or circumvent adoption laws. The American family does not look the same as it did 30 years ago; therefore the adoption laws should not be the same either. Consequently, the adoption laws for some states are changing as the world evolves and realizes that a child’s well-being is more important than his or her parent’s sexual preferences. Currently, gay and lesbian couples are prohibited from adopting in only two states, Utah and Mississippi (Tavernise, 2011). Equally important is the exclusion on marriage and equal parenting rights for both parents. Some same sex households face the inequality in parental rights when children are included from previous heterosexual relationships...
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...Viewpoints, adoption is the process of taking legal responsibility for the care and protection of a child that is not one’s own by birth. Same-sex couple adoption should be allowed based upon the following principles: a number of same-sex couples looking to adopt or have already, same-sex parents fail to negatively impact the children, and same-sex relationships feature the same basic components and desires as heterosexual relationships. It is imperative to children who are in the position to be adopted for LGBT families to have the legal ability to...
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...Research paper: Same-sex Marriage Petra Jerabkova Sociology 316: Marriage and Family Dr. Alston April 10, 2014 The legalization of same-sex marriage has been a battle that has been raging since the late twentieth century. By not allowing same-sex marriage, the United Sates are creating discrimination against same-sex couples. People of faith are the biggest advocates against same-sex marriages. With the belief that marriage is the foundation for procreation, same-sex couples, without the ability to have their own child, should not be allowed the right of marriage. Seeing that there are many rights and responsibilities associated with marriage, same-sex couples are denied these and are being discriminated against. Same-sex couples are denied the right to make decisions regarding their partner’s health and medical treatment. This emotional trauma, as well as the inability to adopt one another’s children, is experienced by same-sex couples every day. Although many states have adopted civil unions, they are separate and unequal. Same-sex marriage should be legalized to create equality and eliminate the injustice involving same-sex couples. In early times, same-sex marriage was not considered taboo and in many cultures, it was encouraged. Random History (2011) explains that in the early civilizations of Mesopotamia and ancient Egypt, the union between couples of the same-sex was recognized by the kingdom. During Greek’s early years, attraction between...
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...RUNNING HEAD: SAME SEX ADOPTION-AN ETHICAL DILEMMA Same Sex Adoption- An Ethical Dilemma The topic of homosexual equality is a very controversial one for many people; from legalizing gay marriage to 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...
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... and homosexuality. Same sex marriage has been debated in various countries for many years. This issue brings wide concern to moral and human rights. In earlier times, same-sex marriages were evidential tolerated in parts of Mesopotamia and ancient Egypt as shown in artifacts found. The Western world was known for being very accepting of same-sex relationships and unions, which is revealed in Greek paintings. People who are against gay marriage primarily focus on the moral aspect of gay marriage. Supporters of gay marriage think about same-sex couples and the positive effects it can have on them and our society. Gay marriage should be legalized in all states because it is their civil right, it increases family value which leads to an increasing rate in adoption, and same sex marriages stimulate the economy through financial increase. People who are non-supporters of gay marriage believe it goes against the moral and definition of marriage. In Market Watch magazine (2008), many people believe that gay marriages destroy the value of family and tradition. Furthermore, same sex marriage completely goes against major religions such as Catholicism and Islam. However, people do not realize that civil and religious marriages are distinct and separated. Joe Solmoneses, the president of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, states that marriage is not only an important religious meaning but it is also a legal contract. This may be true but there are many couples who do not need religious...
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...right to marry whichever gender we please, equality is the most profound rights that we have not only as American citizens, but as human beings. In this paper I will discuss my views on same sex marriage and analyze how the states Massachusetts and California are more liberal than the state of Kentucky when it comes to the issues of same sex marriage. The states Massachusetts and California are more liberal than the state of Kentucky when it comes to the issues of same sex marriage. In my opinion all American states should follow the state of Massachusetts and allow the right to same sex marriages. Granting legal marriage rights under the law must extend to gays and lesbians to ensure that all citizens enjoy full human rights. Same sex marriage is not only the marriage of man and man or woman and woman, but the marriage of two human beings who are in love. Love sees no gender, and my location should not play a role in who I can and can not marry. Literature Review Same sex marriage has been a major issue in our country for years. This issue has played majors roles in matters such as the legislators we elect, the places we choose to reside, and who we will elect as the next president of the United States. On May 17th, 2004, Massachusetts began marrying gay and lesbian couples. At this point only residents of Massachusetts are...
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...Benefits Same sex marriage has become more widely accepted worldwide than before. In the past, same sex marriage was been considered immoral, weird and religiously incorrect. Various countries around the world used to ban this type of marriage. However, as same sex couple population increased, people started slowly adjusting themselves to changes in society. Another factor for increased same-sex marriages is the rise in divorce. This has discouraged the modern youth from committing themselves to marriage unions. Nowadays gay and lesbian couples are disclosing their marital status and demanding for their rights. This essay would be arguing about the benefits and the rights of same-sex marriages in society. Same-sex orientations are more reserved when it comes to expressing their choices. Support for same-sex marriages has increased over time as a result of a shift in social values. One of the arguments in support of same-sex marriages is that when legalized, gay marriages will result to more secure and stable relationships (Nagle 14). Without being legalized, these same-sex relationships will not last. It will also lead to increased acceptance by the society (Eskridge & Spedale 29). Advocates of the same-sex marriages also argue that legalizing it will fight the societal belief that gay relationships are all about sexual activity; there can be a serious commitment by a gay couple. It is also argued that the state will earn more from tourism as more gay couples will seek...
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...“Same-Sex Marriage and the Civil Rights Movement” Shelby Atkinson COM/170 April 27, 2015 Vanessa D. Hayden “Same-Sex Marriage and the Civil Rights Movement” Is the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s and the fight for same-sex marriage the same? African Americans fought discrimination and unfair treatment, segregation and hate for being who they were. Same-sex couples are doing the same thing, now in fighting for equality, rights, and liberties that America owes them all. Same-sex couples may not have been enslaved, but doesn’t that mean same-sex couples don't feel hurt all the same by not being allowed to be with someone they love or in danger because of it. Just because they didn't endure the years of hardship that African Americans doesn't mean same-sex couples don't have their fair share of discrimination for extremely illegitimate reasons. It boils down to people’s blatant fear of change and allowing anything new to blossom. Marriage equality is the same fight as the Civil Rights Movement because it will benefit everyone, end discrimination, and make a better future for our country. Marriage equality will benefit everyone like the Civil Rights Movement did in the 1960’s. Federal, state, and local government will benefit the same ways it did after the Civil Rights Movement. There are 1,138 benefits, rights, and protections available to married couples, but not to same-sex couples until marriage equality is approved everywhere. Marriage equality will create opportunities...
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...Same-Sex Marriage: The Problems with DOMA and the Pursuit for Equality Believe it or not, same-sex marriage has been around since ancient times. At least two Roman Emperors, Nero and Elagabalus, were in gay unions. It wasn’t until the advent of Christianity that the practice of same sex marriage was out-lawed by the emperors Constantius II and Constans in 342 AD and has continued to be through-out most of the world until the twenty-first century (Boswell 83). With the advent of gay rights movement in many industrialized countries, same-sex marriage has become more accepted. A prime example of this is what lawmakers in the state of New York did on June 24, 2011. With a thirty-three to twenty-nine vote, the legislature legalized same-sex marriage, making it the largest state where gay and lesbian couples can now get married (New York Times 2011). However, Even with recent legalization of gay marriage in some parts of the nation there are still states that are strongly against it. States such as Alaska, Hawaii, Nebraska and Nevada have, by popular vote, passed Defense of Marriage Acts (DOMAs) as a constitutional amendment. This gives states the legal right not to recognize same-sex marriage from other states where it is legal. I will argue that DOMA legislation is discriminatory and that same-sex couples have a legal right to the same marriage benefits and public acknowledgment enjoyed by heterosexual couples. Also, that second-class remedies such as civil unions and...
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...Happiness for One, Happiness for All Gay marriage has been a debate for decades now. It is such an important topic in today’s society because it plays a roll between the basic moral and human rights that are allowed as a society. Many gay couples have begun to come out and voice their sexual preference to their family and friends. On September 21, 1996 when President Bill Clinton sighed the Defense of Marriage Act which banned federal recognition of same-sex marriage and defined marriage as a “legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife,” it gave people a conception of the definition of marriage in which we have since come a long way. Although many people are still against the legalization of same sex marriage, same sex marriage should be legalized in every state because it is their civil rights which are a completely separate from the religion aspect, it will increase a strong family value and help to increase the number of child adoptions, and will bring a surplus of financial benefits. Many people in today’s world believe that same sex marriage should not be legalized because it goes against the moral definition of marriage. According to the dictionary, marriage is “the state of being united to a person of the opposite sex as husband and wife in a consensual and contractual relationship organized by law” (Marriage. (n.d.)). This definition allows people to have a biased conception of what the term marriage means. Though marriage is defined as a holy matrimony...
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...The topic of same sex marriages has flooded our headlines for many years, particularly whether or not it should be legalized. This highly controversial subject has been one that has been very difficult for many people to accept. So imagine that you were in love with someone and you were told you that you couldn’t marry that person. How would that make you feel and what if this was someone you absolutely could not live without? What would you do? These are questions that many people in our society face every day just because of their sexual orientation. Although controversial, the right to marry should be afforded to everyone regardless of sexual orientation. When we look at the legal definition of marriage, according to the Oxford Dictionary, marriage is “the formal union of a man and a woman, typically recognized by law, by which they become husband and wife.” (Oxford Dictionary, 2013) However, in a changing society, where past cultural norms are no longer the norm, this definition should change to fit the times. When it comes to same sex marriages, homosexuals are making great progress in obtaining the same rights as heterosexuals. Just this year, the US Supreme court provided one of the biggest victories of all by striking down parts of the Defense Marriage Act that once denied same sex couples the same benefits that are provided to heterosexual spouses. There are currently only 13 states, which include Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont, New Hampshire...
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