...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 same sex to marry,...
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...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...
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...Debate over same-sex marriage: Is it really a threat to the institution of marriage as we know it? Chaniqua Mauldin Dr. Reba Glidewell CST 5334 Ethnic and Cultural Awareness Capella University March 6, 2011 TABLE OF CONTENTS Abstact 2 Marriage and Religion 4-6 Civil Contract # Religious view # Political and Legal Pressures # Defense of Marriage Act # Proposition 8 # Same Sex Marriage Threat to the Community # Who are same-sex marriages hurting? # Conclusion # Personal Reflections # References # Abstract Homosexuality is a global topic of debate. The topic of homosexuality has been discussed constantly throughout various media outlets. A number of debates have been argued in regard to the rights of homosexuals. One of the most hotly debated subjects is the rights of homosexual couples. This controversial topic has been widely debated for a number of years. However, the trend toward globally accepting same-sex marriage is on the rise. States such as Massachusetts have passed laws to make the union of same-sex marriages legal. Other states have taken initial steps toward accepting same-sex marriage. Whereas others are considering laws and constitutional amendments banning same-sex marriage within state borders. Some opponents of same-sex marriage argue that these unions should be prohibited due to the fact spouses cannot produce children in the way God intended. Additionally, those who contest same-sex marriages believe legalization of these unions...
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...Recognition of gay and lesbian marriage and pluralism Word Count: 2024 What does pluralism reveal about the recognition of gay and lesbian marriage? What are the strengths and limitations of this theory in understanding the recognition of gay and lesbian marriage? Power overlaps between interest and political groups and as a result, political decision-making is reached through negotiation and compromise (Manley 1983). Indeed, when examining the progressive debate concerning the legal recognition of same-sex relationships in Australia, the perception that power is bartered through interest groups becomes highly plausible through the lens of classical pluralist theory. There are competing visions of diversity in Australia, and behind the main positions; supportive, neutral, and opposing, there are a multitude of perspectives underlying these umbrella groupings. For some in the community, the concept of gay and lesbian marriage is controversial, and its complexities raise fundamental social, religious, moral and political questions. In analyzing how power has operated in this situation, I will apply classical pluralism to converse sides of the moral argument to reveal how Australian attitudes have changed over time in a progressively consensual political environment. For this issue, the strengths of pluralism lie in its empirical nature; it is an observable and comprehensive view of understanding how power operates in society, with regard to a multitude of perspectives and...
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...freely define what the word marriage means. The majority of the states continued to define marriage as the union between man and woman, however, some still opposed this controversial definition of marriage. In recent years, the debate of homosexuality and same sex marriage has become even more of a hot topic due to the media, politics, and society in general. So, what does the definition of marriage mean to an individual? Christian conservatives say that marriage is strictly the formal union between man and woman. However, some general Christians may argue that marriage means to live a happy and joyful life with an intimate partner regardless of gender. Within these countless arguments about banning same sex marriages are the small but controversial topics that heat up the debate even more. The biggest issue that fuel the fire even more are the constant debates regarding the definition of the word “marriage”, people around the world have different definitions of the word marriage based on their environments, religion, and other external sources. Another issue that debaters, politicians, and people of the country are constantly debating and arguing about is the concept that can be simply put as “is homosexuality natural?”, believe it or not this one question is the most debated and argued topic between people who oppose same sex marriage and people who approve of same sex marriage. The final issue is the disagreement of the pros of same sex marriage, every time there is a positive...
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...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...
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...There are significant differences in the rights of same-sex couples in Brazil, Japan and India. Brazil is the most liberal of the three countries and laws have already been passed to 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...
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...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 same rights as...
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...believe that what people think of same-sex marriages, depends on their religious beliefs. But it is very far from the truth to call the same-sex marriage debate a religious debate, when it is actually all about politics. What one’s view on same-sex marriages is depends on whether one is conservative, liberal or libertarian. Or perhaps basic human rights and values? At least that is what Mike Adams writes in his article ‘Three Views on Same Sex Marriage’ the 21st of May 2012 for www.townhall.com. He calls the issue pretty simple for the conservatives, because they think the marital institution predates any governmental decision. To the conservatives, marriage is about protecting women and children, and taming men. The liberals do not think that we as individuals get our rights from God, but instead the rights are given to groups by the government. Liberals are of the opinion that any government can change any law and regulation as they want to, and they do not consider marriage to predate any laws. Libertarians, however, think that it is problematic to recognize marriage in any form. The government should not be in the business of promoting a religious institution, nor should the government recognize and regulate an even broader range of relationships than it already does. David Blankenhorn – in value-based opinion shift In 2007 David Blankenhorn, author of the book ‘Future of Marriage’, took a rather conservative point of view on marriage. He used children as the main...
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...Bias Same-sex marriage has been an on-going battle for many years. California’s opposition to same-sex marriage, Proposition 8, barely passed in the 2008 election. Same-sex marriage has been a news-worthy topic since 1997 when Hawaii passed a Domestic Partnership policy which triggered other states to change policies as well. This issue started a state-to-state debate of whether same-sex couples should have the same rights that heterosexual, married couples have. This debate between states has reached a Congressional level. The Supreme Court has agreed to hear two cases surrounding this on-going debate. The cases the Court will hear are related to allowable benefits for same-sex partners, and California’s ban on gay marriage. The New York Times’ article about the Supreme Court taking up the same-sex marriage issue was clear and accurate. There were good statistics about states’ involvements in the on-going debate. There were hyper-links to other topics related to this article such as Social Security benefits, estate taxes, Proposition 8, and domestic partnerships in specific states. The facts that were reported in this New York Times’ article were specific and detailed enough to gather the message of the topic being presented. Other facts that support the topic, although not detailed in this report, allow for readers to research further at their own will, using the provided links. This article regarding the Supreme Court’s decision to hear the argument for same-sex marriage...
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...whom ever they feel is insane and crazy. The dictionary defines “marriage” in several different ways. The primary definition is the state of being united to a person of the opposite sex as a husband or wife in a consensual and contractual relationship recognized by law. Marriage is also defined as the state of being united to a person of the same sex in a relationship like that of a traditional marriage. The debates on whatever gay marriages should be legal or not has gone on for years and will continue to be a debate in the years to come. The answer to this question will always be two-sided depending on which definition of marriage you relate to. The institution of marriage is found in all societies but the features, roles and rules vary with different cultures. A person’s beliefs, religion or upbringing have an influence on how they view gay as well as straight marriage. Most people will debate that marriage is supposed to be solely between a man and a woman. Not letting homosexuals marry is unequal and judgmental by the government and the community. It is ok to run the money issues and political views but to try and tell people who they can and can’t marry is not right. Why is it alright to allow heterosexuals to marry and not let homosexuals? This is because it is what society feels is right. Homosexuals have to same feelings and the live in the same world, work the same jobs, and pay the same taxes. Just because a person choices a different partner than their...
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...------------------------------------------------- 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...
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...where one of the very watchwords of the day is equality, we still cling to a fairly archaic idea of the definition of marriage. This definition holds the rights and responsibilities, as well as the protections inherent to this idea of marriage being only available as a legal construct for heterosexual couples. We discriminate against our homosexual citizens and their right to have their long term relationships recognized and given the same validity as those long term relationships of heterosexual couples through the societal construct of marriage. Same-sex marriage has become a huge issue for many in the United States, it is a “lightning rod” issue that seems to polarize the two sides of the argument. There does not seem to be much, if any, common ground to stand upon. A person either holds the belief, often backed by their faith, that gay marriage is unacceptable, or they discard that belief and can't conceive of why that viewpoint is in any way valid. For most people there really is no middle ground. The focus of this paper is to examine same-sex marriage through the lens of the state and federal levels of legislation and constitutional precedent. My personal interest in this subject stems from my own beliefs about homosexuality in general, and particularly the point that I would like is that I believe continuing to deny the right of a fully recognized marriage to...
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...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...
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...ENHANCING TAX REVENUES THROUGH SAME-SEX MARRIAGE INTRODUCTION Proponents of same-sex marriage have used arguments centered on equality, fairness, and microeconomic factors such as reducing taxes for couples who are married, pension inheritance, and Social Security benefits. Opponents of allowing same-sex couples to marry use religious, historical, and political arguments. There seems to be no common basis for one side to convince the other to change its collective mind. Opponents who use the argument that Judeo-Christian holy law declares homosexuality a sin and therefore encouraging sexual relations between people of the same sex by recognizing same-sex marriage is untenable. This argument, of course, requires belief that (1) the Judeo-Christian laws should be the basis for our federal laws, (2) they actually makes such a statement, and (3) that if they make such a statement that the proscription should be taken literally. If one doesn’t accept these assumptions, the argument isn’t compelling. Similarly, the argument that history is on the side opposing same-sex marriage presumes that there were no gay marriages historically and that what was appropriate in the past is also appropriate for the present. Proponents of same-sex marriage claim that the federal Constitution and other civil rights laws provide rights and protections for minorities equal to the rights and protections enjoyed by the majority, which are being denied to the homosexual minority. These...
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