Marriage Inequality in America Spotlighting Equal Rights for the LGBT Community

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American nationalism can be described in the foundational terms of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; however, these fundamental ideas are impacted across every state when equal rights intersect with the complex issue of marriage rights. Thomas Jefferson once said, “I never will, by any word or act, bow to the shrine of intolerance or admit a right of inquiry into the religious opinions of others” (Jefferson, 1900). When approaching the various stances on marriage, civil unions, and equal rights in regards to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community it is fundamentally important to follow Jefferson’s cue and approach the varied perspectives with an open mind. With the average person’s opinion on marriage equality having been shaped by their upbringing it is important to review not only the arguments of the Democrat and Republican parties, but also the stances of those in the middle whose lack of affiliation could create a moderate and tolerable solution to this current issue.
The histories of marriage equality, sexual orientation, and gender identity in the United States have been taboo, bloody, and are now under serious debate. From interracial marriage to acknowledging HIV and AIDs as serious problems in our country, America has had a way of avoiding issues that American’s see as important until the debate drives society farther apart. This is once again evident in the debate of marriage equality in United States. Currently, the majority of the America’s states continue to have laws against LGBT marriage and civil unions or they continue to fully ignore the issue. Joseph Bottum wrote an article that addressed that taboo of this discussion, the history, and its effects on society. As a Catholic, Bot...

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