Gay Marriage in the USA: Tides of Change

Politically, gay marriage is one of the 'hot' issues that public officials are asked to take a position on. Legally, matters of jurisdiction have caused uncertainty on whether a couple of the same sex will be recognized should they decide to move. Socially, America is still in turmoil due to how strongly both the opposition and advocacy feel for their cause. This has resulted hate crimes and protest, which brings gay marriage to a personal level as well. This issue causes us to question our own morality, as well as what we perceive the impact will be on children and their views on sexuality and core values.

With so many differing opinions, one can understand why it's been so hard for the nation to come to agree on this issue. In an article titled "Witch Hunt in the Golden State", David N. Bass sheds light on on his opinion that same-sex marriage activists are using nonsensical methods of defending their case. According to the article, the US 9th Circuit of Appeals received a request from two homosexual couples that would force the campaigners againt gay marriage to make their private communications during the campaign available to the public. This, an attorney for the two homosexual couples believes, would make it apparent that the campaign against same sex marriage used an unfair method of invoking fear that both traditional marriage and society as a whole would collapse if gay marriage were allowed. On the other hand, attorneys for the advocates of traditional marriage believe that being forced to give out their internal communications during the Proposition 8 campaign would be an infringement on the freedom of speech and the unwritten rules of politics.

"The state cannot demean their existence or control their destiny by making their private sexual conduct a crime -Kennedy" (Dockterman). By denying homosexuals the right to come out and marry their partners won't make them or their "choice" change. People all around the world have their own opinions about gay rights, but people are people no matter their race, skin color, or gender and they should have the same rights as "normal" couples. Homosexual couples should be able to be together for three main reasons: they are being discriminated for being the way they are, more children would be adopted, and statistics have proven that divorce rates have declined when a state allows homosexuals to marry. Discrimination Not allowing homosexuals to marry lets the public state that they don't have the same rights as us.

Same-sex marriage has been a widely argued topic for many years, causing tons of controversy across the globe. The two sides pertaining to this debate are legalizing same-sex marriage, or applying a constitutional ban. The largest point of disagreement is whether or not allowing same-sex marriage promotes equality, and not allowing it promotes discrimination. As Americans, we value equality, liberty, and tolerance. Merriam-Webster defines equality as the “quality or state of having the same rights, social status, etc.” This value is one that is societal, meaning it is followed relating to society.

One reason to why some people think same-sex marriage is wrong is because it is claimed to not be a traditional marriage: between a man and a woman. According to Seth Forman, author of American Obsession: Race and Conflict in the Age of Obama, in addition to straight people thinking gay marriage would change the principle of marriage, people that support gay marriage agree it would alter traditional marriage too. It is claimed that gay marriage is thought of as somet... ... middle of paper ... ...NE. 8.6 (2013). Academic Search Complete.

You would more than likely witness numerous signs picketing this issue whether it may be a revised Bible quote deeming it a sin or a sign decked out in the many colors of the rainbow which is the universal flag for gays. I propose that gay marriage should be legalized because nontraditional couples should have just as many rights and privileges as traditional couples and the legalization of it is not responsible for any snowball effect that may occur afterwards. Gay marriage, which is also known as same-sex marriage, is customarily the marriage between two individuals of the same sex. This debate has been going strong since the 1960s with a sudden reemergence in the last 20 years. The debate was brought on by a Supreme Court ruling in the state of Hawaii that stated that the attempt to ban gay marriage was unconstitutional if the court could not give a sound motive for discriminating against same-sex couples.

In addition, if they fail to meet those expectations, they are then at the urge by the ceremonial leader as to whether or not they may continue with the “marriage”. In this essay I will argue how they are benefiting society and the discrimination that they are facing and why same sex couples should have the freedom to love and marry to their partner. Can you imagine how it would feel if you were told you could not marry the one you love? Many homosexual couples are facing this mayhem in their life. But did you know that this is a form of discrimination?

Web. 27 Apr 2012. . Klarman, Michael. “Why Gay Marriage Is Inevitable.” Los Angeles Times. 12 Feb 2012: A.

With its signing, I want to say ‘welcome’ to the world, come to paradise.” However, this country has continued to vote to keep an estimated 9 million Americans who claim to be homosexual from marrying (Morello). Some are uncomfortable with gay marriage or it may go against their religion but banning it directly violates some of this country’s other laws. As opposition to gay marriage is based mainly on religious views, excludes gay couples from the benefits of marriage, and directly violates the United States Constitution, marriage between same-sex couples should be declared legal in every state. One strong argument presented is that there must be a separation between church and state. This is used to make sure that the church will not govern the state and guarantees freedom of religion.

By accepting them as equals we are taking steps for everyone. Same-sex marriages and civil unions are a highly controversy subject. There is social unrest regarding the government’s denial of the right to marry for homosexuals. Homosexuals are a part of American society, and yet they do not have the same civil rights as heterosexuals. In 1996, Congress passed the Defense of Marriage Act that defines marriage as a union between members of the opposite sex, and left this matter up to the individual states.