Gay Marriage in the USA: Tides of Change
argumentative Essay
1251 words
When Americans face the question about the definition of marriage, many of them seem to be sure of how to define it, always emphasizing in the importance of the civil union. There are many interpretations depending upon point of perspective and social identity. The commonly accepted meaning of marriage is a legally accepted relationship between a man and a woman in which they live as husband and wife. “Marriage” looks like a simple word, but it is much more complicated. This word has caused many feelings of guilt, humiliation and strife in relationships where trust has been compromised. It has contributed to so much suffering and sadness for many of them; and for others much happiness, contentment, and gratification. There is a large group of Americans who are not included in this current definition; these people believe the same unalienable rights should be available to all citizens of this country. This is where a new concept was born: gay marriage. The main purpose of this paper is to discuss the history of the LGTB(Lesbian, Gay, Transgender, and Bisexual) movement in the USA, and the different positions that oppose that movement. Also, the current trends indicate a change is coming soon for this country on the issue. There are more gay supporters standing on the side of gay couples affirming that equality is necessary in America. Opponents just claim that gay relationships are uncommitted and shallow, and because of these facts they should not have the right to marry. As opposed to traditional marriage, gay marriage or same sex marriage could be defined as a lawful marriage between two persons of the same biological sex. This is one of the most controversial and discussed issues all around the world today. Many peop... ... middle of paper ... ... 24 Feb.2011: A1.Print Chan, Sewell. “ Police Records Document Start of Stonewall Uprising.” The New York Times. New York Times, 22 Jun. 2009.Web. 20 April 2011. Fleischer, Matthew : “Key moments in the struggle for gay marriage in the U.S.” La Weekly Magazine , 27 Feb.2008. Web 20 April 2011. Fleischer, Matthew : “California Supreme Court Set to Consider Gay Marriage”. La Weekly Magazine , 27 Feb.2008. Web 20 April 2011. Squires in Fatima, Nick. “Pope says gay marriage is 'insidious and dangerous.” The telegraph. The telegraph, 13 May 2010.Web. 23 May 2011 Vestal, Christine. “ Gay Marriage legal in six states” Stalin, state policy and politics, updated daily. The Pew, inc. 4 June 2009. Web 20 April 2011. Vestal, Christine. “Law and civil rights: Same sex marriage”. Polling report.com 2010. Polling report, Inc. 6 Oct. 2010. Web 20 April 2011
In this essay, the author
- Explains that marriage is a legally accepted relationship between man and woman in which they live as husband and wife. it causes many feelings of guilt, humiliation and strife in relationships where trust has been compromised.
- Analyzes the history of the lgtb movement in the usa and the different positions that oppose it. there are more gay supporters standing on the side of gay couples affirming that equality is necessary in america.
- Explains that gay marriage or same sex marriage is one of the most controversial and discussed issues around the world today. many people are pro-gay rights, while others consider it anti-christian and say it goes against god.
- Explains how the stonewall riots of 1969 strengthened the effort to recognize the rights of the lgbt community.
- Explains that in 1993, three same-sex couples filed a discrimination suit against the state of hawaii for denying their marriage requests, and the state supreme court nearly legalized gay marriage.
- Explains that many religions do not allow gay marriages or are against homosexuality, while reform judaism allows same sex unions. catholics and christians are among the most problematic groups.
- Explains that in 1997, two lesbian couples and one gay male couple from vermont started requesting marriage licenses in their state. in 2003, it was declared in massachusetts that same-sex couples should have equal rights to marry under the state constitution.
- Explains that the federal government does not recognize gay marriage as legal in the usa. the district of columbia, connecticut, iowa, vermont, new hampshire, maine, and massachusetts have approved same-sex marriage.
- Concludes that gay marriage is not a break up in people’s cultures or traditions; it is just an advance in social equity.
- Cites barr, bobb, and capehart, jonathan on obama’s historic action against doma.
- Explains that the california supreme court will consider gay marriage. the pope says it's 'insidious and dangerous'.
Related
- analytical
- opinionated
- explanatory
- The Marriage Ordeal: Rights and Ramificationsanalytical essayIn a country with it’s fundamentals based on liberty and equality, America has always struggled with those very concepts. Throughout history, Americans have been challenged to make decisions that have oppressed and freed certain groups of people. The political fight for same-sex marriages is a perfect example of this notion. This relation between spouses has created a major controversy that is creating history in our nation. A series of protests, acts and political scandal has finally opened America to discuss a topic that had been in “the closet” for a long time. This discussion asks questions that have caused a visceral reaction in society. Questions such as whether gays and lesbians should marry, and if so, should they be granted the same matrimony rights as heterosexual couples? Should marriage be protected to fit traditional American values? How would these unions affect or contribute to our definition of such a celebrated institution? .
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how the political fight for same-sex marriages has created a major controversy that is creating history in america.
- Explains that tradition is a strong component in the institution of marriage. the "quickie" vegas drive-through wedding or the underwater vow exchange is not as unusual or shocking as it once was.
- Explains that same-sex unions aren't as contemporary as some might assume. there are many recorded characters and stories about them in the bible.
- Explains that same-sex marriage is at the center of one of the hottest debates of this year's legislative session.
- Analyzes how the same-sex marriage debate is a controversial topic. both groups voice out their opinions in various ways, such as the campaign for children and families rally in san diego.
- Opines that denying same-sex marriages isn't fair, but it's an important topic that deserves our attention.
- Cites baldman, anthony gay & lesbian times and san diego news for their pro-family rallies against same-sex marriage rights.
- Explains wallerstein, judith, and blakeslee, sandra, the good marriage. boston - new york: houghton mifflin company, 1995.
1792 wordsRead More - 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.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how a deacon was charged with violating the prohibition against clergy officiating same-sex unions and disobeying the order and discipline of the church.
- Opines that virginia's house bill 939 would have addressed the issues regarding sections of the constitution of virginia that currently ban same-sex unions.
- Opines that a solution requires traversing the complex and never-kindly-spoken matter of where and if religion belongs in the government.
- Argues that allowing same sex marriages does not mean that they can force religious institutions to perform any marriage. non-religious organizations, such as vineyards, should not be allowed to deny unions to couples of the same gender.
- Argues that american nationalism is impacted across every state when equal rights intersect with the complex issue of marriage rights.
- Explains that while the previously stated opinions hold the most clout in the current argument, there are still several valid positions.
- Cites blankenhorn, d., bottum, j. and eskridge, w.
1899 wordsRead More - Issues of Gay Marriageopinionated essayIn the United States, the denial of the right to permit gay marriage has become a social turbulence regarding the federal government. As the gay community expands, the issue expands. There is an effort by many states to enact laws on this issue. Some cities around the country are also writing their own laws. This is a decision that should be made by the person who has to live with his or her spouse, not the person’s nation. This nation declares equality, liberty and justice for all. A government should not be able to prohibit any one person from declaring his or her love for someone else. Allowing the government to intervene in gay marriage represents class discrimination, denies marriage benefits, and rejects civil rights.
In this essay, the author
- Argues that the denial of the right to permit gay marriage has become a social turbulence regarding the federal government.
- Explains that the loving vs. virginia case relates to discrimination in gay marriage because the couple were denied the right to marry in virginia. they were charged for violating virginia's ban on interracial marriage.
- Explains that being married allows many benefits, including joint ownership, joint tax returns, the power to make medical decisions, and the ability to adopt children.
- Opines that the civil rights act of 1964 states that all people should be entitled to the full satisfaction of goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, and accommodations of any place of public accommodation.
- Opines that the right to choose whom to marry should not be denied by the government. gay marriage should be legal in the united states.
991 wordsRead More - Defense of Marriage Actopinionated essayThe LGBT communities have been and continue to struggle with equal rights with their straight counterparts. Many people will argue the notion that they support the LGBT community and feel they should have equal rights as heterosexual individuals; however how many of them will agree that LGBT communities should have the right to marry, adopt, etc. The minute the issue of marriage is brought up, many people will argue that marriage is a union between man and woman. Same sex marriage or marriage among the LGBT community is an issue dating back to the 1970’s. Some people will argue for same sex marriage/marriage among the LGBT community, stating marriage should be a union between two people no matter what their sexual preference is. Others will argue same sex marriage/marriage among LGBT is ethically and morally wrong. In this paper, you will read about the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and the current analysis and advocacy of the Act. You will learn about the objectives of the policy as well as other tactics and pros and cons of this legislation. You will know who this legislation was aimed for and meet those who are for and those who are against the legislation. Finally, you will learn about the tactics I would have taken regarding this legislation.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that lgbt communities struggle with equal rights with their straight counterparts. the defense of marriage act (doma) is an issue dating back to the 1970's, arguing that marriage is a union between two people no matter their sexual preference.
- Explains that the defense of marriage act of 1996 was passed by former president bill clinton to define and protect the institution of marriage.
- Explains that same sex marriages have both pros and cons, and society is more concerned about the physical and moral issues behind them.
- Analyzes how the defense of marriage act has taken janet's rights as a parent, but many states continue to keep the act in effect.
- Explains that the american association of pediatrics supports same sex marriage child adoption.
- Opines that the defense of marriage act is opposing same sex marriage and this is why the act was passed in the first place.
- Explains that organizations like marriage equality now and the american civil liberties union of washington work towards regaining the rights of individuals whose rights were violated.
- Explains finnis, john, "the good of marriage and the morality of sexual relationsions: some philisophical and historical observations".
- Cites kranz, r., cusick, t. and krasz. "library in a book; gay rights".
- States schowengerdt, dale m., "defending marriage: a litigation strategy to oppose same sex marriage".
- Opines that the lgbt community should continue to fight for their rights.
1800 wordsRead More - Gay Marriage Persuasive Essayanalytical essayLove always plays an indispensable role in our life while lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgenders are found in all age groups, all social classes, and all nations. Thus, it is obvious that homosexual marriage is one of the most biggest concerns. However, in contemporary life, some people are far more open-minded and support to this issue. Particularly, there are twenty-one countries which legalize same-sex marriage. This kind of marriage should be respected and accepted like heterosexual marriage. In spite of objections, this essay will highlight the main reasons that homosexuals should have equal right to marry.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that homosexual marriage is one of the biggest concerns, but there are twenty-one countries which legalize same-sex marriage.
- Explains that marriage is one of the fundamental human rights including for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgenders.
- Argues that legalizing same-sex marriage will reduce divorce rate even domestic violence.
- Explains that homosexual marriage is one of the best methods to solve adoption issues. lesbian and gay couples are in high demand for adopting babies or children.
- Argues that same-sex marriage is abnormal and does not create a true family. the study proved that the perception of children is not affected by their parents’ gender.
- Argues that individual and social benefits of same-sex marriage legalization outnumber its negative effects. it is better to advocate them to have a better life.
891 wordsRead More - Sexual Orientation And Gender Identityopinionated essayMany people’s opinion on gay marriage is that same-sex marriage violates the “true” intentions of marriage, which “should” be between a man and a woman, but a more broad definition of marriage would be “(broadly) any of the diverse forms of interpersonal union established in various parts of the world to form a familial bond that is recognized legally, religiously, or socially, granting the participating partners mutual conjugal rights and responsibilities”
In this essay, the author
- Opines that the supreme court ruling of 2015 gave acceptance to the lgbt community or polarized the nation.
- Explains that sexual orientation covers sexual desires, feelings, practices, and identification. gender identity refers to a person's experience of self-expression in relation to social categories of masculinity or femininity.
- Opines that amnesty international and other supporters of lgbt peoples believe that all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, should be able to enjoy their human rights.
- Opines that sexual orientation or gender identity can lead to execution, imprisonment, torture, violence, or discrimination. the range of abuse breaches international human rights law.
- Explains that human rights abuses based on sexual orientation or gender can include violations of the rights of children, torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, arbitrary detention on grounds of identity or beliefs, and the restriction of freedom of association.
- Explains that the refusal of governments to address violence committed against lgbt people creates a culture of exemption where such abuses can continue and escalate unmitigated.
- Explains that a divided supreme court in june ruled that same-sex couples can marry nationwide, establishing new civil rights and handing gay rights advocates an momentous victory.
- Analyzes how marriage embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice, and family. in forming a marital union, two people become greater than they once were.
- Opines that same-sex marriage violates the "true" intentions of marriage, but a more broad definition would be "(broadly) any of the diverse forms of interpersonal union established in various parts
- Opines that social media is a huge factor in the exposure and coverage of the many hate crimes and murders against identifiers as gay or transgender.
649 wordsRead More - Ethical Dilemma Essayanalytical essayGay marriage has been a contested terrain throughout the world. The subject has attracted a lot of interest over the past one decade. Actually, in early 1980s, no one thought that there will come a time when gay marriages will be l...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that an ethical dilemma occurs when there are two decisions that must be made, but neither of them can solve the situation ethically.
- Explains that gay marriage has attracted a lot of interest over the past decade.
- Questions whether gay people have a right to freedom of expression, and whether it is ethical and moral for society to accommodate gay persons. the church's doctrines advocate for straight marriages, but there is pressure from the society.
- Explains that they hold a degree in ethics and are aspiring to become an activist. their job includes fighting for minority rights in the society.
- Argues that everyone should be equated equal rights and privileges regardless of his position in the society, or his ideologies.
- Argues that the church prohibits same-sex marriages because they are "immoral", "unethical" and unholy.
- Explains that they had to present their speech with this information in mind. they knew it was a tough experience but had no otherwise.
594 wordsRead More - Pro Gay Marriage Rightsexplanatory essayThe exploration for gay marriages has been severe over time that it can only be liken to the movements that fought for civil right for the Americans long before the law stood in. It is sudden that in the quest for equal marriage rights, the gay rights activists happen to be few as they work their way out to the constitution. But their struggle is being supported by the public and bearing in mind that the political shift is also working to their advantage (Newton, 69-70). Despite the tireless effort of the equal rights activists, their opponents already happen to have support of the constitution and the big question remains to, when this will actually happen. This paper will be endeavoring at elucidating and giving further details in support of gay matrimony rights.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the defense of marriage act, through the federal government, rejected gay marriages. the privacy act regulated conception, procreation child bearing family relation and marriage.
- Explains that the exploration for gay marriages has been severe over time and can be likened to the movements that fought for civil rights for the americans long before the law stood in.
- Explains that the issue of gay marriage has attracted a lot of public opinion and called for political views on it.
- Cites cahill, sean, eskridge, william n, and darren r. spedale. same-sex marriage: for better or for worse?
1196 wordsRead More - The LGBT Community and the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)explanatory essayAs of 2015, the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community continues to struggle for equal rights held by their straight counterparts. Socially, LGBT persons are subject to discrimination, hate crimes, and stigma, while legally, LGBT persons encounter obstacles that preclude them from basic rights afforded to every other subculture in America. One of the most divisive issues related to LGBT rights has been same-sex marriage, which has been creating conflict both politically and socially dating back to the 1970’s (Finnis, 1997). Those in favor of same-sex marriage argue that regardless of gender or sexual preference, marriage is a basic right that the government has no legitimate interest in blocking. Opponents argue that same-sex marriage is ethically and morally wrong, and they cite reasons spanning from religious beliefs to the creation of a slippery slope that would lead to the demise of the institution of marriage (Volokh, n.d.). Faced with the difficult task of balancing both sides of the equation, President Bill Clinton signed into law the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), the policy that will be analyzed in this paper.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that as of 2015, the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (lgbt) community continues to struggle for equal rights held by their straight counterparts.
- Explains that doma, passed by a majority in both houses of congress and signed by president clinton in 1996, defines marriage as the legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife.
- Explains that doma sets a federal standard for marriage while protecting the states’ rights to create their own definitions of marriage.
- Explains that doma's intentions align with opponents of same-sex marriage. the national organization for marriage (nom) defines its beliefs as why traditional marriage must be protected, targeted toward three major religious demographics.
- Explains that doma was the first federal law addressing same-sex marriage, but the issue had already been addressed in state courts by the time it was introduced.
- Explains that eight states have passed civil union acts in lieu of same-sex marriage, the first of which was adopted in 2000 by vermont.
- Explains the key figures and groups affected by doma are lgbt persons, same-sex couples, the states and the federal government.
- Explains the stated goals and objectives of the policy to end the dispute over whether same-sex marriage violates federal law.
- Explains that the american civil liberties union (aclu) represents margaret witt, an air force flight nurse who was dismissed for allegedly engaging in homosexual conduct.
- Explains the pros and cons of doma, including that same sex partners may be denied health care coverage, property inheritance, hospital visitation, and the recognition of a lifetime of commitment.
- Analyzes how jenkins v. miller attempted to challenge the defense of marriage act, but the act remains in effect.
- Explains that the american association of pediatrics supports same sex marriage child adoption. one in three lesbian/bisexual couples are raising children.
- Opines that doma will continue to take on state by state basis, as there are many government officials, who disagree and do not condone the legalization of same sex marriages.
- Opines that same sex marriage is a serious issue in the united states and that the lgbt community should continue to fight for their rights.
- Explains purdue university online writing lab's apa formatting and style guide and finnis, j. the good of marriage and the morality of sexual relations.
- Cites the national organization for women's website for equal marriage now: civil marriage and civil unions.
- Cites kramer, l., and law, u. j. (n.d.). same sex marriage: a selective bibliography.
- Explains that the american academy of pediatrics says same-sex marriage is good for kids and society.
2333 wordsRead More - Gay Marriage in Americaopinionated essayLately an extensive issue all around America is centered on gay rights. Does being gay or straight make you less of a person? The debate in the political world concerning this is over allowing or denying gay marriage to be legal. Even though this is an exceedingly controversial topic, Legalizing same-sex marriage will have a positive effect on society because it won’t harm the institution of marriage, it will uphold the constitution, and it will inevitably happen either way.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that legalizing same-sex marriage will have a positive effect on society because it won’t harm the institution of marriage and uphold the constitution.
- Argues that marriage is a commitment between two people who love each other and want to be together. they argue that gay couples must display profound differences in the idea of what marriage means.
- Opines that gays and lesbians face discrimination and prejudice, including the assumption that they are promiscuous and cannot sustain a committed relationship.
- Argues that the constitution is to ensure no one is discriminated against. the supreme court case baker v. vermont ruled that same-sex couples were entitled to the same rights as heterosexual couples.
- Analyzes how the psychology course psychology of race and gender talks about various lgbt issues and discusses what the students in the class think about them.
- Explains that the gay rights movement is a project for separating homosexuality from the sex and then from politics.
- Explains that the gay movement has gone from unmentionable to having a group of highly educated and sophisticated professionals who present gay issues in the news.
- Opines that legalizing same-sex marriage will have a positive effect on society since it won't harm the institution of marriage and uphold the constitution.
- Explains badgett, m. v. lee, when gay people get married: what happens when societies legalize same-sex.
- Opines that gay marriage should not be legal.
- Opines that gays and lesbians should be allowed to obtain a marriage certificate, since marriage is tied to procreation, not money, companionship, or health insurance.
1545 wordsRead More