In 1973 homosexuality was officially listed as a mental disorder. Two-thirds of American's thought gay and lesbian couples should not have the same rights of heterosexual couples in 1999. May 2004 forty-nine percent of voters agreed same-gender couples that are in the civil union should have same the same rights as heterosexuals, and forty-eight percent opposed. The issue of gay marriage has been stirring controversy among the nation for some years. Previously considered a forbidden subject and only discussed within the gay community, the issue of gay marriage has made it to the forefront of relevance.
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.
Heather Barnes Ellis English 11, Period 1 18th March 2014 Homosexual Rights Rough Draft As of January 6th, 2014 gay marriage has become legal in seventeen US states. Homosexual marriage and adoption rights have become a controversial issue, although it is unconstitutional and discriminatory to prohibit gay marriage and adoption, it is also argued that marriage is traditionally between only a woman and man as it always has been and should be. Studies and voting polls have taken place in order to receive the most accurate data from both the children affected by the issue and American society as a whole, which can be the deciding factor of whether or not homosexual marriage and adoption rights should be granted. Same-sex couples should be entitled the same rights, protections, and benefits as heterosexual couples. Throughout the 1980s, news of the AIDS epidemic increased homophobia and discrimination of gays.
Government action is exactly what the LGBT community needs in order to attain their goal of equality. A boost in civil unions and same-sex marriage legalization is sweepi... ... middle of paper ... ...ceful impact on mental health. A 2010 analysis published in the American Journal of Public Health determined that after their states banned gay marriage, LGBT people suffered a 37% increase in mood disorders, a 42% increase in alcohol disorders, and a 248% increase in generalized anxiety disorders (“Gay” 3). Some may disagree with homosexuality; however, the mindset and rules about gay marriage are changing. A May 2013 Gallup poll showed 53% of Americans in support of gay marriage (“Gay” 3).
In today’s society, the two man relationship has been one to turn heads, especially here in the U.S.A. We enforce laws, discriminate and tend to generalize those who believe in same sex relationships. Although for some reason here in the states, women on women relationships are not frowned on as much as male on male. There are a total of fifty states inside the U.S. thirty three of them are against same sex marriage, and seventeen of them allow it, one of the most recent ones being Hawaii and New Mexico. There are many arguments as to why being gay is an ethically wrong thing. Some say that being gay is just not natural.
The different opinions that are expressed by society’s attitudes towards gay marriage continue to cause great controversy throughout the country, and should come to a halt by allowing homosexuals to wed. The true meaning of marriage is sharing vows between two people to bind their feelings toward each other forever. Many feel that the sanction should be shared between a man and a woman and if it is opened to homosexuals this will take away from the importance of marriage. According to Robert Cummings, a writer for the Flint Journal, states, “Gay marriage is a mockery of a marriage between a man and a woman” (Cummings). A large amount of society feels that if gay people are married the sanction of marriage will become corrupt and will no longer be as important as it currently is.
Gay Marriage For many years the topic of homosexual marriage, also known as gay marriage, has been a main concern throughout the world. Many people believe that marriage should be met between a man and a woman, while others simply believe that marriage should be between those who love whoever they want to love and be with. Throughout the years the role of gay marriage has been changing constantly, and will continue to change as years go on. About fifty years ago gay marriage was completely illegal and seemed to be unnatural and wrong. Since then, views have changed and people began to realize love is love and marriage between homosexuals should be legal to maintain equality within the states.
When looking to find the opposite side of the debate on gay marriage, I wanted to find something that really seemed credible, and I knew it was from real people of America, and not just a journalist who can only represent a small percentage. I know one of my sources is not an academic paper, nor is it an article, but it helped me see what pe... ... middle of paper ... ...oday’s American society. Many become homophobic because they cannot deal with the certain pressures of saying one is homophobic. Dealing with the constant civil rights battle to gain the rights they deserve have pushed many back into the ‘closet’. Studies within the text chosen stated that those who did ‘come out’ had a more positive developmental stage in their LGBT identity development.
Homosexual relationships are rapidly gaining acceptance in this country. However, the Defensive of Marriage Act, that former president Clinton signed in 1996, is holding many back from being able to marry what could be the significant other of their dreams. Homosexuality effects from 8% to 15% of all males, as well as females being slightly less than the male population. To put this in a more familiar context, there are as many gays and lesbians in America today as there are unemployed citizens. There are a few states which formed a type of commitment called a "civil union", which basically is marriage without using the word "marriage."
A love between two of the same sex should not be discriminated and endure the benefits of marriage that heterosexuals have. Same sex marriage has been a social issue since the late 1980s, when AIDS and HIV were first identified. Gays and Lesbians were refused service by businesses, churches, and even hospitals. Those of religious beliefs may think gay marriage is wrong because in the Bible, certain verses are to claim that homosexuals