The Fight for Gay Rights
opinionated Essay
1511 words
The Fight for Gay Rights Restrictions have been put in place on homosexuals’ basic human rights because of individuals’ opinions and lack of tolerance. America is a country where all people should have the same rights, regardless of sexual preference. Gay marriage is illegal in more than thirty states even yet today (ProQuest). Homosexual people have been struggling with their rights for over a hundred years now, but the issue still hasn’t been resolved. Gay marriage and rights didn’t become a main focus for attention until the late 90’s and early 2000’s. In fact throughout the twentieth century it was illegal for two people originating from the same sexual orientation to speak or proceed with sexual acts together (Eskridge). Gay couples began requesting marriage licenses and the states in which they resided had no choice but to react. Most of the states amended their constitutions and laws to be against gay marriage, and that is where the battle began (Rauch). People began to become paranoid about gay people because of the strict laws that America had put in place against them. This stereotype, created decades ago, still affects gay people today, usually negatively (Eskridge). For example, it was actually illegal for openly gay members to participate in the United States Military for many years. America was following Clinton’s Don’t Ask Don’t Tell Policy. It wasn’t until 2011, by the doings of Barack Obama, that the policy was lifted and homosexuals were allowed to be in the Military (Dunham). Why would gay individuals even want to fight in a country where they were told they weren’t good enough to protect America’s rights, rights that they themselves didn’t even posses? I feel it takes a big person to look past the hateful d... ... middle of paper ... .... n.p. Thomas Nelson Inc, 2009. Web “LGBT Adoption.” Lifelong Adoptions. N.P., 2014. Web. 28 Mar. 2014. Parker-Pope, Tara. “How Hospitals Treat Same-Sex couples.” Nytimes.com. Well, 12 May. 2009. Web. 31 March. 2014. Price, Michael. “Nolo: Law for All.” Na, 2014. Web. 26 Mar. 2014. ProQuest Staff. “At Issue: Same-Sex Marriage.” ProQuest LLC. 2014: n.pag. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 25 Mar. 2014. Rauch, Jonathan. Gay Marriage. New York: Henry Holt and Company, 2004. Web. “The Bill of Rights: A Transcription.” National Archives and Records Administration. National Archives and Records Administration, n.d. Web. 31 Mar. 2014. Wiersma, Alisa. “High-Profile Politicians Who changed Their Positions on Gay Marriage.” ABC News, 15 March, 2013. Web. 1 April, 2014. Worsnop, Richard L. “Gay Rights.” CQ Researcher .05 Mar. 1993: 195+. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 27 Mar. 2014.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that america is a country where all people should have the same rights, regardless of sexual preference. homosexual people have been struggling with their rights for over 100 years.
- Explains that gay marriage and rights didn't become a main focus for attention until the late 90's and early 2000’s. it was illegal for two people originating from the same sexual orientation to speak or proceed with sexual acts together.
- Opines that it takes a big person to look past the hateful discrimination that the base of our country followed for centuries, and enlist.
- Explains that homosexuals are struggling to maintain their right to marry. the bible states that marriage is a religious act and is an abomination, which raises the question of why the united states' laws should be controlled by the restrictions and ideals of one specific religion.
- Explains that gay couples lack social security, health insurance, and taxes if they are not legally married in the state where they live. civil unions are a way for gay people to become united together and take advantage of some of the benefits that married couples do.
- Opines that it is unfair to not allow gay couples to complete their families through adoption because of prejudice.
- Opines that people are becoming less afraid to be who they are, regardless of what society thinks. politicians aren't always genuine in their decision making on the issue of gay rights.
- Opines that school is supposed to be a safe place for kids to express themselves freely, but it is one of the places that they are scrutinized and judged the most.
- Opines that gay rights are human rights and that people should have the right to marry who they please, receive the same benefits, and build a family with their spouse.
- Analyzes duhnam, will, and reueters.com's "obama hails end of u.s. military restrictions on gays."
- States that eskridge, jr., william, n. equality practice: civil unions and the future of gay rights.
- Explains that leviticus 18:22. holy bible; new king james version. thomas nelson.
- Analyzes how parker-pope, tara, and nytimes.com treat same-sex couples.
- Analyzes proquest staff's "at issue: same-sex marriage" and sirs issues researcher.
- States that the bill of rights: a transcription. national archives and records administration.
- Analyzes wiersma, alisa. “high-profile politicians who changed their positions on gay marriage.” abc news, 15 march 2013.
- Explains worsnop, richard l., "gay rights." cq researcher, 195+, sirs issues research.
Related
- analytical
- Gay Rights Movementanalytical essayGay Rights Movement Have you ever thought how much progress the LGBT community has made and how it affects other people? The gay rights movement was and is currently a movement that “strives to end all discrimination towards the LGBT community” (Redlingshafer). As early as 1924, the Society for Human Rights in Chicago becomes United States’ earliest known gay rights organization (“Milestones in the American Gay Rights Movement”). However, most people recognize the Stonewall riot in 1969 as being the beginning of the gay rights movement. Almost ninety years later, society and the government have progressed over time and are still growing.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how harvey milk's purpose of writing this speech was to spread the idea that gays should have the same rights and privileges as straight people.
- Analyzes how milk wrote the hope speech for all that wanted to change the ways of the issues expressed in the gay community and outside of it.
- Analyzes tara siegel's "a family with two moms, except in the eyes of the law." new york times 26 july 2012.
- Explains that the gay rights movement is a movement that strives to end discrimination towards the lgbt community. the hope speech was written and delivered by harvey milk, the first openly gay person elected in public office.
- States that the goal of the gay rights movement is to separate homosexuality from all negative connotations and thoughts. milk's quote relates to the topic of what humans' rights should be and what rights gays receive.
- Explains that milk, harvey, and redlingshafer, joellen, "milestones in the american gay rights movement."
1256 wordsRead More - Gay Rights Movementanalytical essayOne day in May 1988, Rebecca Wight and Claudia Brenner were backpacking on the Appalachian Trail in south central Pennsylvania. Claudia was thirty-one, and Rebecca was twenty-eight. Along the trail, they encountered a stranger who tried to involve them in conversation. Suddenly, the quiet of the afternoon was shattered by gunfire. Claudia was hit in the arm, neck, and face. Rebecca struck in the back and head; the shot in her back exploded her liver and killed her. The stranger, Stephen Roy Carr, shot them because they were lesbians (Oliver 8). There were laws against this of course. However, unfortunately for people who identify as homosexual, not many of these laws were followed for the reason that discrimination against gay people was clearly evident in America. When this incident happened, a social movement was well under way. This movement, of course, was the gay rights movement. One of the earlier accomplishments of the movement was in 1951, when the First National Gay Origination was founded. Yet, during the 1950s, it would have been immensely illegal and dangerous to register any kind of pro-gay organizations (Head). The gay rights movement continues to create and achieve goals even today. Many people did not support the movement; however, fortunately the gay rights movement had many followers from homosexual to straight people all over the country. Some memorable leaders would be Kathy Kozachenko, first openly gay women elected into politics, and Harvey Milk, first openly gay man elected into politics. In 1977 Harvey Milk won a seat in the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. It was there that Milk delivers a famous and inspirational speech which would later be called the “Hope Speech”. The main idea to take away from th...
In this essay, the author
- Describes how the first national gay origination was founded in 1951, but the gay rights movement had many followers from homosexuals to straight people all over the country.
- Analyzes how milk's "hope speech" was a call to action for all gay men and women to come out of the metaphorical closet of homosexuality and be comfortable with themselves.
- Explains that the gay rights movement was greatly influenced by harvey milk's "hope speech" to get gay, lesbian, and even straight supporters to not be discouraged by wrong doing.
- Opines that even the strongest people's attitudes toward a movement can be dissuaded by brutality and the intended audience of this speech where no exception.
- Explains singleton, dave, "40 years later: a look back at the turning point for gay rights."
- Analyzes how milk's "hope speech" used creative rhetorical devices to grab and keep the attention on the listeners. it supported the gay rights movement and encouraged homosexuals and heterosexual people across america.
- Explains head, tom, and hottman, sarah, "milestones in the american gay rights movement."
1322 wordsRead More - Gay Rightsanalytical essayFeeling the warmth when they hold a loved one is something for which people should not be judged. It should not matter what sex their partner is because, put simply, they are in love. The gay rights movement is a continuing procession that fights for their rights. The gay rights movement actually begins on November 11, 1950 when gay rights activist Harry Hay founds America’s first national gay rights organization by the name of Mattachine Society, according to the “Timeline: Milestones in the American Gay Rights Movement”. Their leaders or people who advanced their purpose are Harvey Milk, Harry Hay, LGBT, or lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transsexual groups. This purpose is to stop intolerance and, ultimately, gain the right of and benefits of marriage. The gay rights movement is embodied in “What We Want, What We Believe,” which shows that even though the group was not seen, or given rights, that in time with their unity they would gain equality. It is a manifesto that states what the entirety of the LGBT groups want. Moreover, no one should feel the shunning of discrimination or hatred for whom they love because of what sex they are.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the gay rights movement is a continuing procession that fights for their rights.
- Analyzes how "what we want, what we believe" is written to state what the final goal is for the lgbt. they want the right of self-determination over the use of their bodies.
- States that s' purpose to write this manifesto is to state why they as an organization are together. they chose each reason to defend themselves against this devastating injustice.
- Opines that one must change their views to see the good and not the bad in the world.
- Analyzes how the rhetorical strategy prominent throughout "what we want, what we believe" enforces the togetherness of their group that in fact they do not wish for harm.
- Explains that the social movement helped people step out of the uncomfort zones in which they were confined. it allowed for people to fully express themselves and prevent complete isolation from other people.
- Opines that the manifesto, "what we want, what we believe," is intended for everyone to say their goal is for only them.
- Analyzes barclay, scott, and shauna fisher's "the states and the differing impetus for diverging paths on same-sex marriage."
- Describes milk, harvey, "the hope speech" and "timeline: milestones in the american gay rights movement."
1430 wordsRead More - Gay Marriage Must Be Legalanalytical essayStoddard, T, Fein, B, (Jan. 1990) Gay Marriage, Personal relationships, Marriage, Legislation, Homosexuality, American Bar Association, (Pages 42, 42)
In this essay, the author
- Opines that legal marriage is the right of all americans regardless of their sexual orientation. gay marriage invokes an emotional dialogue filled with passion, rage, hate and fear.
- Explains that gay people want to formalize their relationship and gain some of the legal standing and support that is given to heterosexual couples on a daily basis.
- Explains that colorado voters approved amendment 2 to the state constitution by a narrow margin (54% to 47%). it would have prohibited all legislative, executive, or judicial action at any level of state or local government.
- Explains that the us supreme court overturned colorado’s amendment 2. the majority opinion issued by justice kennedy concluded that homosexuals could obtain civil rights protection under colorado law if enough citizens voted to amend the state constitution.
- Argues that justice andrews' decision to deny gay people the right to marry is unconstitutional in and of itself.
- Argues that gay marriage has been in existence for 20 years in denmark and for a decade in the netherlands, and austria, belgium and spain have all legalized same-sex marriage.
- Analyzes scott bidstrup's article about gay marriage and the fundamental flows in the argument against it.
- Explains that in 1989, the majority of clergy were opposed to legalizing gay marriage in denmark. now, after seeing the benefits to the partners and to society, they are overwhelmingly in favor.
- Compares the traits of heterosexual couples with those of gay couples in committed relationships. they love one another and go about their daily lives in a way that is valuable to their communities and neighborhoods.
- Argues that gay relationships do nothing to disenfranchise or diminish traditional marriage, as opponents will claim. this is a scare tactic, used by opponents to create fear or the unknown.
- Argues that citing the inherent value of tradition, or preserving an existing institution, is another weak argument. slavery was also a long-standing traditional institution based on years and years of practice.
- Explains that the rights of women have slowly evolved in the united states, often on a state-by-state basis. these changes in racial and gender attitudes came about only after long social justice struggles.
- Explains how the institution of marriage has gone through many legal changes, from traditional marriage to the way it is thought of today.
- Argues that homosexual marriage is for procreation and gay people can't self-promulgate. heterosexual marriage does not mandate a requirement to procreate.
- Opines that promotion of homosexuality would not change anything, since people aren't gay because they're "recruited," but gays were born that way. promoting love, commitment, sharing, and commonality of values and goals would undermine western civilization.
- Explains that religious objections are not valid, as the laws in this country clearly support a separation of church and state. the changes requested are for legal purposes only and in no way interfere with religious teachings or mandates.
- Argues that gay people must deal with the same insecurities as heterosexuals who live together without the benefits of marriage.
- Concludes that the opposition to gay marriage stems from a deep-seated homophobia in american culture, borne almost entirely out of religious prejudice.
- Argues that giving gay people the right to marry is about allowing two people to join in a legally binding contract that supports their love and commitment to one another.
- Analyzes how a blue-ribbon state government commission tells governor corzine and the legislature: it's time to enact marriage equality.
- Summarizes stoddard, fein, and smith's article, "romer v. evans."
1890 wordsRead More - The Issue of Gay Rights in Americaanalytical essayINTRODUCTION Is it religious reasoning or personal disgust? Whatever it is, the issue of gay rights seems to stir controversy no matter where the topic arises. As American people we are all taught, that each individual is granted a set of rights, in which no government can take away. Through the centuries many of our ancestors have fought and died for theses rights. From the Battle of Lexington to the desert mountain ranges of Iraq, our country men and women spilt blood for this interpretation of what we call American Freedom.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how the issue of gay rights is thrown around as if it was a political pawn, the players being unaware how many lives it affects negatively.
- Argues that most anti-gay groups insinuate that the bible is the greatest story ever told, but is it?
- Argues that the tyranny of the majority within a democracy is not from separate interests, but from antipathies of religion, political party, or race.
- Explains that many states are reluctant to acknowledge married same-sex couples from states that allow marriage equality, such as oklahoma, georgia, louisiana, mississippi and west virginia.
- Argues that the opposition to gay marriage or gay rights is based on religious views and governmental bigotry. mill believed that people should be allowed to live in ways that suit their needs, as long as their choices do not harm others.
2405 wordsRead More - Homosexual Rights and Equalityanalytical essayEquality of Homosexual Rights Most American politicians believe that everyone should be treated equally especially because it is stated in the United States Declaration of Independence. Our founding fathers wrote these words to protect all individuals. Those Americans who abide by the rules and who are upstanding citizens have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. However, Americans who are not the typical heterosexual are restricted from their rights even if they are faithful citizens.
In this essay, the author
- Argues that the executive branch plays a big role in the equality of lesbian and gay rights.
- Explains that homosexuals are no different from heterosexuals except for their sexuality. the 1969 stonewall riots of gays in greenwich village led to the increase in violence and the continued battle between supporters and non-supporters.
- Explains that the employment non-discrimination act (enda) is currently waiting for the approval from congress, and states have stepped in to provide protection for homosexuals.
- Explains that the defense of marriage act, which prohibits the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriages, was invalid for its violation of the fifth amendment.
- Opines that life, liberty, and happiness should be granted to all americans who obey the rules and laws. lesbians and gays cannot experience the promises made by our founding fathers in the declaration of independence.
- Explains that pride and prejudice: employment discrimination against openly gay men in the united states.
- Cites cahill, s. r., and south, k. on policy issues affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in retirement.
- Analyzes the state-by-state examination of nondiscrimination law and policies. nadal, riveria, & corpus, m. j. h.
1252 wordsRead More - Gays in the Militaryanalytical essayRachel Kranz, and Tim Cusick. Library in a Book: Gay Rights. New York: facts on file, 2000.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that gays should not be allowed in the military, which is a hotly debated issue in curnent politics. these arguments give us insight about where our society is going and how willing we are to accept others.
- Explains that two citizens want to join the military and are identical in everyway except the fact that one is gay. they pass all tests with the same score but are not based on sexual orientation.
- Explains that homosexuality is a biologically inherited condition, and that the same percentage of people are gay everywhere on earth.
- Explains that homosexuality is also seen in countless animal species. animals lack the cognitive ability to "choose" a sexual orientation.
- Explains that psychologist michael bailey and richard pillard studied identical twins. they found that when one twin is gay there is over a 52% chance the other will be too.
- Explains that simon levay, a biologist at the salk institute for biological studies in ca, published the results of his study in 1991.
- Explains that the u.s. military's official policy to exclude homosexuals from service has been for nearly 50 years. president - elect clinton announced in 1992 that he planned to lift the ban on gays and lesbians.
- Explains that not policy is without its flaws. service members legal defense network documented 563 violations by the military authorities of "don't ask, don't tell", a jump from 443 violations in 1996.
- Analyzes how a plethysmograph measured homophobic and non-homophobe males' sexual rearousal while viewing pornographic films.
763 wordsRead More - Civil Rights: Gay and Lesbian Rightsanalytical essayFamous children’s author Dr. Seuss once said, “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind". Gay rights, at the moment, are one of the most publicized and well known controversial subjects of this decade. The sides clearly drawn one fighting for rights as simple as being married the other stating that it defames their religion and goes against the definition of marriage, being between a man and a woman. The individuals who are fighting for their civil rights are fallowing the same path that African Americans and women have taken, but the change has started and in over 13 states gays have been given their basic rights and more state are joining in the fight both for and against the topic.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that gay rights are one of the most publicized and well-known controversial subjects of this decade.
- Explains that equality has been an ongoing battle in america with the first major victories dating back to the civil rights movement and women’s suffrage. now the third major fight for equality is a battle for gay rights.
- Opines that publicized gay marriage is necessary to further equality in america and our global appearance.
- Analyzes bernard, tara siegel, and ron lieber's "the costs of being a gay couple run higher."
- Explains that there were few endeavors made to make backing gatherings supporting gay and lesbian connections until after world war ii.
- Explains that the legalization of same sex marriage will grant legal benefits that are currently only available to normal marriage couples.
- Argues that gay marriage has the potential to be detrimental to a child's development if the tax payer is opposed to it.
- Analyzes hansen, trayce, and kathryn perry's "the cost of gay marriage - in dollars and cents."
1395 wordsRead More - One of the world’s greatest social movements known as the Gay Rights Movement stemmed in the late 1960’s in America. After events known as the Stonewall riots, the Gay Rights Movement gradually became increasingly influential and empowering for all sexual minorities and gender identities.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the gay rights movement became increasingly influential and empowering for all sexual minorities and gender identities after the stonewall riots.
- Analyzes how the riots in 1969 in greenwich village, new york, empowered the lgbtq community.
- Analyzes how homophobia and biphobia create numerous prosecutions about the lgbtq community at large, especially stigma about aids.
- Analyzes how religious minorities scrutinize homosexuality, believing that the lgbtq community will perish and burn in a destitute place.
- Analyzes how the events of the stonewall riots had a growing effect of power for the lgbtq community.
- Analyzes how ellen andersen's "out of the closets and into the courts" narrates coming out in a more legal manner.
- Analyzes how the issue of gay marriage has power struggle for both political parties and the supremacy of traditional marriages and domestic partnerships.
1772 wordsRead More - The Gay Rights Movementanalytical essayThe Gay Rights Movement The history of the gay rights movement goes as far back as the late 19th century. More accurately, the quest by gays to search out others like themselves and foster a feeling of identity has been around since then. It is an innovative movement that seeks to change existing norms and gain acceptance within our culture. By 1915, one gay person said that the gay world was a "community, distinctly organized" (Milestones 1991), but kept mostly out of view because of social hostility.
In this essay, the author
- Explains the history of the gay rights movement, which began in the late 19th century. it seeks to change existing norms and gain acceptance within our culture.
- Explains that agitators in the gay rights movement oppose the current system laterally, in that they want to completely change the existing value system.
- Analyzes how the social movement fights against the predisposed beliefs of american people.
- Analyzes how the establishment uses the bible as the main authority on the way we live our lives. they also use "name calling," which is designed to turn people off from gay culture.
1050 wordsRead More