Taking a Closer Look at Same-Sex Marriage in the United States

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The argument between advocates and adversaries of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) rights and same-sex marriage in America has been a waging war for centuries, gaining substantial attention and consideration in society and the media in the 1960s. Americans are sharply divided on the topic of same-sex marriage, almost split down the middle with fifty-three percent in favor and forty-seven percent1 opposed to it (Kennedy). Because marriage is a vital public institution, this issue has raised many debates, rallies, protests, and even violent acts among citizens who have strong opinions and stances on it.
Currently, Pennsylvania is the only Northeastern state that does not recognize same-sex marriages, civil unions, or domestic partnerships. The LGBT community in Pennsylvania faces many legal challenges and discrimination because of this. Same-sex couples and families headed by same-sex couples are not eligible for all of the protections available to heterosexual married couples (Shaman 213). The ongoing debate had resulted in the formation of many groups and organizations for and against the motion to make same-sex marriage legal throughout the country. Philadelphia is known for its vast array of organizations dedicated to the LGBT community ranging from social organizations, to support groups, to organizations that deal with politics, health, etc. (“PhillyPride…”). One of the most involved and passionate organization in Philadelphia fighting for LGBT rights, including the right to marry, is the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, membership organization founded in 1920 with organization centers and headquarters throughout the nation. ...

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...ALCU is successfully working towards bringing their vision to fruition as well as helping to educate America on the need to be supportive and understanding of each other, no matter gender, race, or sexual orientation. When it comes to the issue of same-sex marriage, “experts say all of the action signals a tipping point in America…popular opinion is shifting…a majority of Americans believe same-sex marriage should be recognized with the same rights as traditional marriages” (Kennedy). It seems that the works of organizations, such as the ALCU of Pennsylvania, are leaving their mark on society. Maybe it is impossible to achieve a world free of discrimination and bias, but the more that people work to understand and respect one another, the closer we come to becoming a nation that truly demonstrates the words on which it was built: that all men are created equal.

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