Homosexual Marriage in the US

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the issue of gay marriage, arguing in favor of its acceptance. The writer explores both sides of this debate, citing religious and moral reasons as the basis for opposition to gay marriages. Additionally cited is the recent Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) passed by Congress. The author believes that if gays are unable to have legally recognized unions, homosexual people will be continually denied rights that all United States citizens rightfully deserve under the Constitution.

From the Paper:

"As of now there is no state in the United States that legally recognizes same-sex marriages. The state that is closest to legalizing these marriages is Hawaii. In repute to the possibility of Hawaii's legalization of same-sex marriages, Congress passed the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which defines marriage as "the legal union between one man and one woman" (NOW). DOMA also allows each state to decide whether or not it will recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states or municipalities within the state (NOW). The debate over this issue is hot all across the country, with people on both sides of the argument standing firm in their beliefs. The issue is working its way through the legal system and the outcome at this point is completely unpredictable. Denying marriage to a specific group of people is unconstitutional and something must be done so that all people in the United States will be legally able to enjoy the benefits of marriage with a spouse of his or her choice."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Dority, Barbara. "An Equal Right to Marry." The Humanist November/December 1996: 37-39.
• Elshtain, Jean. "Against Gay Marriage." Commonweal Magazine 22 Oct. 1991: 57-60.
• Madison, James. "United States Constitution." 1787.
• National Organization of Women. "Issue Report: Same-Sex Marriage." Online. Available: http://org/issues/lgbi/marr-rep.html
• "Pro and Con: Should gay marriage be legal?" U.S. News. June 3, 1996. Online. Available: http://www.usnews.com/issue/3proco.htm (26 Nov. 1997)

More papers on Homosexual Marriage in the US:

• Analytical Essay # 89638 : "Gay Marriage"
• Argumentative Essay # 100400 : "Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage"
• Research Paper # 109902 : "Equal Protection Clause and Same Sex Marriages"

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