Paper Summary:

This paper explains that, despite the various re-definitions of the term "marriage", from a legal standpoint, only "civil unions" or legal marriages offer the full package of federal benefits and protections. The author points out that case law concerning same-sex marriage is contradictory and contains inconsistent rulings from state to state and that the court cannot decide how to apply the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) or even if DOMA is constitutional. The paper concludes that, although progress in certain states had been made to allow for same-sex marriages, a majority of the country still agrees that same-sex marriages go against established moral codes and ethics.

Table of Contents:
Weighing the Facts on Same-Sex Marriage
What's the Big Deal about Federal Recognition?
A Question of Culture
DOMA and Case Law
Rethinking Marriage: An Argument for Same-Sex Marriages
Arguments against Same-Sex Marriage

From the Paper:

"Regardless of the logical arguments proposed by those in favor of same sex marriage, homosexuality is considered a sin by many religions. There are many that feel it would weaken family ties and values. They also feel that we would have to take a step backward in society and reexamine issues such as polygamy and other types of marriage, in all fairness. Legal actions of the past several years reflect the sentiment of a majority of the American people. The American people stand clear, same-sex marriage violates the very moral ethics upon which this country was founded."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Adam, Barry D. "The Rise of a Gay and Lesbian Movement." New York: Twayne, 1995.
• Ball, Howard. "The Supreme Court in the Intimate Lives of Americans." New York & London: New York University Press, 2002.
• CNN/USA Today/Gallup Poll. "Do you think marriages between homosexuals should or should not be recognized by the law as valid, with the same rights as traditional marriages?" April 29-May 1, 2005.
• Demian, Defense of Marriage Act. Partners Task Force for Gay & Lesbian Couples. October 23, 2005. <http://www.buddybuddy.com/doma.html> Accessed December 11, 2006.
• Demian. Marriage Traditions in Various Times and Cultures. September 17, 2006. <http://www.buddybuddy.com/doma.html> Accessed December 11, 2006.

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