Abstract
This paper examines and analyzes the constitutionality of bans on same-sex marriage. It further reports on the analytic framework at issue in a case litigating constitutional of an issue of this nature, and reports on decisions in recent cases from courts in Vermont, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, and California. It concludes that the ban on same-sex marriages is not unconstitutional.

From the Paper
"This paper examines the constitutionality of bans on same-sex marriage. It reports on the analytic framework at issue in a case litigating constitutional of an issue of this nature, and reports on decisions in recent cases from courts in Vermont, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, and California. It concludes that the ban on same-sex marriages is not unconstitutional. IS THE DENIAL OF SAME SEX MARRIAGE UNCONSTITUTIONAL? Is the denial of the right of a same-sex couple to marry unconstitutional? To hold a ban unconstitutional, it must violate the equal protection..."

Tags:constitutionality, same, sex marriage, gay

Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses the constitutionality of same-sex marriage and the Civil Marriage Act of 2005. The writer looks at this controversial issue and studies the laws in this regard in Canada.

From the Paper
"The controversial issue of same-sex marriage has dominated both floors of the Canadian Parliament for nearly a decade. While legislators were decidedly split on the issue during its first inception into legislative committees, the Canadian citizenry pleaded with their legislators to push for the legalization of same-sex marriages. Effective July 20, 2005, the Civil Marriage Act took full effect (Parliament of Canada, 2005). However, many of the bill's opponents vowed to rescind the bill once the balance of power shifted. Although there were dissenting voices within the federal Cabinet (with one member resigning), the legislation upheld ..."

Tags:civil, marriage, act, same, sex, marriage

Abstract
In this article the writer examines the constitutionality of bans on same-sex marriage. The writer reports on the analytic framework at issue in a case litigating constitutionality of an issue of this nature, and reports on decisions in recent cases from courts in Vermont, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, and California. The writer concludes that there have been differing interpretations on this issue, but the majority of courts have ruled that there is no fundamental right to same-sex marriage, so that the ban on same-sex marriage is not unconstitutional.

From the Paper
"On the other hand, if the right does not affect a fundamental right, and is based on a non-suspect classification, it will be upheld so long as it reflects a "rational classification." Fundamental rights include those in the bill of rights. Suspect class is generally limited to race."
"Thus: is the right to marry a same-sex partner fundamental? The Supreme Court, in Loving v. Virginia, 388 U.S. 1 (1967), called marriage a fundamental right -- for a heterosexual couple.
"State courts to date have reached different conclusions. Massachusetts ruled marriage is a fundamental right, upholding same-sex marriage under the state constitution in Goodridge v. Department of Public Health (2003). (Grossman; Burge) In that case, a trial court ruled that the purpose of marriage was procreation."

Tags:spouses, gay, rights, couple

Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that the controversial issue of same-sex marriage has dominated both floors of the Canadian Parliament for nearly a decade. The writer points out that while legislators were decidedly split on the issue during its first inception into legislative committees, the Canadian citizenry pleaded with their legislators to push for the legalization of same-sex marriages. The writer discusses that effective July 20, 2005, the Civil Marriage Act took full effect however, many of the bill's opponents vowed to rescind the bill once the balance of power shifted. The writer concludes that in accordance with the Canadian Charter of Rights, the Civil Marriage Act upholds its pledge to treat every citizen equally, in addition to recognizing the equality of minorities and the rights of those in the minority.

From the Paper
"The main challenge for proponents of the Civil Marriage Act was not only to ensure the equal rights for same-sex marriages, but also to uphold the religious freedom also outlined in the Charter of Rights. Dissenters argue that religious freedom is still violated by this bill, however the Civil Marriage Act is very explicit on religious institutions. Religious groups and institutions are not to be forced to wed those who seek same-sex marriage, and it is not the responsibility of the government to enforce federal power over religious groups to provide said service to those seeking a wedding.
"More importantly, a good amount of time was spent incorporating the Civil Marriage Act into other pieces of legislation."

Tags:civil, act, legalization, Canadian, Charter, of, Rights

Abstract
This paper explains that most religious and conservative people believe that marriage was created for the purpose of procreation; whereas, proponents of gay marriages believe that the U.S. Constitution provides for a strict separation of the church and the state and as such religious arguments do not have a legitimate place in the debate and that the Fourteenth Amendment protects the right of private consensual sex and as such the prohibition of gay marriages is a violation of such rights. The author points out that the gay marriage issue came to the forefront of national debate in 1996 when several Hawaiian gay couples sued for the right to marry legally, which resulted in the passage of "The Federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)" in 1996. The paper relates that, in May 2005, a U.S. Federal District Judge struck down sweeping provisions of the Nebraska constitution that defined marriage as only between a man and a woman and banned same-sex civil unions, domestic partnerships and other similar relationships as a violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

Table of Contents
Marriage, Gay Marriage and Same Sex Unions
The Controversy
The Constitutional Debate
The Federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)
State Laws Recognizing Same Sex Unions
Conservatives Propose Constitutional Amendment
Federal Judge strikes down Nebraska Gay Marriage Ban
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The passage of DOMA did not deter gay-right activists in their campaign for the legal recognition of gay marriages and in 2000, Vermont became the first state to allow gay partners to join in a civil union with the same rights enjoyed by married heterosexual couples under state law. Maine, Hawaii, California, New Jersey, and Connecticut have also enacted laws that give some degree of rights to gay civil unions and partnerships since then. On November 18, 2003, in Goodridge v.Department of Public Health, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial ruled that: "barring an individual from the protections, benefits, and obligations of civil marriage solely because that person would marry a person of the same sex violates the Massachusetts Constitution." Implementing the Court's decision, Massachusetts made same sex marriage legal in the state on May 17, 2004; it is thus far the only state to do so. Most other states have enacted constitutional provisions that define marriage as a union of one man and one woman."

Tags:private-consensual, doma, amendment, equal-protection, proposal

Abstract
This paper discusses same-sex marriage in Canada, which it refers to as the biggest social change in Canada this century. The paper further examines how same-sex marriage was legalized, when the federal government, led by the Liberal Party under Paul Martin, legalized same-sex marriage for all of Canada. This controversial bill was dubbed Bill C-38, and passed by 158 votes in favour, and 133 votes against.

From the Paper
"Arguably the biggest social change in Canada this century has been the legalization of same sex marriage. This happened in June of 2005, when the federal government, led by the Liberal Party under Paul Martin, legalized same-sex marriage for all of Canada. This controversial bill was dubbed Bill C-38, and passed by 158 votes in favour, and 133 votes against. Since then, Prime Minister Stephen Harper's Conservative government has put the issue to the vote once again. On December 6^th, 2006 Harper's government brought a motion asking if the issue of same-sex marriage should be revisited, in order to attempt to support the so-called traditional..."

Tags:same, sex, marriage, society

Abstract
This is a research paper on the topic of the legalization of same sex marriage. In this article, the writer concentrates specifically on how same sex marriage legislation has developed in Canada. The writer notes that the process began back in the 1960s and 70s, with the establishment of anti-discrimination laws for gays and lesbians. Further, the writer discusses that the actual process of changing the definition of marriage was the result of draft bill and several landmark court cases.

From the Paper
"Few social issues in North America today are as controversial and divisive as the possibility of fully legalizing same sex marriage. In both Canada and the United States, the tentative steps that have been taken toward full legalization have accelerated in the past few years, to the point that the new definition of marriage is on the brink of becoming legal in Canada. In this matter the United States lags considerably behind Canada, in that marriage licenses are being granted to same sex couples by some communities following their own independent decision to do so."

Tags:same, sex, marriage

Abstract
This article discusses opposition to same-sex marriage from the social, political and financial perspectives. The writer examines the attitudes of those who oppose same-sex marriage. The writer then discusses why they feel threatened by such a marriage. This paper also examines how other countries view the issue.

From the Paper
"Although president Bush would like to see a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage, politicians are having a hard time convincing the public and their constituents on the issue. In July last year GOP leaders tried unsuccessfully to pass the amendment which would effectively ban same-sex marriage. Same-sex Senator Wayne Allard of Colorado, sponsor of the bill, noted that it was a long process and he had not expected the battle to be over. At this time President Bush issued a statement saying he was disappointed that the ..."

Tags:same-sex, marriage

Abstract
In this article the writer examines the subject of same-sex marriage. The writer discusses the efforts of the gay and lesbian communities in order to achieve legal and social endorsement of their relationships. Further, the writer examines why the issue of same-sex marriage is so contentious.

From the Paper
"Throughout the continuous political agitation of the gay and lesbian movement and its success in other issues such as the custody of children and the right of adoption, same-sex couples have persistently fought for the legal endorsement of same-sex marriages. Since their inception, lesbian and gay rights' groups have incorporated same-sex marriages as one of their demands for legal reforms. Even though they have not succeeded in legalizing same-sex marriages, gay and lesbian groups have made significant progress in acquiring the ... "

Tags:Same-sex, Marriage

Abstract
In this article, the writer looks at the pros and cons of same-sex marriage. The writer discusses arguments on both sides of the issue. The writer also examines cases in various states and the possibility of a constitutional amendment. The writer concludes that the legalization of same-sex marriage should be the law.

From the Paper
"Goodridge v Department of Public Health: a case heard in the Supreme Judicial Court (S.J.C.) of the State of Massachusetts asked the court to rule on the constitutionality in the State of Massachusetts of same-sex marriage. In its decision the S.J.C. held that barring an individual from the protection benefits and obligations of civil marriage simply because that person would marry a person of the same sex was a violation of the Massachusetts Constitution. The court stayed the ..."

Tags:law, same-sex marriage, gay rights