Abstract In this article, the writer lookks at the matter of gaymarriage in the United States. The writer discusses prejudices within the American society in this regard. Further, the writer discusses the importance of gaymarriages to equality for homosexuals. The writer also looks at the view of the Pope and the Catholic Church on gaymarriages.
From the Paper "Andrew Sullivan states that homosexual marriage can be discussed on many levels including social, societal, political and religious perspectives. One of his most important points is that any rational person considering this issue would have to concede that without the right to same sex marriage there cannot be social economic or political equality for homosexuals in America. He suggests that fear of homosexuals and homosexuality is one of the last prejudices that American society has not yet faced. He suggests that for any prejudice to be defeated ... "
Abstract In this paper, the history and the current status of the movement for gaymarriage are examined. The writer discusses the issue of homosexuality from a secular and religious perspective. The writer then offers several different perspectives about the matter of gaymarriage.
From the Paper "Andrew Sullivan states that homosexual marriage can be discussed on many levels including from the social, societal, political and religious perspectives. One of his most important points is this: Any rational person considering this issue would have to concede that without the right to same sex marriage there cannot be social economic or political equality for homosexuals in America. He suggests that fear of homosexuals and homosexuality is one of the last prejudices that American society has not yet faced. He suggests that for any prejudice to ... "
Tags:gaymarriage, civil union, gay rights, civil rights, constitutional amendment, equality, public opinion, history
Abstract This paper looks at the issue of same-sex marriage and proposes that it should be legalized. It examines the objections to legalizing gaymarriage and contests these arguments. It gives the many reasons same-sex marriages should be legalized and itemises some of the benefits gays miss out on by not being allowed to marry.
From the Paper "The question of same-sex marriage is one that has been very much in the forefront of public discussion in recent years with states granting then withdrawing marriage licenses to gay couples, haggling over legislation as to whether to grant full marriage .."
Abstract This paper discusses the hotly contested social and political debate in the US over gaymarriage. The paper explains that on the one hand, marriage is often regarded as a sacred link between a man and a woman while, on the other hand, to deny homosexual individuals the right to legally marry may be a definite violation of their rights as full citizens of the United States. The paper examines both sides of this issue, outlining the primary opposition to gaymarriage as well as the primary arguments in favor of granting homosexuals the right to marry.
From the Paper "The issue of gay marriage has emerged as a hotly contested social and political matter in the United States. On the one hand, marriage is often regarded as a sacred linking between a man and a woman; on the other hand, denying homosexual individuals the right to legally marry may be a definite violation of their rights as full citizens of the United States. The primary opposition to same sex marriages has come from the Christian sect of the conservative political wing; most commonly, this comes from the standpoint that gay marriage would serve to undermine the meaningful nature of opposite sex marriage by opening it up to everyone. Meanwhile, liberals tend to argue that allowing gay marriage fails to have any negative consequences for anyone, and only perpetuates legal inconsistencies if it is continued to be outlawed."
Abstract This paper is a study for understanding whether there is a need to legalize gaymarriages. The paper is divided into three sections arguing three thesis statements. The first thesis statement argues that marriage is a civil right of every individual, as it is essential for the emotional well-being of individuals and denying it to the gay community is discriminatory. Hence, the study begins with a discussion of the argument that denying the civil rights of marriage is discriminatory. The second thesis statement asserts that gays are denied the rights which are associated with marriage and that denying these rights is a violation of their civil rights and therefore a need exists to legalize gaymarriages. By way of this thesis statement, the paper offers an understanding as to the rights which are associated with marriage but which are denied to gay couples and discusses whether there is a need to legalize gaymarriages taking this perspective into consideration. The third thesis statement argues that legalizing gaymarriage is necessary for the security and well-being of the children that gay couples are caring for. Herein, the paper attempts to analyze whether children of gay couples would entail the security required if gaymarriages are legalized. Thus, on the basis of the above three thesis statements, the paper tries to formulate an understanding of whether denying marriage to homosexual couples leads to denial of civil rights to the gay community and whether there is a need to legalize gaymarriages.
Table of Contents
Introduction
First Thesis Statement
Second Thesis Statement
Third Thesis Statement
Conclusion
From the Paper "Whether the US community is prepared to permit people to marry without the consideration of gender is gaining our notice daily. Religion and civil marriage are two clearly different entities. Certainly this is completely fitting. Certainly, the state must not have the right to order for whom religious organization might carry out marriage services --- akin to the fact that religions institutions must not set terms regarding who might get a license for civil marriage from the state. Latest census data show that the number of faithful same-sex couples in the US has been mounting, as also the number of same-sex couple's upbringing children. Accordingly recognition in the eyes of law is crucial to safeguarding the emotional and financial health of these families. Besides, legal approval should be on a same footing with that of heterosexual marriage ---'separate but equal' is by no means equal."
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that in today's modern world, the issue of gaymarriage has spawned a huge debate centering on whether or not gay couples should be legally allowed to become married. Those who oppose gaymarriage contend that such an arrangement if made legal would destroy American society by changing the traditional family unit of a mother, father and children; others point out that gaymarriage is not supported by the Christian religion. The writer discusses that in contrast, those who support gaymarriage contend that such an arrangement between either two men or two women is factually not that different from traditional marriages and that all of the arguments against gaymarriage are based on misinformation, rumor and outright lies by numerous national organizations seeking to make certain that gaymarriage is never made legal nor recognized as a legitimate way of living. The writer concludes that it is quite clear that if gaymarriage was legalized in the United States, our current social systems would not collapse nor become non-existent.
From the Paper "Not surprisingly, gay couples in today's America see this opposition to gay marriage as nothing less than an issue of civil rights. As outlined in the Bill of Rights, every American citizen is entitled to the same civil and legal protections regardless of race, national origin, religious beliefs and sexual gender. Thus, it is abundantly clear that gay marriage should be legal in the United States in the face of so much opposition which is mostly based on religious beliefs and unfounded cultural fears and phobias. For example, if the science of genetics does eventually determine beyond a shadow of a doubt that being gay is inborn, i.e. genetically predetermined, then what the Holy Bible says about homosexuality is hypocritical."
"In conclusion, it is quite clear that if gay marriage was legalized in the United States, our current social systems would not collapse nor become non-existent."
Abstract This paper discusses the long debated issue of gaymarriage in the United States. This paper reports how proponents of the issue contend that same sex marriage is not about gay rights but about human rights. It further discusses how these individuals believe that gays in modern society have long been subjected to inequalities and a lack of support from the social order. The opponents of the gaymarriage issue refer to a stereotypical framework for gays in general that suggests that gays are evil and dangerous to children.
Abstract This paper examines the legal status of same-sex marriages in several states in America, including California and Vermont. This paper details the law in California, which bans same-sex marriages, yet discusses the fact that the mayor recently chose to overrule these regulations by legalizing a large number of gaymarriages. This paper delves into the increasing support for the legalization of same-sex marriages. The writer contends and explains why Vermont is considered the most advanced state in its acceptance of gaymarriages. In 1999, the Vermont Supreme Court passed a decision which stated that gay couples had the same state constitutional rights as straight ones. This paper also discusses the Same-Sex Civil-Union Bill.
From the Paper "The virtual success of such a bill would be tremendous for supporters of gay marriages. As I have previously mentioned, the issue is not necessarily for gay civil unions to be called marriages. It is a much deeper issue, an issue where the homosexual civil union should be assimilated in all rights and obligations to the heterosexual marriage. In this sense, Connecticut seems to be on the same path as Vermont in recognizing the rights of gay couples. Progress was also made in New York towards achieving the legalization of gay marriages. Judge Doris Ling-Cohan ruled, at the beginning of 2005, in favour of gay couples being allowed to marry. According to the decision , there is no point in guaranteeing basic freedoms to lesbian and gay people if one is not interested in conferring one of the most essential rights of all, the right to marry whomever one may desire."
Tags: union, relationship, gay, homosexual, civil, law, rights
Abstract This paper argues that marriage for same-gendered couples should be legalized because: (1) It is necessary for the protection of both the individuals involved and their children, (2) it is natural and with some historical precedence and (3) there are no logical reasons to disallow it. The paper begins by discussing the legal, social and economic rights that are conferred to a married couple, extrapolating that by prohibiting same-sex unions, states are inherently discriminating against gay couples. Next the paper provides examples of historical precedent for the legalization or sanctification of same-sex marriages, dating back to the first century. The paper concludes by refuting some of the current arguments against same-sex marriage, suggesting that most opponents are merely rabid homophobes.
From the Paper "Marriage determines who is allowed hospital visitation and who may make medical decisions for an individual and their children. A partners or non-biological adult child of a homosexual individual would not be allowed to visit them in the hospital or make decisions which would then be left up to biological family members -- who, in many cases, are no longer on good terms due to their relatives orientation. Children may not be able to recieve visitation or medical input from both caretakers, as well. Health insurance and family leave are also potent issues -- partners and their children are generally not covered in employee benefits, which means that the children in a gay union may not have medical insurance in only one parent works and the other stays home. Additionally, as couples age they will find that most nursing homes do not allow same-gendered couples to stay together, though married couples are allowed this privilege."
Abstract This paper discusses the complex and controversial issue of gaymarriage. The paper traces the historical, social and legal developments that have allowed gaymarriage to go from being a "taboo" subject to one that now appears to be gaining momentum within the larger society. This paper is a descriptive analysis of the available literature rather than a quantitative analysis of societal attitudes.
Abstract This paper explores the issue of gaymarriage considered in terms of natural law. The author cites various sources showing that marriage is a man-made institution and therefore a personal choice. It is further argued that natural law helps guide people to the good, and what is right for them. The paper concludes that there is no harm in allowing gays to marry one another, as most of them just want to live and enjoy their lives and families, just like everyone else.
From the Paper "Allowing gays to marry or not allowing them to marry is a social issue that is definitely one of the most relevant of any social issue with people today. Despite those who seem strongly opposed to gay marriage 52 percent of voters that were polled by CBS indicated that they would actually consider voting for a presidential candidate that they liked even if he did not share their specific views on gay marriage (Poll, 2004). Those who are opposed to gay marriage are less willing to vote in this way than those who believe in gay marriages (Poll, 2004). "
Abstract This paper discusses the philosophical trends of the postmodern world. It evaluates the influence of pluralistic society on current issues, in particular gaymarriage. The author considers how society has changed and how views have evolved regarding this issue. Gaymarriage is considered from the viewpoint of modern philosophers.
From the Paper "In a modernist society, it is therefore very difficult for individuals and public policy makers to change the steadfast viewpoints of the majority. Modernism is inflexible and adheres to the status quo. This can be seen in many political circles. The most famous examples are George Bush and Arnold Schwarzenegger, both of whose fundamentally Christian values are inflexible and incompatible with the postmodern needs of their society in flux. On the other hands, both of these leaders are respected by the majority of their people. This majority, having the power of numbers over other voters, do not see the need or reason for change, and therefore oppress the minority whose needs are not met."
Tags: postmodernism, homosexuality, discourse, marriage
Abstract This paper discusses John O'Sullivan's article "Put GayMarriage to 'Covenant Test,'" in which he offers his ideas on the controversial theme of allowing same-sex marriage. The paper discusses the strengths of this article, including the fact that it is clearly well researched and that O'Sullivan appears to have been motivated primarily by the decline of marriage as an institution, especially in cases where young children are involved.
From the Paper "In his article "Put gay marriage to 'covenant' test," John O'Sullivan offers his ideas on the controversial theme of allowing same-sex marriage. The strengths of this article include the fact that it is clearly well researched. O'Sullivan has given this matter much serious thought, and obviously feels passionately about it. It is also clear that O'Sullivan has some human warmth, as he appears to be motivated primarily by the decline of marriage as an institution - especially in cases where young children are involved. "
Abstract This paper explains that most religious and conservative people believe that marriage was created for the purpose of procreation; whereas, proponents of gaymarriages 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 gaymarriages is a violation of such rights. The author points out that the gaymarriage 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, GayMarriage 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 GayMarriage 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."
Abstract This paper summarizes and reviews the article "Against GayMarriages" by William J. Bennett. The paper explains Bennett's belief that gaymarriages are immoral and can cause confusion about marriage in future generations. The author agrees with Bennett's arguments that if Congress passes same-sex marriage laws, the definition of marriage, which is the legal union of a man as husband and woman as wife, would be challenged and would eventually cause social damage and detrimental to the society. The author also praises Bennett's choice of words in his article and his lack of biasness and generalizing when addressing the issue of gaymarriage.
From the Paper "The author, William J. Bennett, is against gay marriage because he believes it will eventually cause a great amount of social damage. If we acknowledge the legal union of gay and lesbian couples that will force us to change the definition of marriage. Expanding the meaning of marriage to include same-sex marriage would make marriage hard to identify. The legal union of gay and lesbian couples would cause a lot of confusion among the youth. If the law acknowledges homosexual marriages as a legal equal to heterosexual marriage it will be detrimental to our society. For example: we will have to give homosexuals equal rights when adopting kids and we will also have to change the sex education program in public schools to teach that homosexual couples are equal to heterosexual couples."
