Gay Marriage History

The definition of marriage has changed over time. At the beginning of the nineteenth century, the United States defined marriage as a union between a consenting man and woman, of non-African decent (Stahlberg, 2008, p. 443). This, however, changed after the civil war. In 1868 two consenting adults of opposite gender could marry someone of the same race, but this was also restructured in 1967 to allow marriage of all consenting adults of opposite genders regardless of race (Stahlberg, 2008, p. 443). Today, the law looks very different. Recently, on June 26, 2015, the Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples have the right to marriage (gay marriage, 2015).

Same sex marriages have both pros and cons. With this issue, it seems society is more concerned about the physical and moral issues behind it. Same sex partners are trying to seek the same benefits as heterosexual couples. By keeping the DOMA in effect in all states, same sex partners will be

A metamorphosis in how the American judicial system perceives same-sex marriage, has developed over the past forty years. In October, 1971, the Supreme Court ruled that: "The institution of marriage as a union of man and woman, uniquely involving the procreation and rearing of children within a family, is as old as the book of Genesis.”

Same-sex marriage has come into the media in the past few years with many believing that a man should be able to marry a man and a female should be able to marry a female without these couples being married there are some major things that married couples get that these couples do, not as they are not allowed for example being labelled next of kin shared earnings and buying privileges and signing in their name as a married

In the past few years all 50 states have legalized same sex marriage. The problem is same sex marriage is still not widely accepted in this American society. When people are getting arrested because they refuse to do their job and give out gay marriage licences that means there is a problem with the way that same sex couples are being treated. Gay marriage is a major hot button issue in America right now. To allow marriage or to not allow marriage has evoked a large argument that has caused many riots and problems. Gay marriage is the right for two people of the same gender to marry. But what most people do not think about is the benefits of marriage to this community of people. Society should work harder on accepting same sex marriage because it is not just about being happy (but that is a benefit), but it is a matter of decisions over life or death, money, and the life of children.

The argument is much deeper then weather or not they should be married because they share a home together. If couples are paying taxes to build roads and help public schools, they should be afforded the same rights the heterosexual couples have. This was the argument used in the Baker v. Vermont. In the Baker v. Vermont court case, “gay and lesbian couples had argued that they were denied the protection of more than 300 laws as a result of not being allowed to marry.” Homosexuals are finally suing the state because they are not receiving protection under the laws of state strictly because they are gay. The Vermont House of Representatives voted in favor of a same-sex civil union bill after the case resolved. This shows that looking at the matter as a legal issue, it is evident that gay couples are not regarded equally in the eyes of the law, and that the first steps to fix this social injustice are just now being taken, however, the vote is very close. Same-sex civil unions are a basis for nation-wide legal recognition of same-sex relationships. These same-sex civil marriages are demonstrating that the principals of “marriage” and the rights an American deserves, regardless of gender, race or sexual orientation, can be respected.

Gay marriage has been one of the most common topic under discussion, arguments and quarrels since couple of years in almost every nation of the world. Looking deep down to the region of United States, same-sex marriage or gay marriage has not been legalized and documented in most of its jurisdictions. However, it is prudent to note that with the beginning of the twenty first century, only a few of US states have legally recognized the gay marriage through court verdicts and legislative proceedings and have lawfully allowed the gay people to get into a relationship (Wolfson 2004).

The state of Vermont accepted and promoted same sex marriages by classifying them as “civil unions” in order to maneuver around DOMA. Vermont believed that “civil unions” would provide lesbian and gay individuals with financial and emotional benefits that are accessible to heterosexual individuals who are married (Kranz & Cusick, 2000). Vermont’s objectives were to provide an inclusive versus separation and discrimination reality for fellow Vermonters (Kranz & Cusick, 2000). In 1998, Hawaii’s state legislation implemented the DOMA amendment that altered the state’s constitution and rejected same sex marriages. “28 states passed laws preventing the recognition of same sex marriages” (Kranz & Cusick, 2000).

Some research suggests same sex marriages could save money for federal and state governments. And for corporate America, the costs of extending benefits to the partners and families of homosexual employees are small. More and more companies, state and municipal governments, and colleges and universities are granting benefits to homosexual workers and children. One big reason: It 's cheap. On average, it would add 1-2 percent tops to employers ' benefit costs.

It thus prevents people from thinking that same-sex marriage makes homosexuals sinners. Marriage is a right that should be afforded to every individual whether they are gay or straight. Same-sex marriage thus helps solidify the appropriate social norm of sexual restraint and care-giving within the family. Legalizing same-sex marriages would be good for America as it would spur equality, promote family stability and validate LGBT family units as well as increase the number of children successfully adopted. Allowing gay marriage would be important in providing financial boon for both the private sector and state governments. Gay couples inject a considerable amount of money in the economy while spending on marriage

Gay marriage has been a controversial topic that is highly debated all around the globe, containing many of its own varying viewpoints and beliefs on both sides of the argument. Those who oppose same-sex marriage believe that it is a sacred bond that can only be kept sacred between a man and a woman, and that same-sex marriage will ruin the sanctity of marriage. Also, if gay marriage is allowed they believe that it will open the door to other non-traditional relationships to be accepted such as polygamy. Finally other key oppositions come from religious beliefs and standards. However the many that support gay marriage usually argue that everyone should have equal right to be in relationships with each other and receive the financial, emotional, and social benefits of marriage. I mean who really would be affected if same-sex marriage were to become legal? Nobody. If everyone feels that there is that special someone whom they are perfect for and will fall in love with, gay people would feel the same way. They deserve equal opportunity to not only find that perfect somebody but to be able to love them and get married. Leading to parenthood, and while gay couples are not able to have children on their own, that doesn’t mean they can’t adopt children off the street. However, several times have happened where a gay couple were put at the end of a waiting list or even denied completely just because of their sexual orientation. Other benefits to marriage are also tax breaks and

Enthusiast believe that same-sex marriage encourages equality in society. There are several people that contribute daily to American life in a multitude of ways despite their sexual orientation this does not make them any less to this nation's continued growth and also the United States would suffer greatly from the withdrawal of contributions due to differences. The legalization of same-sex marriage is deserving of equal rights under the law.

The topic of homosexual marriages, or the marrying of two people of the same sex, is rather disputed among the majority of people in today’s society. Only small amounts of the population have opinions that are strongly favoring one side of the debate. For most of society who are the middle-of-the-road citizens, it is a tough call to make one way or the other. The main topics that are disputed are raising children in a same-sex household, the capacity of churches to allow such a marriage, and the integrity of a marriage as a legal document. These arguments will be expressed through the viewpoints of Andrew Sullivan and William Bennett. Sullivan is the author of the essay “Let Gays Marry” which was printed by Newsweek in June of 1996.

Gays and lesbians can also be granted the rights to legal marriage in order to ensure that all citizens enjoy full human rights. Therefore, if gay marriage is legalized they can have the same rights as heterosexuals in terms of adoption and medical right. On the other hand, the religions would be offended since marriage is an institution supposed to be holy and ordained by God if gays and lesbians are legalized. Therefore, by allowing same sex marriage sanctity of marriage would be violated. If gay marriages are not legally recognized the harmful consequences the couples would face include inability to participate in medical decisions that involve their partner who are dying, lack of right to own common property and exclusion from employment benefits. Opponents also fear that if gay marriages are recognized the society is more likely to accept same sex relationships as moral. The traditional definition of marriage is valuable and the society should define it as the only marriage and legitimize it. As a result, gay marriages are the eventual rejection of objective reality where an environment of going against the norm is

Marriage provides both physical and psychological health benefits and banning gay marriage increases rates of psychological disorders. The American Journal of Public Health found that after their states had banned gay marriage they had a 37% increase in mood disorders, a 42% increase in alcohol- use disorders, and a 48% increase in generalized anxiety disorders. Banning gay marriage is against the constitution. It’s protected by Constitutions commitments to liberty and equality. The US supreme court ruled in 1974s Cleveland Board of