Marriage Equality
Sydney Sedlack
The University of Akron
30 March 2015 Abstract
This paper examines the rising issue of marriage equality and LGBT rights and the myriad of differing social stigmas of each. Covered more and more frequently by the mass media, equality for people of all sexual identities and orientations is rapidly becoming the most important human rights issue in the United States. This paper deduces a viewpoint on equality as a legal issue completely separate from religious connotations, as well as takes into account the evolutionary origins and impacts of alternative sexualities in both humans and other species. The analysis of research conducted by several evolutionary biologists supports claims that varying sexual orientation within populations is normal and should not be alarming. Fallacies often utilized by opponents of legal marriage equality are observed and efficiently countered. Persuasive and informational content encourages acceptance of alternative lifestyles and concisely explains why no valid reason exists to oppose marriage equality for all. Keywords: marriage equality, LGBT rights, human rights, sexuality Marriage Equality Once upon a time, marriage was defined by the Bible as the holy union between a man and a woman. For centuries, this idea remained unquestioned; however, in the progressive society of the 21st century, more and more people are starting to call out its fatal flaws. People in conventional heterosexual relationships
Marriage in modern Western society is typically understood as a heterosexual union between a man and a woman. To dispel the common myth that marriage has remained a stable heterosexual union and that homosexuality has always been forbidden, Weeks uses examples of various forms of institutionalized unions between same-sex couples. These same-sex unions took place in the early Christian church and continue to take place in other cultures (Weeks 2010:20). When analyzing these unions it is important to take into consideration that modern Western understandings of homosexuality cannot be applied to these marriage patterns, because the actors involved do not evaluate their behaviors in the same way as contemporary Westerners. The example of marriage shows that there is a large amount of variability in all sexual practices, even those we commonly think of as traditional and enduring
For the past 3 decades the views surrounding marriage has undergone a great deal of change (Lennox, 2015, p. 1101). This shift is due to the continual discussion of gay marriage. The interplay of religion and politics has led for much controversy. In the United States, the use of Christian and Jewish biblical texts are the main sources drawn upon for opposition, but have also been used as a supportive means of equality. Beyond the religious there are also psychological and physical health arguments, as well as civil rights arguments. Same sex marriage is examined through different paradigms, thus giving rise to religious, political/legal, and religious arguments surrounding the legalization of this institution for gay and lesbian couples.
Same-sex marriage, a controversial social issue in the U.S. for several decades, is constantly evolving. When viewed historically, great change has happened in a short period of time, in the movement for same-sex marriage, given that until recently, no society in thousands of years has ever allowed it.
"Gay Marriage in the US Supreme Court, 2015 - Gay Marriage - ProCon.org." ProConorg Headlines. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Mar. 2016.
Legalizing gay marriage has given America a troubling debate throughout a majority of the states. With only thirty-seven states allowing legal gay marriage, the other thirteen have either banned it or are still deciding (unknown, 2015, para 1). Gay marriage is seen as different and wrong to so many people in America that is has become sickening. People do have their differences and as Justin Timberlake once said, “We’re people and we’re different, all of us. And we should be using our differences to bring ourselves closer together” and with this being said, everyone is equal to one another in different ways (Timberlake, 2014, 10). For example, two people could have two different religions, which is different, but also equal in the sense
Over the past several years the homosexual community has made great strides in attempting to justify their right to legally join in matrimony. Society as a whole has come a long way in becoming more tolerant and acknowledging of same sex partners and their choices to form families. Given our first amendment right to freedom of speech, there are plenty of sentiments regarding whether or not laws should be ratified permitting these male or female partners to have the legal right to marry. There are numerous of current trends that provide absolute support to the homosexual community with hopes of increasing the level of tolerance. In addition, the great economic advantages that have come about from same-sex marriages in supporting states, has
Society has created many stereotypes during the years, stating that marriage can only be accepted if it is between women and men, however, there is a community that was created to fight against these prejudices; this culture is called LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender). This culture was found during 1990’s here in the USA, to defend same-sex love and sexuality of ancient civilizations.
America today is gripped in the controversial debate regarding gay rights; specifically, the right for two people who are of the same sex such as a man and man or woman and woman to be joined in the legal bond of marriage. The points of contention are largely separated into 4 main categories. The sanctity of the institution known as 'Marriage', the benefits gained from being married, family structure, and the growing impact of our society on a religious institution.
Gay marriage and equality is an ethical issue that has been debated for years. This is an issue that will continue to be debated until a clear answer as to why it is not socially acceptable is determined. A deontological view has been traditionally applied to the subject of gay marriage and equality. Those who are opposed to same sex marriage take on this view. People do not think that a deontological view will solve the issue of whether same sex marriage is right or wrong. However, people who feel this, will bring a new idea to the situation that will assist in giving us an understanding of why it is important that we respect the needs and wants of those who are in same sex relationships, and allow gay marriage and equality. Homosexuals
In this country there is a flawed assumption that gay people enjoy the same civil right protections as everyone else and there are a lot of stereotypes about gay relationships. Living as a gay individual in this country can be extremely overwhelming and scary. When it comes to marriage between gay couples, controversy is bound to turn up. There are numerous arguments as to why gay marriage is not “right” such as; it offends everything religion stands for, marriage is for procreation, and gay
In the United States today, the divorce rate is at 50% throughout the nation. With promiscuity on the rise, and the effects of the ever dropping economy, marriage is no longer a priority to some. Still to others, overlooking the fact that many no longer see marriage as crucial, they are determined to save what they consider constitutes the model for marriage. For years, marriage opportunities for homosexuals has been an ongoing debate, and it still continues today. Many critics of the ordeal pose the argument that the allowance of same-sex unions would single-handedly demolish the already fragile structure of marriage (Head). They go on to further to say that same-sex marriages would cause men to become barbaric, as women are the
On June 26, 2015, a special law came into place. Although it won’t affect me yet, I still cried of happiness when I received news of the law passing. Same-sex marriage was finally legal in the United States. Communities of the world are diverse and are unique. It’s our nature as human beings to surround ourselves with people like us. We strive to be the best we can be, and there are people like us, in the same community, who will help us do just that. I belong to many communities, but one specifically has made me love myself more than ever before.
conclusions which declare that every generation after the Salient Generation (1928-45) is more in favor of same-sex marriage. The primary component here is that “younger generations express higher levels of support for same-sex marriage” (Mitchell). As far as reflecting the change in attitudes, the data shows that older generations “have become more supportive of same-sex marriage in the past decade” (Mitchell). In relation to Lewis and Gossett’s research, their research aligns in their claim that people “born in each decade tend to be more accepting of gay relationships and more willing to grant them legal recognition than those born the decade before” (Lewis and Gossett). The patterns of the research support the claim that the factor of
“If anyone objects, speak now or forever hold your peace!” Right now you, the reader, are probably confused. Let me elaborate for you. Many people have moral issues on same-sex marriages. In this paper you will read an overview of two academic articles that apply to the issue at hand. Then, I will apply two ethical theories to the issue. Finally, I will give my own opinion and where I stand on the issue.
Two single women living together could offer numerous interpretations. It is mostly uncommon and considered to be an issue for some people especially during the 19th century. The assumption then was that relationships were platonic but in recent years, different speculations started to came out (Lyness, Lipetz, and Davis 305). Different stories of intimate companionships prevailed and were contemplated to be unnatural as to the appeal of marriage between two women. Opposite presumptions however, argued that homosexual relationships should be acknowledged as legitimate because it is part of human rights to recognize and establish commitments, it stretches civil rights that concerns freedom and most especially, it is a step to gender equality.