Recognizing Same-Sex Marriage Legally in the United States

The United States of America was founded as a secular sanctuary for ideals like freedom, equality, and tolerance – few will argue against that. Over its history American culture has radically evolved as it strived to meet the ideals its nation was based upon, making changes like ending slavery and providing legal equality for women and minorities, changes that at the time seemed absurd but today are unquestionable merits that define what an “American” is. The quest to reach the ultimate utopian society continues today as true Americans fight the evils of ignorance, stubborn bigotry and the fear to change that still manifest themselves in a large portion of U.S. citizens, preventing this nation from moving forward. One of the outstanding minorities still left to be granted the ideals of freedom, equality, and tolerance are homosexuals trying to obtain the right to marry the person they want to spend the rest of their life with, regardless of gender. Same-sex marriages should be recognized in the eyes of the U.S. government in accordance with its responsibility to provide all American citizens equal freedoms.

     A debate is raging in America about who people have a right to marry. In response to lesbians and gays asking for the right to marry, many legislators are writing laws to ban same-sex marriage in their respective states. Even President Bush supports a Constitutional amendment that would ban same-sex marriage (prez.bush.marriage/). Opponents of such legislation do not want discrimination passed into law and are protesting at every opportunity. One must understand the reasons that people want to ban same-sex

Over the past five years same-sex marriage has become one of the most controversial issues in the United States, many social activist strive to aid homosexuals and their fight to legalize same-sex marriage. Marriage is a fundamental right not a privilege. Gay men and women should not be discriminated against based on their sexuality. Marriage is a sacred bond between two people that love each other no matter the sex, race, or religion. Everyday homosexuals are treated unfairly; most were born gay and cannot help their feelings. Being gay in America today is very difficult, you have to hide who you are just to be accepted. All homosexual’s really want is to be treat fairly and to get all the right they deserve, like

The legalization of gay marriage has been a controversial issue in many state courts since the mid 1970s. Gay marriage scares many people because it strays from the norms of heterosexual relationships. Traditional American ideals have become a part of culture and society that everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, or race, or gender, expect to have as a basic human rights. Several times in history these have been identified as inalienable rights. One of the expected rights of many American citizens is the right to choose who they love, who they marry, and how they live their day to day life. When heterosexual Americans were introduced to the idea of same sex marriage, they became afraid that it would “taint the minds of the young members of the community,” since homosexualty was and still is frowned upon in the community. Thus, the homosexual community’s opportunity to freely choose how to live their life is taken

Gay rights and marriage equality has always been a major issue. Not only in the United States, but all throughout various cultures in the world. One of the main reasons why it is not widely accepted is due to religious or cultural reasons. Thankfully, more people have become more accepting of it and keeping an open mind about it. As of June 26th, 2015, gay marriage has has finally been legalized in all 50 states. However, there are still people who do not agree with it and still try to vote against it. Some Americans even want laws made to ban same-sex marriage and relations again. Although the legalization of same-sex marriage has been accomplished, most people continue to fight against those who still discriminate against the LGBT community.

The argument over the legalization of same sex marriages is rapidly becoming one of the most vigorously advocated reform subjects in recent law review. Being gay and loving someone is not illegal, but uniting that couple in a legal marriage is rejected by most of society in this country. Each state has had to deal with legal issues concerning same sex marriages to some extent. Most supporters of the ban on gay marriages believe that it would be a strong cause of immorality and corruption of the American family. People who do not support same sex marriages believe that it would create an unhealthy family, and could cause serious harm to children in that family, while supporters

Based on a 2015 poll, 39% of Americans are against the idea of gay marriage (Changing Attitudes). However, this opinion fails to take into account that the United States characterizes itself with the phrase “Liberty and Justice for all.” Where is the liberty and justice for same-sex couples? Gay marriage is not something that Americans can dismiss without taking into consideration the economical boost that takes place because of it, the freedom of religion the United States promises and the rights that come along with it, and more importantly, the human beings who are affected that deserve liberty and equality just like the rest of the nation

The concept of gay or same sex marriage is controversial. There are a number of countries where homosexual couples are allowed to marry with their relationship gaining the same recognition as heterosexual couples; countries who allow gay marriage include Sweden, Spain, Canada, Iceland and Argentina. In the US nine states, plus Washington DC provide for gay marriages (FTM, 2012). It would appear that there is a gradual movement towards acceptance of gay marriage, but with only a minatory of people living in areas where gay marriage is accepted there is still a great deal of resistance, with a restatement of arguments against gay marriage, but when examining those arguments many are flawed and reflect fears rather than fact.

Same-Sex marriage has been a hot button issue in United States politics since the mid-twentieth century. Many believe homosexuality is against their religion or Christianity and therefore against the very foundation that the United States was built on. These opponents have fought to deny rights to those who identify as part of the LGTBQ (Lesbian, Gay, Transgender, Bisexual, Queer) community. Supporters of same-sex marriage argue that the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution states all people are created equal and permits all people rights no matter what race,religion,gender or sexual orientation. The Declaration

Imagine that your spouse was suffering from a terminal illness and one was charged with deciding with whether life-saving measures would be continued or ended. This decision is not one that is made lightly, but for homosexual couples, it isn't one that is often afforded. Now that being homosexual is becoming socially accepted, homosexuals are demanding the same rights and benefits as others (The Gay Rights Movement). Many homosexual Americans believe that they are being excluded from “one of the basic civil rights of man (Support for same-sex marriage hits new high; half say Constitution guarantees right”). They have formed organizations, gone to court, and rioted all over the nation; but they are still being denied the simple right to marry (The Gay Rights Movement). Redefining marriage will allow all Americans access, regardless of sexual orientation, to rights given to heterosexual couples without serious social, financial, or legal detriment to society.

Marriage is a well known social norm that is practiced in most societies. In many societies, marriage is recognized as the legal bond between one man and one woman, especially in the United States. However, beginning popularity in the 21st century, the debate on same-sex marriage has grown exponentially. Many people argue that by denying same-sex couples the right to marry they are taking away their fundamental rights as citizens. There are also some arguments that there are many repercussions to legalizing same-sex marriage, such as children being harmed by not being raised by both a mother and a father, or that birth rates would fall. Marriage should be extended to both homosexual and heterosexual couples to ensure that all citizens are able to equally enjoy the same human rights.

Those that are oppose same sex marriage focus their reasoning on religious beliefs. Same sex couples do not want to be treated as second class citizens, they do not focus on what religion states; they just want to be treated as equal as heterosexuals when it comes to their right. Same sex couples believe if one is to bar any class of people from marrying whomever they choose, it then deprives them of their social institution; that many feel defines the most meaningful part of life, to marry someone one loves. Same sex couples believe that their relationships are no different than that of a heterosexual marriage. Same sex couples can have maintain a home together, provide an environment that children can thrive in and care for each other the same as heterosexual married couples do (Goldberg-Hiller, 2002).

Same-sex marriage is a huge controversy between Americans across the Country. In thirty-three states marriage is defined as a “union between a man and a woman”. For seventeen states in the U.S. this definition has been changed because every citizen should be treated equally according to the constitution and this also violates the Equal Protection Clause. It became possible for people of the same-sex to marry when it was stated to be unconstitutional. Denying marriage is denying a citizen their civil rights. People of the same-sex are not receiving the same benefits as a person who has married someone of the opposite sex will receive. It is also an issue between different states. The state law and the federal

Oliver and Erik were born and raised in a small town in Denmark. Friends since grade school, Oliver and Erik did everything together and continued to remain extremely close throughout high school and college. Oliver and Erik decided to profess their love for each other and began a relationship. As their relationship progressed, Oliver and Erik wanted to take the next step. Denmark has allowed same-sex civil unions since the 1980s, but same-sex marriage was illegal; although couples engaged in same-sex civil unions received nearly all of the same benefits and obligations of opposite-sex marriages. In 2012, Denmark passed legislation permitting same-sex couples to be legally married and naturally, the couple did so. Erik got an amazing job

There are approximately “3.5%” of Americans who identify themselves as gay, lesbian, or bisexual”(Greve). Obviously, LGBT people are still a minority, but that does not mean that they have any less rights than heterosexual people. LGBT people deserve the same rights as heterosexuals because they should not have to be discriminated against. One right that is already legal, and I hope it stays legal, is allowing same sex marriage. This is a huge accomplishment for the LGBT people because they are now allowed to marry whoever they please, whether it is a man and a man, or a woman and a woman. I am a huge supporter of gay marriage because I truly believe that everyone deserves a chance at happiness, and being able to get married is one part of that step towards happiness. In 2015, 780,000 Americans were in same-sex marriages and around two million live with same-sex partners (Greve). As of June 26, 2017, 62% of Americans support gay marriage, while 32% of Americans oppose it. I do not see the reason that society is shunning these people who only want equal rights. “Statistics from the Human Rights Campaign showed that 42% of LGBTQ youth report living in a community that is ‘not accepting.’ 92% of them also said that they ‘hear negative messages about being LGBT” (Greve). Gay marriage goes against what was normal in our society. Society needs to deal with the fact that these are changing times, and they need to be more accepting of new ideas and