One of the most controversial topics in the United States is gay marriage. In the United States the constitution states that marriage is defined as the union between a man and a woman. Since the nation was founded based on the principles of the constitution, most people agree. Unfortunately, in the United States exists a large population of lesbian, gay, transgender, and bisexual people. These individuals are fighting currently to have gay marriage legalized in the United States a whole. The argument is that the constitution interprets marriage in the reflection of a religious assumption and assertion. The United States being the land of the free, contradicts itself when it imposes ways of life on people. Many gays believe that gay marriage laws are in direct violation of there constitutional rights, thus making them unconstitutional. Additionally, there is not set religion or requirement to believe in one, so the basis of gay marriage laws on the religious view is a direct contradiction to the constitution. Many gays have fought to have gay marriage laws reversed and have not yet succeeded on a national level. Some people believe that gay marriage should be allowed because it doesn’t directly affect them. These people believe that gay marriage would give gays benefits regarding taxes, health, adoption, etc.. Additionally, many believe that it is wrong for the government to judge who someone has sexual relations with. After all, the only difference between gay and straight people, is who they have sexual relations with, right? Well, others on the opposite end of the gay marriage issue believe that the union known as marriage is sacred, and to change it would just be wrong. Most people are married in churches, giving validity to the gay marriage laws in respect to that fact alone. The current status of gay marriage laws have made it hard for gay couples to function in society normally. This disadvantage has forced many to live in the shadows of there lifestyle, and many times hide it. Additionally, they are often forced to separate themselves from “ordinary people”.
Liberal people believe that rejection of gay marriage is a newly formed civil rights fight, however that fact that it is illegal makes it a criminal issue. Let’s for a second say gay marriage as a law is a criminal issue, but as an imposing lifestyle is a civil issue. Many times in a society people become creatures of habit and tend to only accept the things that they know. Many times fear of the unknown will force people to combat a situation that will change the “norm.” Gay marriage laws will continue to be fought on a national level until gays are accepted in society. In many ways this fight can be compared to that of the African Americans in history, where they were first seen as animals, and now are presidents of this country.
The United States is made up individual states that are uniquely designed to create there own constitutions, laws, and amendments.
This fact has allowed gay marriage laws to be legalized in very few states that have accepted it. Most of these states are very liberal, or have a strong liberal population. Some of these states include Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Iowa. In these four states gay marriage is completely legal and the same as that of same sex marriages. This comes with full benefits and rights regarding marriage. Some other states however do not allow gay marriage laws to be acceptable, but have created a comparable alternative. This is known as a civil unions and full rights for gay couples. These states include New Jersey and Connecticut. This system is supported by president Obama, however the laws in the four states allowing gay marriage completely is not. With this law in both New Jersey and Connecticut, couples are awarded the full benefits as if they were actually married, only they are called something totally different. This is done to respect both heterosexual people and the institution of marriage itself. Additionally, six states allow same sex couples to register as domestic partners, who receive all state level marriage benefits. These states include, Washington, Oregon, California, Oregon, Nevada, and Maine. Aside from these states listed above, gay marriage is banned in all other states.
Gay marriage is a difficult issue in America because of its conservative base. Many states reserve the right to create there own gay marriage laws that effect everyone in that state. Some states in the United states that are on the more conservative side, do not allow any recognition of this type of union. In some other countries however, gay marriage laws exist in the same manner that the same sex marriage laws do. The Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Canada, Norway, Sweden, and Africa are the only countries where this exists. Several countries in Europe are currently considering gay marriage laws to determine exactly how they will be dealt with. The gay marriage issue is prevalent throughout the world and is not just an issue in the United States. Many countries with a strong religious influence will probably never allow gay marriage to ever become legal. For example, Israel, Pakistan, Iraq, Turkey, India, and a like. Currently religion has power over government in terms of influence on its people. Many times people will kill themselves and others in the name of their religion.
These places can’t even conquer women’s rights, never mind gay marriage. The consideration of it would only bring more death and turmoil to the inhabitants and make these places even more dangerous than they already are. However, In places like the United States the movement is being seriously considered everywhere. Sometimes, when the world is changing, laws will begin to as well. More times than not it will take a revolution of some sort for countries and governments to notice. Gays, lesbians, trans genders, and bisexuals have existed for a long time, they are just recently beginning to fight for their rights. In the near future, gay marriage laws will be legal in most of the industrialized world.
Tags: Gay Marriage, Gay Marriage law