Gay Marriage Research Paper

We as a society in this country are given civil rights. These rights include the freedom of speech, freedom of press, the right to vote and the right to equality in public places. These rights are granted regardless of race, religion, or sex. Discrimination occurs when these rights are denied because one belongs to a particular group or class, such as being African American or of Jewish religion (Wikipedia, 2008). Where does gay and lesbian fall? Is this a class or group? This is a sexual preference and one that has become about ten percent of the population (Lamannna/Riedmann, 2008). It is no surprise that the gay community has been fighting for the right to marry and gain the benefits as a heterosexual married couple would. Gays believe it is a violation of their civil rights
Many people disagree. Recognizing gay marriage has been a controversial issue for many years. The question still remains, whether or not same sex marriage should be legal. The gay community will claim they feel they are second class citizens because they are denied one of the most sacred institutions, marriage. Gay couples are couples just as a heterosexual couple that love each other and want to form a unity and share their lives together. There are also legal benefits that his community would like to be able to have rights to as well. In cases such as who gets survivor benefits most agencies will only allow surviving spouses or close relatives. A same sex couple may not file a joint tax return to lower their taxes as heterosexual couples can. Gay couples are also inconvenienced in situations where next only next of kin are allowed, such as hospital visitation rights in time a serious illness. One of the biggest rights that marriage has is adoption. There are several states that do not allow gay adoption nor do they allow for second parent adoption in same sex couples in the event of a loss