Same sex marriage has been legalized in 38 states. However why have the other 12 states confiscated simple things from homosexuals such as happiness? Raising children is one major concern that has alarmed many people. Mark Regreus, a PhD scholar from Texas university stated “Children raised by same sex parents suffer more difficulty, such as abuse and unemployment in later life” (Regerus, para 3). However, University of Melbourne study shows that “couples score six percent higher than the general population on measures of health, and family cohesion” (2014, para 9). Also having same sex parents causes psychological benefits and it offers kids to have a deeper understanding of diverse people. Children raised by couples of the same sex learn that being different is okay. Many homosexuals face many problems with having child custody in a divorce or separation. Another unjust problem for gays are taxes. Gay couples pay higher taxes than straight couples and they are also not allowed to have any joint tax return. This inequality towards gays must stop now. The law isn’t the only thing blocking the equivalence for gays, but it’s also prejudice and abhorrence. Anti-gay and lesbian violence is way too common. People are constantly bullied, harassed and threatened for being who they are. Carl Joseph Walker-Hoover was an adolescent 11 year old who took his own life for being “queer” or a “faggot” as his classmates would refer to him. Carl was a constantly harassed by and even though his mother addressed the school board about the unfair treatment of her child the board blew it off with no stress. However it wasn’t long before the school shared a day of silence to bring attention to anti-gay harassment in schools. Same sex equality has an extremely high price. It should never cost someone’s life in order to get people to understand that name calling and bullying to different people is wrong. Homosexual suicides are increasing every year. 26 percent of kids that come out to their parents are kicked out of their home or abused. These are things that must stop. The government’s job is to protect their citizens whether they are white, black, gay, or straight so they need to start protecting them today! Home life and suicides are just a small wave of the vast ocean of same sex inequality. The workforce offers many other opportunities for discrimination. The William Institute on Sexual Orientation law and Public Policy created many surveys “15-43 percent of gays are showed discrimination in the workplace. 18% were fired for their gender identity and sexual orientation. 28% of people receive a negative performance evaluation for being gay or transgender. 41% of people are abused verbally and physically at work” (para 3). Homosexuals also had social security problems. “On June 26, 2013, the Supreme Court ruled Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) unconstitutional. Therefore, Social Security no longer is prevented from recognizing same-sex marriages to determine entitlement or payment amount” (2014, para 1). This means that same sex couples will have the same rights as every traditional couple in America! Hopefully the New Year’s will create changes and movements creating all people to be equal.
Gay rights is a movement that must happen today! Racism and judgment is not something that can be tolerated in the 21st century. It shouldn’t matter if you are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender discrimination and inequality is sincorrect under every circumstance. “We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal, they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights.” So let’s act now! Focus on the future of peace and equality and contact procon.org to share your opinion or beliefs. Speak out against gay bullying, vote for gay equality, sign gay rights petitions or whatever you feel is right. Every small act can create a butterfly effect of gay equality throughout the world.
You May Also Find These Documents Helpful
-
Throughout the course of American history, every generation has built upon the foundations of freedom that were constructed by their ancestors before them. During the 1920’s, women finally earned the right to vote, and in the 1960’s, blacks finally gained their hard fought equality. Our current generations task, is to strive to obtain equal rights for homosexuals so that our children and grandchildren can live in a world where they can feel free to express themselves without the fear of discrimination and hatred based chiefly on their biological predisposition to be attracted to the same gender, and so that our grandchildren will one day look at the argument against same sex marriage as we do misogyny and racism; an argument based upon ignorance, and fear. When woman were granted the right to vote, it did not alter the process of voting, and when blacks were recognized as equals, it did not threaten the equality of any other man, woman, or child. These rights awarded to women and blacks simply gave them the privileges promised to them by our nation’s forefathers. The gay community’s quest to gain these aforementioned privileges is currently being obstructed by conservative pundits who believe that the love between a man and another man, or a woman and another woman, is not adequate enough to be legally recognized, although heterosexual marriage is. William J. Bennett, former Secretary of Education under Ronald Reagan, author of several books that delve into the virtues and morals of Americans, and a former senior editor of the conservative journal, National Review, is one of those advocates against gay marriage. In Bennett’s opinion editorial which was published in the Washington Post entitled, “Against Gay Marriage”, he argues that legislation regarding the legalization of gay marriage should not be ratified because allowing marriage between homosexuals essentially…
- 2038 Words
- 9 Pages
Better Essays -
There is growing attention to the issue of marriage equality for gay people in this country. As of the writing of this paper, 16 of the 50 states in the United States of America have legalized gay marriage, either by legislation or by popular vote (Wisniewski, 2013). The discourse regarding the issue becomes quite contentious largely because of non-secular ideology that has demonized the concept of homosexuality for many years. As a sociological issue, the conflict has become a divisive force for many, from political powers as far down to the family level. The constitution guarantees equal rights for all in this country; freedom of religion, speech, etc. yet appears to stall when equal rights for the gay community are involved. There has been significantly more popular support for the cause recently, but the stigma and prejudice continue to linger. Is this a moral debate or has an outdated ideology become so embraced by many that the battle has only just begun?…
- 878 Words
- 3 Pages
Good Essays -
A very big topic that lingers on the hearts and minds of so many Americans today, on the desks of so many politicians and in so many courtrooms around the country today is gay marriage. There are two very identifiable sides to this debate and both sides have very defendable points of view, which are constantly being publically expressed by radicals and extremist from both sides of the spectrum. My point of views differ from those who believe that gay marriage should remain illegal however, I am going to look at both sides of this huge debate and argue the point that homosexuals should be granted the right to marry whomever they please because it is not only unconstitutional, but unjust and logically improper to forfeit to this group of people the same, equal rights to marriage as heterosexuals simply because of their sexual orientation.…
- 1566 Words
- 7 Pages
Good Essays -
Both authors have some similar perspectives on the same sex marriage topic; one of them being sociological views and the matter of same-sex couples. In addition, both Evan and Andrew believe that family and friends who support and understand gay couples have a major positive on same sex marriage. Both authors discussed that many gay or lesbian children are being raised in a non-gay environment and that has a negative impact on the lives of children. The differences between Wolfson and Sullivan’s viewpoints are that Sullivan emphasizes the individual citizen, and Wolfson emphasize the importance of same-sex marriage. Some people are still ignoring the fact that our society is changing and evolving rapidly. Same-sex couples have been suppressing their voices throughout many decades, and now they are ready to fight for their freedom and the right to be married.…
- 1257 Words
- 6 Pages
Better Essays -
Gay marriages have been one of the hottest and controversial topics in our society. There are still problems concerning this issue of homosexuality and gay marriages. Same sex marriages are legal in Hawaii, but in all other states couples must be of the opposite sex to form a marriage. Hawaii’s decision to legalize same sex marriages is considered a milestone victory for gays and may cause a ripple affect for similar action in other states. Those who support gay marriages justify their position by the concept of love. These supporters of gay marriages feel as though gay people are being deprived of their right to love. Many people believe that gay people deserve the right to love and to take that love and form a marriage. These people believe that gays want to feel justified, meaning that as a couple they should be able to define their own marriage for themselves and make their own set of rules. Supports of same-sex marriages feel as though homosexuals are being deprived of their God given right to get married. They believe that arguments against same sex marriages are unconstitutional, and they simply do not justify a ban on same sex marriages. It is not the idea of two people of the same sex getting married that frightens people so much, but it is the thought of change and the fact that the federal government will redefine marriage to allow same sex unions. When people picture the results of same sex marriages, they see images of unstable homes. Everyone would probably agree that homosexuality has changed our society, and legalizing same sex marriages is not likely to be an exception. It would be an injustice to discriminate against a person if he or she were…
- 305 Words
- 2 Pages
Satisfactory Essays -
Then homosexuals should all be given the equal right to pursue happiness and marry each other.…
- 568 Words
- 3 Pages
Good Essays -
In the United States, there is social unrest regarding the government’s denial of the right to marry for homosexuals. Plenty of conservatives are completely against gay marriage; and many of liberals are fighting for equal treatment. The neo-Christian politicians are using religious arguments to establish that homosexuality is an abomination. Clearly we as a nation are undecided on this issue. 36 states have passed legislation banning gay marriages, yet the state of Vermont passed a law that allows homosexual couples the right to participate in civil unions. Some other states are also debating whether or not to allow these couples to marry. Unfortunately, the dispute has left the United States homosexual community in an awkward position. Gays who gain the same benefits from marriage would be a more productive part of society for two reasons: the benefits from marriage and the pursuit of happiness obtained from the right of gay marriage. Many gays disagree with the argument that marriage is a tradition. They believe we should not discriminate who may be married. It is clear where gays stand. They do not want to settle for less than marriage status.…
- 1500 Words
- 6 Pages
Better Essays -
I propose a solution to this controversy. It is to accept that same-sex couples are more than capable at raising a child. People who judge same-sex couples do not have any evidence to do so. To those who feel the need to show prejudice to same-sex parents can do so by violating the human rights that are the backbone to our society: life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness.…
- 367 Words
- 2 Pages
Good Essays -
The United States’ Declaration of Independence reads, “[We] hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” and Abraham Lincoln in his Gettysburg Address furthers, “[the] [United States’] fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.” But in the United States today, not all are equal. Within the majority of the United States, same-sex couples cannot be married or reap the benefits of said marriage. Marriage is basic to the recognition as equals in society and any status short of this becomes inferior, unjust and unconstitutional. Our nation cannot live up to its promise of equality and the fundamental rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, until the invidious discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is done away with. Equality under the law extends to all persons. Legalizing same-sex marriage, a recognition of basic American principles, would represent the culmination of our nation’s commitment to equal rights. Americans and those who believe and live by the words of the Declaration of Independence, Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, the 14th Amendment, and in the Constitution’s guarantees of equal protection and equal dignity before the law cannot stand idle while this wrong continues. Any prohibitions on same-sex marriage, whatsoever, are entirely discriminatory. Gay rights are civil rights and all Americans should have the right to marry the person of their choice, regardless of their sexual orientation. Thus, same-sex marriage should be legalized in the United States.…
- 1865 Words
- 8 Pages
Good Essays -
There are many arguments against same-sex marriage. “We have to protect traditional marriage.” “It is unnatural.” “What about the effects on the children they raise?” These arguments are not very strong. There is nothing wrong with same-sex marriage, and it is not a threat to society.…
- 402 Words
- 2 Pages
Satisfactory Essays -
I'm a student here at Laingsburg just like all of you. I have a few friends who this law would apply to down the road. They walk down the same hallway as me. They eat in the same lunch room as me. But why when it comes to marriage why do they have different rights then me. Personally I think these laws should have never been put in place. Why? That is the question I am always asking myself. Why are they so different then me? Why do they have to suffer instead of me? Why? Why? Why?. What if I told you I was homosexual? What if I came up here and told you I go home and cry everyday and have suicidal thoughts, like most of these people do. Would you feel bad for me? Or would you automatically judge me for who I liked? Now I have a question for you....how am I any different then how I was 15 seconds ago before I told you that? Did I change shape? Did I become a blonde with blue eyes? No. I stayed the same. So how are homosexual people any different then me when they tell us they are homosexual. In this country, it seems to me that we are just moving from one form of discrimination to another. Now that racism is taking its leave, although there are still many cases of it today, we have…
- 941 Words
- 4 Pages
Good Essays -
A helpless teen guy, beaten and mugged, left on the street. When asked by police what happened, he is eventually turned away, and the assailants never searched for to be charged with the crime. One crucial detail separates this crime from most others; the guy that was beaten was gay. Prejudice and stereotypes are a common part of today’s world, but they hurt and degrade others and both are morally wrong. Whether it is based on race, gender, sexuality, or another difference than the common human being, people will almost always find a way to make themselves seem better, and others seem worse, based on physical or social traits.…
- 643 Words
- 3 Pages
Satisfactory Essays -
These responsibilities are often neglected when being applied to Black gay men. The idea of a networked family structure is very prominent within families of colour, and so this puts Black gay men or msm at a particularly vulnerable spot, as they are being rejected of one of the very common structures their other family members, who if are heterosexual, are provided with. For people of colour, it is not merely the acceptance of the law, or the dominant social groups, the importance also lies with the acceptance of their community. If the community does not accept them, they are stripped of their networking family structure ties and assistance, which leaves them in an extremely vulnerable position (Cahill et. al., 2003). In the Mabwana study, it was found that lack of community support often leads to…
- 895 Words
- 4 Pages
Good Essays -
Issues surrounding the topic of homosexuality have sparked great emotional debate in society. People who are in favour of homosexuality often attribute it to genetic or biological reasons. People who are not in favour of homosexuality regard homosexuality as a social immorality and should be prohibited. This presentation aims to introduce the idea that homosexuality is not an abnormal phenomenon and should be recognised as a social norm. Homosexuality can be defined as sexual attraction between individuals of the same sex. The following factors will attempt to address the issues surrounding the morality of Homosexuality. Firstly, Homosexuality is not a choice but a result. Secondly, homosexuals do not lead a lifestyle that differs much from heterosexuals. Thirdly, children raised by homosexual couples are virtually identical to those raised by heterosexuals.…
- 636 Words
- 3 Pages
Good Essays -
Do people have a specific type of willingness in their hearts to accept equal rights on all aspects? Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) rights are a hot button topic in todays society. Many individuals have strong opinions rooted in moral and religious beliefs. A Florist Caught Between Faith and Discrimination by Warren Richey is more of a convincing article which also perceives a negative point of view and Trump’s ‘LGBT Citizens’ is still a very good article, only a bit less convincing, but shows the more positive side. After looking at the research and reading through the personal stories such as Barronelle Strutzman being put at stake with a loyal customer because of her strong religious beliefs.…
- 826 Words
- 4 Pages
Good Essays