Gay Marriage in the United States

Social Issue: GAY RIGHTS

Gay Rights in America

Heather East

Prof. Johnson

March 2, 2008

“Each individual’s journey through life is unique. Some will make this journey alone, others in loving relationships – maybe in marriage or other forms of commitment. We need to ponder our own choices and try to understand the choices of others. Love has many shapes and colors and is not finite. It can not be measured or defined in terms of sexual orientation.” From the Statement of Affirmation and Reconciliation by the Quaker meeting in Aotearoa.

Homosexuality - having a sexual attraction to persons of the same sex. People argue with respect to the definition of homosexuality. The (Gay & Lesbian Alliance against Defamation [GLAAD], 1994-2008) is dedicated to promoting and ensuring fair, accurate and inclusive representation of people and events in the media as a means of eliminating homophobia and discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. The argument of legalizing same sex marriages has always sparked controversy among lawmakers. Being gay and loving someone is not illegal. What is illegal is the right to marriage being denied to legally consenting gay couples. As of February 2007, Massachusetts is the only state in which committed gay and lesbian couples can marry. California, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maine, New Jersey, and Vermont each grant varying levels of legal status to gay and lesbian partners but none come close to conferring the full rights and responsibilities of marriage. According to the United States Supreme Court, "The freedom to marry has long been recognized as one of the vital personal rights essential to the orderly pursuit of happiness by free men." Every American deserves fair treatment under the law and the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, the very rights our country was founded on....