coffeebean
Joined: 03 Jan 2008
coffeebean's page
Posts: 34
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Subject: homosexuality
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Sat Jan 12, 2008 2:50 am
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1). There is not much history on same-sex marriages in our country. However, there is a long history dated all the way back to ancient times. There is a taboo in our society on same-sex relationships not to mention marriage but across other was known for allowing sexual relations between men and young boys. When the man would reach old age he would then help his young partner find a wife to reproduce with so they could keep evolving. It wasn’t called homosexuality yet because that term wasn’t coined until the 19th century for medicinal purposes. Some European and Chinese societies followed and sometimes celebrated these relationships. It wasn’t uncommon to see same-sex relationships However religion had an influence on this topic by calling same-sex relations a sin and banning any same-sex sexual relationships or marriage (Benoit, 2005). Having sex with someone from your own gender was seen as deviant and a threat to the family unit most likely because it made the couple unable to reproduce.
The first U.S. attempt to join individuals of the same-sex by marriage was done by Rev. Troy Perry. This marriage was not recognized however, this attempt sparked lawsuits and social conflict. The lawsuits eventually end with a loss for the homosexual couple but the HRC also known as the Human Rights Campaigned was formed (The Human Rights Campaign [HRC], 2007). HRC is the larges equal rights organization that exists in our country and the most effective so far. If wasn’t founded until 1980 so it is no that old but has made a lot of improvements towards equal rights for LGBT or lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transsexual. They supported liberal views and encouraged voting and involvement in politics. Same-sex marriages and campaigns towards equal rights took a hard hit in the 1980’s with the onset epidemic of AIDS among the gay community. This was a set back because people didn’t know the history of AIDS and assumed it was just because someone was gay. Some used the idea that God was punishing the gay community, although lesbian were mostly excluded from the epidemic, and two people of the same sex should have the rights of a straight couple.
Moving into the 90’s things did change as new elections took place and more people were coming out about their sexuality. There were politicians, musicians, actors, doctors, and teens admitting they were gay. There were also heterosexual celebrities and infamous individuals coming up to support LGBT rights and I think that showed a sense of comfort with having various sexualities in our society. In 1994, a term was coined for ceremonies among same-sex partners called “commitment ceremonies”. In 2000, LGBT leaders spoke in front of the democratic political convention on the issues. In the mean while there were “hate crimes” against many minority groups including, gays, race minorities, and disabled bodies. This led to a new policy enacted in 2007 which is called Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act. This act made convictions and sentencing longer for any crimes against minorities. Although this law was an improvement in our justice system, same-sex marriages are still banned in our country. Currently New Jersey and Massachusetts are the only states recognizing civil unions but their laws are still under debate and appeal (The Human Rights Campaign [HRC], 2007).
2). The major contributors besides the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transsexual community’s are the HRC. The HRC members have paved the way for social change to happen. Some important members of the HRC are Steve Endean, the founder, Vic Basile, first executive director, Joe Solmonese, as the president and notorious for making the most progress in the organization, President Clinton, for starting the National “coming out day”, and Mathew Shepherd death is unintentionally known for the enactment of the protection from “hate crimes” law. If it weren’t for a lot of people supporting same-sex marriages and speaking out against the ban then the issue wouldn’t have the attention that it does. Some other major financial supporters are companies like IBM, Volvo, WaMu, Chase, and Nike (The Human Rights Campaign [HRC], 2007).
3). The HRC represents the goals of policy reform for lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transsexuals. One goal is to equal constitutional rights for same-sex couples that means entitling them to the same benefits, opportunities, and protection that heterosexual couples have. The consequence of this goal is the recognition of civil unions by two states. Although those state laws are under appeal they could potentially pave the way for other states to follow the same laws. Another goal is to fight for the adoption laws to apply equally to same-sex couples as they do to heterosexuals. Currently, three states prohibit unmarried and same-sex couples from adopting and Florida allows unmarried couples to adopt but still prohibits gays/lesbians from doing so. Another goal is to create recognition of same-sex marriages and eliminate the discrimination of it. Besides certain states making civil unions legal, the consequence of getting these marriages recognized and eliminating bias was the enactment of hate crime laws. This includes sexual identity, race, and sexuality but still not all states include ones sexual orientation as part of the law. Therefore, if a violent crime occurred onto a homosexual the suspect would not be convicted under the hate crime laws. Some of those states that do not include sexual orientation in this law are Mass chutes and New Jersey and that surprised me because those two states are the most advanced on moving towards legalization of same-sex marriages!
4). Proponents of same-sex marriage are usually liberals that argue that we are suppose to have equal rights for everyone in the country and that is not happening. They also argue that making same-sex marriages illegal is politically discriminating towards lesbian, gays, bisexuals, and transsexuals. Having same-sex marriages legalized will symbolizes openness in our society and makes it possible to have more protection laws against discrimination in the workplace and in society.
5). Opponents tend to be conservatives who hold residual views. The government falls into this category their position being against same-sex marriages is based on the traditional American family structure. They believe the nuclear family will lose their values and be destroyed if same-sex marriages were aloud. In the past, they have said homosexuals were a “security risk” to society and Bush has been quoted saying that same-sex marriages would ruin the institution of family (Broffman & Henry, 2004).
6). Policy’s have unintended goals and consequences. Some of the unintended consequences for the right of same-sex marriage are violence, riots, and a divide of our countries people. It was not intended for people to be discriminated against in fact it was the opposite attempt to stop discrimination. Another unintended consequence is the tension in the military today. If you are gay and in the military you are to utilize the “don’t ask, don’t Tell, don’t, don’t pursue, don’t ask” advice so you are not targeted (The Human Rights Campaign [HRC], 2007). Most groups that are affected by this are minority groups including gays, blacks, and disabled bodies. These groups are the ones fighting for social change and policy reform and therefore are more times than not on the receiving end of the consequences that stem from these issues. Although this paper is on same-sex marriages and therefore affected gay/lesbian couple the most, it becomes an added barrio if you also fit into other minority groups for example, if your gay and black you have more difficulties to overcome. There have been many efforts to ban same-sex marriages and many efforts to legalize them. Only time can tell what is in the future for homosexual couples. |
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