Though the progressive era is in the past, there is much speculation about what the current generation will be called. The information age? The digital age? The new media age? Although all of these highlight what amazing advances we have made thus far with technology, this age is also characterized by many social justice movements. Ranging from racial to sexual equality – it is clear there has been a shift in people’s values. One of the most commonly debated issues is same-sex marriage pertaining to legality, rights and recognition.
Where the nation stands thus far
Presently there is substantial movement nationally towards the legalization of same-sex marriage. The United States District Courts recently overturned Arkansas, Oregon and Pennsylvania’s ban on same-sex marriage in the month of May. This follows 11 straight overturns including Utah, Oklahoma, Michigan and Virginia. Many states recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states including California, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Vermont and Washington. In these states, couples are allowed to file joint state tax returns and receive health and retirement benefits. Currently there are 34 states that have “defense of marriage” statutes, which means that there is no recognition or benefits of same-sex marriages. With all of these different stances between states, what different opinions cause such drastic differences throughout the nation?
Arguments against same-sex marriage
Many people who are against same-sex marriage believe that it is not actual marriage or natural. They believe that it denies the self-evident biological, physiological and psychological attributes. A marriage between two men or women does not promote procreation and the perpetuation of the human race. Because of the nature of same-sex relationships, it will always deny a child either a father or mother. This can affect different role models that play vital roles in raising children.
Other reasons approach religious aspects including the validation and promotion of the homosexual lifestyle. People believe this as a moral wrong and turning it into a civil right imposes acceptance on all society. There is also the thought that same-sex marriage could potentially lead down a “slippery slope” to giving the right to polygamous, incestuous, bestial and nontraditional relationships. Tax dollars play a large part in the benefits from marriage. Many people do not want to use their tax money to support something they do not believe in. Marriage can be viewed as a privilege, not a right. In some definitions, sexual orientation does not meet any of the criteria for to qualify within the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Opposing are many different arguments supporting same-sex marriage.
Arguments for same-sex marriage
The most prominent reason supporting same-sex marriage is that same-sex couples should not be oppressed and should have the right to publicly celebrate their commitment through the same modes as heterosexual couples. There are many benefits that are denied from same-sex couples including illness visitation, taxation, inheritance rights and health coverage. According to many people, the concept of traditional marriage itself is historically inaccurate because monogamy is considered “unnatural” in evolutionary terms. Denying same-sex couples the right to marry stigmatizes same-sex couples and families. It sends the message that their oppression is acceptable.
Legalization of same-sex marriage could inflate the economy through marriage licenses and weddings. If marriage is used only for procreation, than infertile couples should not have the right to marry. Following, if people are concerned with only having fathers or mothers, then single parents conflict that requirement for raising children. Supreme court case, Loving v. Virginia, confirmed that marriage is “one of the basic civil rights of man”. This can also apply to same-sex couples, and the protections that were given to interracial couples through this case.
Here is a list of all of the bills proposed this session.
Recently there has been a immense push in the media rallying behind same-sex couples and marriage. There have been many polls and online campaigns for same-sex equality. It has shown an evident shift in support to a strong support or neutral feelings with a limited number opposed to same-sex marriage.
Also, there has been a substantial amount of coverage for many different same-sex related events in the media. This includes different advertisements that support same-sex couples ranging from Target to Honey Maid. Many companies have taken a public stance on the support same-sex couples.
Companies that have made public statements against same-sex couples and marriage include Chick-fil-A, Urban Outfitters, Exxon, The Salvation Army, Purina, Boy Scouts of America, Cracker Barrel and Walmart stores. After these companies CEO’s or other executives publically stated they are against same-sex marriage, they were subject to many different types of protests from the LGBTQ community and others. Although Chick-fil-A had a very public backlash, their sales increased by 12%. After such a public backlash, CEO Dan Cathy issued a statement “gay marriage is still wrong, but ill shut up about it and sell chicken”.
Many issues have been raised over the oppression of people’s values and views on same-sex marriage. Media coverage including the drafting of Michael Sam. Soon it was about his sexual orientation and not the fact that he is a great football player-for better or for worse. There is so much focus on different issues with same-sex couples that often issues or events that originally start with a different premise become some different campaign to propel or stifle the same-sex marriage movement. What are your thoughts on the way that the media focuses on sexual orientation? In what ways do these conflicts oppress people’s right to free speech and to believe what they want?
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