You’re in love. You can’t think of anything you want more than to spend your life with that person. But you can’t get married, because your government discriminates against you. Gays and Lesbians should receive the same marriage and legal benefits as heterosexual couples. 5 state, and the District of Columbia currently allow gay marriage.
In 1996 Congress passed the Defense of Marriage Act. This act bars the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriages or extending them the same benefits as heterosexual couples. The Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutionally discriminates against gay and lesbian couples. Federally defining marriage is unconstitutional, and violates first amendment rights. Attorney General Eric Holder has said in a letter to Washington that the Justice Department would no longer oppose legal challenges against the Defense of Marriage Act. President Barack Obama has said that the discrimination against gays can no longer be accepted as reasonable. (“Obama Makes Historic Shift on Gay Rights” David Savage)
5 states have legalized same-sex marriage; Vermont, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Iowa, and Connecticut. The District of Columbia (D.C) also allows gay marriage. (“Illinois Governor Signs Civil-Union Bill—Is Gay Marriage Next?” Mark Guarino) Legalizing gay marriage has been left up to the state, and their voters. Any legal gay marriages in these states are only recognized by that state, and not by the federal government. (“Who’s Family? New Study Tracks Shifting US Views” David Crary) New York and Maryland do not issue marriage licenses, but they do recognize the rights of same-sex couples who have been married, or have received civil-union certificates from other states. (“Illinois Governor Signs Civil-Union Bill—Is Gay Marriage Next?” Mark Guarino)
Civil unions are legal contracts between partners, giving all, or some of the rights received in marriage, without using the word “Marriage.” Civil unions are legal in 6 states; Illinois, California, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, and Washington. In certain cases; Vermont, New Hampshire, and Connecticut, the legalization of gay marriage has followed civil unions. . (“Illinois Governor Signs Civil-Union Bill—Is Gay Marriage Next?” Mark Guarino)
The legalization of gay marriage country wide is just a matter of time; People younger than 30 are as much as 40 percentage points more supportive of gay marriage than people over 65. The idea of gay marriage is becoming more accepted, even to conservative republicans. Former Vice President Dick Cheney, John McCain, and Steve Schmidt have all endorsed gay marriage. Even conservative radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh supports civil unions. Eventually gay marriage will reach the Supreme Court, and by the time it does, several additional states may be allowing same-sex marriage. (“The Court of Public Opinion” Michael Klarman)
The social changes have already begun to take place. Polls show that there has been a significant shift towards counting same-sex couples as family. (“Who’s Family? New Study Tracks Shifting US Views” David Crary) For the first time, opinion polls on Americans’ attitudes toward same-sex marriage have shifted; a majority is now in favor of it. And since young people are approve in greater numbers, approval ratings are likely to grow. (“The States of Same-Sex Marriage” Audrey Bilger) The change has already happened; it’s only the law that lags. (“Meet My Real Modern Family” Andrew Solomon.)
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