Gay Marriage

Although Republicans do not support gay marriage, generally. I however as a moderate republican do support gay rights. I think the democrats are not doing a fantastic job on supporting the gay community so the republican should step up and be a more inclusive party. I support gay rights probably because I was taught to respect everyone even if they are different from you. It is a philosophy I live by. Even though I am not homosexual does not mean I should not support them. I truly believe that we live in one of the greatest countries in the world if not the greatest. We, as Americans, the youth of America- we need to embrace this issue and tackle it head on. Everyone deserves to do what makes them happy; to be with who makes them happy.

To many marriage can be defined as a legally recognized union between a man and a woman. However, in the United States and across the world that traditional definition of marriage is being questioned by many. THe question that is becoming part of debates everywhere around the world is should homosexual couples have the same rights as that of heterosexual couples? As much of a shock as it may be, the United States was not the first country to recognize same-sex unions.

As a matter of fact, it was Denmark that first approved legislation allowing registered same-sex partners the same rights of a heterosexual couple. However, Church ceremonies were prohibted. In 1996, Norway, Iceland and Sweden created similar legislation giving gay couples more rights. Finland followed suit six years later. In 2003, Belgium permitted gay marriages with Spain following in 2005 allowing gay couples adoption rights. Also in 2005, Britain's legislation allowed same-sex couples in registered partnerships similar privileges to that of heterosexual married couples.Canada, New Zealand, Argentina nad South Africa have also instituted similar legislations that allow gay couples certain rights.

Howeve,r the United States has been less open-minded. Many states have strictly defined marriage as a union between a man and a woman in their states constitution. Vermont was the first state to give homosexuals the right to have civil unions, giving them the same benefits as married couples in regards to life insurance, child custody and health care. In 2005, Connecticut became the second state in the U.S. to allow same sex civil unions. They were also the first state to do so without a court order. However, at the time they defined marriage as the union of a man and woman. Massachusetts was the first state to issue gay couples a marriage licenses in May 2004. In a landmark decision in New Jersey's Supreme Court in 2006, the state constitution guranteed same-sex couples the same legal benefits of marriage. But they did not legalalize gay marriage simlply just civil unions. So currently the only states that have legalized gay marriage and not just civil unions are: Massachusetts since 2003, Connecticut since 2008 and Iowa since early 2009. Vermont and Maine will be legalizing gay marriage in September 2009.

In 2004, San Francisco began issuing marriage licenses to couples of the same sex. This was later annulled by California's Supreme Court. However, it was later ruled by a judge from San Francisco that banning same-sex marriage was unconstitutional. In the latter part of 2005, a bill was voted down that would have legalized gay marriage. California is a state that clearly struggles when it comes to giving homosexual couples equal rights. They have debated on this for years. Now in 2009, Proposition 8 exists which gives voice to those who oppose same sex marriage.

clearly this is more than just a political issue. Many democrats openly support gay rights as do some Republicans. Conservative Republicans have a long way to go before they accept gay marriage. However, moderate republicans such as myself accept that gay rights is centered around civil rights/human rights. The very history of America is based on such rights. First we freed white males from the domineering rule of a king and queen. We then freed men of a different race. Later on, we expanded more rights to women. This is just another civil rights issue, in my opinion. This is just something we have to embrace. We need to face reality that the gay community in America is growing exponentially and they deserve rights to marriage, rights to spousal decisions in matters of emergency, rights to adoption, rights to healthcare, etc. It is imperative that we remember "We, the People" means all of us. In my opinion, love is love. You can't really help who you fall in love with.