Same-Sex Marriage

Many consider marriage is between a man and woman only.  However, such a statement is found to be offensive and discriminatory against same-sex couples.  The decision to allow same-sex marriage has been an ongoing battle for years in our nation. As the years go by more heated debates on same-sex marriage arise. And at times Politicians take part in the same-sex marriage issue in hopes to gain some votes.

Proposition 8

“Proposition 8 was a 2008 California ballot measure that outlawed same-sex marriage.” With this measure wanting to be passed by the majority, the minority fought back. Proposition 8 has been a controversial issue ever since it was brought up.

Those who support Proposition 8 believe:

•  Marriage should be between a man and woman.
• Don’t want their children to be taught that same-sex relations are normal.
•  It is wrong and immoral because marriage is a fundamental bond in history.

Religious groups truly oppose to recognize same-sex marriages or even condemn it. California will be leaving this issue up for the Supreme Court to come to a decision on. If a law was to be passed that allowed same-sex marriage in one state, then the rest of the states across the board would have to allow it as well.

Those who oppose Proposition 8 believe:

• It is unconstitutional because infringes upon their rights as an American.
• This isn’t an issue of religion.
• This issue is about allowing same-sex couples or unions being allowed the same rights as everyone else.

Those who oppose Proposition 8 don’t think such a law could be passed because it would be unconstitutional and no one would want to see such a law in a constitution that is supposed to promote freedom.

An On Going Issue

The question of allowing or not allowing same-sex marriage has been an ongoing issue for a few years now. Even back in 2004 Laura Bush called gay marriage: 

"an issue that a lot of people have a lot of trouble with."

The Boston Globe stated, “but she stopped short of endorsing a federal constitutional amendment to ban same-sex unions.” 

Even this year in March, Washington D.C. just began to allow same-sex marriages. This now brings the total in the nation to six.

Places in the nation that allow same-sex marriage:

• Washington, D.C.
•  Connecticut
• Iowa
• Massachusetts
• New Hampshire
• Vermont

It’s Up to the Voters

When the issue is brought forth to a state to allow same-sex marriage or to ban it, typically it has been left up to the voters to decide. This then creates a lot of feedback from same-sex couples. Many same-sex couple agree that they are the minority, and then a question arises.

Why should this issue that involves the minority be left up to the majority?

New England’s Success

This is why New England remains the core of same-sex couple movement success. The decision to allow same-sex marriage is not left up to the voters; the decision is left up to courts and legislatives.

Joe Miller Interview

Republican Senate nominee, Joe Miller of Alaska, said in an interview on Tuesday that he would vote for a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage.

Millers Views:

• It’s ultimately up to the people.
• It’s a state issue.
• Miller believes homosexuality is left up to the individual.

With all this being said, anytime a state makes same-sex marriages legal same-sex couples rejoice and "rush to wed". Same-sex couple hurry for many reasons. Some same-sex couples fear the state will then ban same-sex marriage shortly after it being approved. Like heterosexual couples they do love each other, and love cannot be questioned.