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Civil Unions and Gay Marriage. Sydney Cantor. Historical Background. 1951: The first national gay rights organization formed 1973: Homosexuality is removed off the official list of mental disorders
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Civil Unions and Gay Marriage Sydney Cantor
Historical Background • 1951: The first national gay rights organization formed • 1973: Homosexuality is removed off the official list of mental disorders • 1978: Milk begins his term as a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors by sponsoring a civil rights bill that outlaws sexual orientation discrimination. • 1993: The “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy is instituted for the U.S. military • 2000: Vermont becomes the first state in the country to legally recognize civil unions • 2008: California supreme court rules that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry. Six months later, voters approved a ban for same-sex marriages, called Proposition 8.
Current State • President Obama signed a referendum in 2009 allowing the same-sex partners of federal employees to receive benefits. • "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" military policy was officially repealed • Six state governments have passed laws offering same-sex marriage: New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont, and Hew Hampshire • In June 2011, New York lawmakers voted to legalize same-sex marriage
For the Legalization of Same-Sex Marriages Denying them is a violation of religious freedom Marriage benefits should be available to all couples Homosexuality is an accepted lifestyle nowadays with most evidence strongly supporting biological causation The number of child adoptions should increase Against the Legalization of Same-Sex Marriages Most religions consider homosexuality a sin It would further weaken the traditional family values It could provide a slippery slope in the legality of marriage It confuses children about gender roles and expectations of society Opposing Viewpoints
Obama/Democratic Position • Against the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) • Gay and lesbian couples should have the same rights as straight couples • Consistent advocate for equality Obama signing the certification ending the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy
Republican Party Position • Calls for a constitutional amendment that fully protects marriage as a union of a man and a woman • Believes that a two parent family provides the best environment
Rick Perry’s Position • Signed the National Organization for Marriage’s Pledge • In favor of federal constitutional marriage amendment • Must defend the Defense of Marriage Act • Recently met with some of the most anti-gay activists • Homosexuals are inappropriate role models for adolescent boys
Mitt Romney’s Position • Pushed vote in MA against gay marriage • Believes that marriage is a sacred institution between a man and a woman • Supports a gay marriage ban
Michele Bachmann’s Position • “Children need a mother and father” • Signed the National Organization for Marriage’s pledge • A former patient from Bachmann’s Christian counseling clinic was advised to “pray away the gay”