Legalization of Same-Sex Marriages
When?
As of January 6, 2014, same-sex marriage is legal in 17 states. This has been an ongoing argument for many years. One of the very first cases was in May of 1970 involved two men from the University of Minnesota who applied for a marriage license but were denied because they were the same gender. In 1973 Maryland is the first state to ban same-sex marriage. In October of 1987 America witnessed one of the largest mass weddings in history. This wedding help special significance for its participants and "The Wedding", as it came to be known, marked the symbolic beginning of nearly 2,000 same-sex marriages. In July of 1989 The New York State Court of Appeals declares that same-sex couples together 10+ years can be considered a family. In May of 1993 Hawaii declares they cannot deny same-sex marriages unless they find a reason to do so. This argument is still going on today, and has been, because people believe it is a right they have as an American.
Where?
There are currently 17 states that have legalized same-sex marriage which include California, Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, Maine, Maryland and Washington. On the other hand, however, there are still 33 states that have a ban on same-sex marriages. Not only is the legalization of same-sex marriages happening in the United States, it is happening all over the world. As time passes more and more countries are legalizing same-sex marriages.
Who?
There are many people who are involved in the legalization of same-sex marriages. One group that the legalization of same-sex marriages impacts the most is the LGBT community. The LGBT community, also known as the gay community, is a grouping of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender and LGBT- supportive people, organizations, and subcultures united by a common culture and civil rights movements. This community generally celebrates pride, diversity, individuality and sexuality. They stride for the legalization of same-sex marriage so they can marry the person they love.
Why?
Why is this important? Some people are not allowed to marry who they wish and they feel that they do not have the same rights as anyone else. Some believe that our country, which was founded on equality, is in fact not equal.
How?
How does this affect America today? With more and more states legalizing same sex marriage, history is being made. Today in textbooks we read about laws that were passed from decades ago and one day people will be reading about the laws being passed today allowing same sex marriage. Today people are being judged and even bullied because of the way that they are. Since there is a rapid increase in legalization of same sex marriage, it will become more and more common and people will look back on this and think that its crazy that they were treated as such. Just like we do now when we look back on some of out nations history.
What?
Same-sex marriage to some is a right, a freedom they have and deserve. Being with the person you love isn't harming other people in the world, but some argue the Bible says otherwise. 17 states have recently legalized same-sex marriage, Illinois being one of them as of June 1, 2014, and it seems to be one state after another. As of August 29, 2013, all legally married same-sex couples will be recognized for federal tax purposes no matter what state they live in. Americans are beginning to have the equal rights they deserve.