Gay and Lesbian Issues - Homosexual Couples Must Be Allowed to Marry Es

Homosexual Couples Must Be Allowed to Marry "I do." Two simple words that can change lives. For most people, the phrase conjures up images of a man and a woman being joined in marriage. But for gays and lesbians, having the chance to legally say "I do" is a far-off dream, not a reality. For years in other countries, same-sex couples have had their marriages federally recognized, but the unions of American homosexuals still go unrecognized by the United States government. Same-sex marriages deserve to be legalized in this country. Homosexual couples should be entitled to the same rights as heterosexual couples. First, look at the issue in purely a legal fashion. A legally recognized marriage enacts hundreds of state and literally thousands of federal laws and benefits. These benefits, including social security, inheritance rights, child custody, and health care, are available only to people who are legally married. By United States law, the only people able to receive a marriage license are two people of the opposite sex. [1] These laws, in order to be fair, should be applicable to all citizens, not just opposite-sex spouses. In 1996, President Bill Clinton signed the Defense of Marriage Act, or DOMA. This Act says that states have the right to not recognize same-sex marriages from other states if they were to be legalized. The federal government as well would not recognize legal same-sex marriages. However, according to the U.S. Constitution's "full faith and credit" clause, states must recognize each other's laws and regulations. In addition to that, DOMA defines marriage for federal purposes as a legal union between a man and a woman. By February 1999, at least 49 states have filed laws similar... ...e gender of the couple. Some people wonder why the legalization of same-sex marriages is even an issue. Indeed, it should not even be a problem in today's society. But when marriage begins to discriminate because of how a person chooses to live his or her life - then it becomes an issue. Sources Cited [1] Partners Task Force for Gay & Lesbian Couples: Legal Marriage Primer http://www.buddybuddy.com/mar-prim.html [2] Legal Marriage Alliance of Washington: Frequently Asked Questions http://www.buddybuddy.com/lma-3.html [3] Forum on the Right to Marriage: Arguments/Letters to the Editor http://www.calico-company.com/formboston/argument.htm [4] Partners Task Force for Gay & Lesbian Couples: Wald- Prop. 22 http://www.buddybuddy.com/wald-l.html [5] Freedom to Marry Coalition of Massachusetts http://www.ftmmass.org/aboutmarr.htm