Straight Marriages – Gay Unions
The debate about gay marriages has been a very hot political subject for many years and because it is so hot a subject, the number of states that have come out publicly either for or against the subject is not so astounding. While there are few states which actually allow gay or same-sex marriages, there are a few that are more liberal, affording almost equal rights. Massachusetts is currently the only state in the United States that recognizes same-sex marriages. The state of Rhode Island is generous enough to recognize as a legal marriage any same-sex marriage that is carried out in Massachusetts, which is considered a major victory by many same-sex supporters.
Elections of latter years have seen this as a very hot subject and with the White House stressing publicly that marriage can only be between a man and a woman, not same-sexes, many states have been very reluctant to sanction same-sex marriages. However, a few states have permitted same-sex civil unions, which are very similar to marriage.
These states are California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, New Jersey, and Vermont. The District of Columbia also recognizes same-sex unions and the Governor of New Hampshire has stated publicly that he will soon sign a bill giving the OK to same-sex unions. This is a major victory for those who support the movement.
Although many states have not given the go-ahead on the subject of same-sex marriage, there are states which are sitting around discussing the topic. Many couples who are fighting for their rights have argued that there is just no difference in the way they run their households compared to their heterosexual counterparts. They have also pointed out that while they may be with a partner who is the same sex as them, they do still love their partner and ought to have the legal right to marry them too.
This has always been a contentious issue, and likely will continue to be a hot issue for several years in the future. While the issues rage within the states and at the national level, it will more than likely be quite a long time before the gay and lesbian rights groups are able to really declare a triumph for their cause. Nevertheless, there is some solace to be taken in the small victories as they occur, and another Governor of a state being willing to permit a civil union is at least a step in the direction towards triumph.
However, the fact remains that the views of the individual states usually reflect the views of the President. With a President in office who is a strict opponent of same-sex marriage and civil union, it is unlikely to allow much room for many triumphs until a more accommodating, or rather liberal, President is in the White House. Only time will tell what President Obama's views are.
Once the bill has passed through all the legal channels of the state, it will go into effect as early as the next year, much to the joy of the New Hampshire residents, who have been waiting patiently. Each state that gives this right to its residents opens the door a little more to other states to become more tolerant. Finally, this paves the way for America to join the bulk of Europe in sanctioning the legal inequalities of straight and gay couples nationwide.
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