Straight Marriages – Gay Unions
The debate on gay marriages has been a very hot political potato for many years and because it is so hot a subject, the number of places that have come out publicly either for or against the topic is not so astounding. While there are few states that 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 was performed in Massachusetts, which is considered a major victory by many same-sex supporters.
The elections of recent years have seen this as a very hot subject and with the White House stating openly that marriage can only involve a man and a woman, not same-sexes, many states have been very reluctant to permit same-sex marriages. However, a few states have sanctioned same-sex civil unions, which are very similar to marriage.
Those states are, in alphabetical order: California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, New Jersey, and Vermont. The District of Columbia also allows same-sex unions and the Governor of New Hampshire has promised publicly that he will soon sign a bill permitting same-sex unions. This is a major victory for the supporters of the movement.
While many states have not given the go-ahead on the same-sex issue, there are states that are sitting around discussing the issue. Many couples who are fighting for their rights have argued that there is absolutely no difference in the way they run their households compared to their heterosexual counterparts. They have also stated that while they may be with a partner who is the same sex as them, they do still love their partner and should have the legal right to get married too.
This has always been a hot topic, and likely will continue to be a contentious topic for many years to come. With the issues raging within the states and at the national level, it will more than likely be a very long time before the gay and lesbian rights groups are able to truly declare a victory for their cause. Nevertheless, there is some solace to be taken in the small triumphs as they occur, and another Governor of a state being ready to sanction a civil union is at least a step in the direction towards victory.
However, the fact is that the actions of the individual states tend to reflect the opinions 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 more victories 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 passes through all the channels of office, it goes into effect as early as the next year for the New Hampshire residents, who have been waiting patiently. With each state that gives this right to its residents, it opens the doors to more states to start becoming more tolerant of all its inhabitants. Finally, this is paving the way for America to join the bulk of Europe in recognizing the legal inequalities of straight and gay couples nationwide.
