Further arguments that gay marriages do not contribute to the greater good are debatable, based largely on faith-based belief rather than empirical research.
In the 1930s, sociologist Edwin Schur wrote extensively about the idea of victimless crimes. For Schur, victimless crimes involve an exchange of commodities or services that are socially-disapproved. These exchanges are voluntary and do not cause anyone harm (Schur, 3).
Schur himself cited consensual homosexual unions as an example of victimless crimes. Schur writes that society has enacted laws against such deviant behavior based not on any harm these crimes cause, but because these crimes violate prevailing standards of socially acceptable behavior. These standards, however, are fluid and subject to change. Given this, Schur argues that laws against homosexuality, for example, penalize people who should not be labeled as criminals in the first place. Their actions meet the criteria of non-coercion and no harm. Therefore, no one is victimized (Schur 171).
Arguments against recognizing marriage between gay people are therefore based on specious reasoning. They are based on allegations that children will be harmed in such unions - an allegation that is far from proven. Furthermore, as Schur argued, the ban against same-sex marriage represents social biases, rather than a move to ensure the greater common good.
Equal rights
Critics of measures to protect the rights of gay and lesbian people in the workplace and in marriage have often painted homosexuals as arguing for "special rights" legislation. However, the right to marry and the right to protection from unjust firings are far from special rights. As stated earlier, these rights are guaranteed in the Constitution, and are inalienable. What remains is for the rest of society to recognize the rights that already extend to all Americans.
The movement for gay rights, however, has engendered a backlash. Many critics equated the recognition of these inalienable rights as special rights legislation. As a result, many uninformed members of the public voted to repeal state-based non-discrimination measures. Maine, for example, voters in Maine decided to do away with anti-discrimination instruments in their state constitution. Similarly, voters in Oregon did not approve a proposal to include similar legislation into the state constitution...
Are television networks giving fair representation to gay marriage and gay rights? A scholarly, empirically researched article in the Journal of Broadcasting and Electronic Media points out that while network television stories do discuss the issue of homosexuality and gay marriage, gays and lesbians are "…rarely given the opportunity to offer their own perspectives" (Moscowitz, 2010, p. 36). The research in this article involved using 93 stories taped from network TV
passing of the civil rights protection of homosexuals. This paper presents the views and reasons of the people who oppose the passing of this act. This paper then demonstrates the importance of the passing of this act and how it would benefit the society at large. The paper also highlights certain quotes to support its claim. Civil Rights Protection of Homosexuals Human beings claim to represent a society that is
Queer Identity and Why Its Oppression Results in the Maitenance of Heteronormative Power Structures Ancient beliefs about human sexuality and hetero-normative power structure have transgressed ages and some of them are unfortunately still negatively influencing modern societies. Lucretius was describing in 60 BC the proper sexual position for women who were wives and not whores as that of a beast who is supposed to engage in sexual relationships with the sole purpose
This option would, however, allow the opportunity to eliminate the issues that stem from the existing policy and incorporate all of our objectives into our new policy. The third alternative would also require approval from Congress, but would represent a less radical change. Such changes to the law could include bulking up the protections for homosexuals against harassment (in light of the lack of enforcement on the Don't Harass side
These responsibilities notwithstanding, the American public was already being conditioned to view the war in Iraq as a battle against extremists, that is, against the Islamist radicals who had threatened the "American" way" of life on September 11, 2001. Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson had already inflamed America's own Christian fundamentalists with talk that the terrible events of that day were to blame in part on "the gays and
2001. 5. Hladky, Gregory B. Proviso causes same-sex vote again. Bristol Press. April 2005. On the Internet at http://www.bristolpress.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=14344465&BRD=1643&PAG=461&dept_id=10486&rfi=6 6. Same-Sex Marriage in California - Overview and Issues. March 2005. 7. Hochkeppel, Christine. Gay marriage movement gains ground across U.S. The Daily Free Press - online edition. February 2004. On the Internet at http://www.dailyfreepress.com/media/paper87/news/2004/02/20/ 8. B-275860. Office of the General Counsel. United States General Accounting Office. January 1997. On the Internet at http://www.icantmarryyou.com/images/1049.pdf B-275860.
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