¶ … Same-Sex Marriage Rights
The debate about same-sex marriage rights is at the forefront of contemporary American civil rights politics. Supporters of same-sex marriage believe that exclusion from marital rights is a form of unjustifiable discrimination. Opponents of same-sex marriage believe that marriage is a concept defined by the biological norm of opposite-gender pair bonding and that making it available to same-sex couples would undermine its validity as a traditional social institution. Strictly from my position as an objective observer who is not directly affected by the issue in the least, a fair comparison of the respective arguments suggests that same-sex marriage should probably be permitted and regulated in the same manner as and according to all the same other principles as traditional marriage because there is no justifiable basis for denying marital rights based on gender preference.
Discussion
According to proponents of same-sex marriage rights, denying the rights of homosexuals to marry is very similar to the shameful laws from the first half of the 20th century that once criminalized interracial marriage in many states throughout most of the century. That position seems to be strengthened considerably by the fact that marriage is no longer only a ceremonial act and an expression of religious belief and identity. Today, marriage is associated with many legal rights and privileges and benefits that are entirely unavailable to unmarried couples. Only some of those rights and privileges are capable of being established and secured through other means. For example, healthcare proxies, power of attorney, last wills and testaments, and...
Marriage vs. Cohabitation Adulthood brings with it many milestones. Learning to drive, going to college, taking on new relationships -- all facets of life that many people strive toward. However, as time goes on, these milestones have veered from the traditional and into new territory. For instance, instead of heading down the aisle, many couples are choosing to bypass the formality and move right into cohabitation. Many would say that this
On this matter, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi stated, "Congressional leaders have no business substituting their judgment for that of multiple state courts that have extensively considered the issues in this intensely personal family matter." (Euthansia and Terri Schiavo b). Federal Judge James Whittemore heard the Schiavo case and ruled on March 22, 2005 that the Schindlers had not established a "substantial likelihood of success" at trial and refused
Australia Have a Bill of Rights? Australia is the last remaining Common Law country without a Bill or Rights or Human Rights Bill. It is important to note that the Australian variant of liberalism differs from the Anglo-American model in two important ways. First, the establishment of Australia as a series of British colonies under authoritarian governors and the absence of any political revolution has meant a lesser stress on
right" embodies the notion that one has the sovereignty to act without obtaining the permission of others (Lea, 2004). This concept carries an implicit unstated postscript with it in that one may exercise one's rights as long as one does not violate the individual rights of others. Individual rights pertain to the rights that are deemed universal to all people regardless of any group affiliations they may have. For
The Rights of Man and Revolution in France Introduction Despite the push to eradicate a class based system during the Enlightenment and events leading up to the French Revolution, it was replaced instead by classes based on property and wealth rather than nobility. Two leading figures for and against the new classes were Robespierre and Sieyes. Sieyes supported separating voting rights from human rights while Robespierre believed voting rights were inherent rights
Gay marriage is a topical and controversial issue, as evidenced by the subject's coverage in the media, presence on ballot initiatives and the high visibility of the controversy in general. There are a few different ethical issues where gay marriage is concerned. To opponents, the primary ethical issue relates to concepts such as the sanctity of marriage and the survival of the species. For proponents, the ethical issues are greater,
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