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Gay Marriage(Mediation)

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Gay Marriage(Mediation)
Zach Umlauf
Assignment 4 (Final Draft) Mediation
3/27/12
Same-Sex Marriage Mediation Since the 1970's, same-sex marriage has been the forefront of the equal rights movement In America. The nation wide acceptance of homosexuality has risen from nearly a fraction, to over half of our countrie's population in the past 30 years. The accomplishments that benifit same-sex rights have been astounding in such little time. While still, the opposing party is fighting at equal rates to endeavor the sanctity of marriage. Why has this become "the" debate of our generation? The fair way to tackle such a delicate issue would be to analyze both angles. I have thouroghly read two writings that dissect this subject from completely different viewpoints. The first happens to Marriage Equality USA's What Is Marriage. The organization's essay argues heavily on the legalization of same-sex marriage. The main driving force for both sides of the discussion is Proposition 8 In California. The opening of their writing expresses the psychological effects that the gay community has experienced as a result from anti same-sex marriage amendments. Strangely enough, APA(American Psychological Association) originated surveys of those who reside in states where marriage amendments have passed have experienced higher psychological stress. The American Psychological Association concluded that the victims reported feeling "alienated from their community, fearful they would lose their children, and concerned they would become victims of anti-gay violence" (85). This extends to all LGBTI persons. Even heterosexual friends and relatives who are allies have experienced "secondary minority stress" (American Psychological Association 85). Marriage Equality USA focuses heavily on the effects and causes of homophobia relating to the passing of Proposition 8. Personally, It's a great direction for a persuasive piece, because it centers on compassion. Other related APA studies have also found that "LGBTI

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