Interpersonal Communication

Running Head: Gay Marriage 1

Gay Marriage Equality For All
Alejandro Lorenti Introduction to Ethics & Social Responsibility

Ins: Brian Polte
May 28, 2012

Running Head: Gay Marriage 2

Equality For All In a culture where the advancements of technology, science, and medicine are transforming the way of life of society . There are other issues, that are transforming the way society view certain practices and norms, such as, marriage, specially, same-sex marriage. Now, the same-sex marriage is practiced in many society; yet, it is not accepted as a legal union. Fred Parrella, associate professor of religious studies at Santa Clara University, and Gerald Coleman, S.S., President of St. Patrick 's Seminary, offered these remarks as part of a panel on Gay Marriage held Jan. 28, 2004:
“ Fred Parrella said : Social conservatives are not only concerned about marriage, but also the rise of a gay and lesbian culture. Statistics suggest, however, that gays and lesbians are not increasing in number, if we accept the best research data of Edward Laumann, who puts the number at about 5% of the population. What has grown is a much greater acceptance of gays and lesbians in our culture, as well as the social and economic freedom for gays and lesbians to emerge from the closet that has confined them for so many generations. The recent addition of same sex commitment ceremonies in the Sunday New York Times wedding and engagement announcements and the popularity of shows as "Will and Grace" and "Queer Eye…" indicate a shift in our culture 's attitude toward gays and lesbians.” It might seems that society is accepting the marriage or “union” of same-sex people; however, The National Association of Social Workers declare the following:
EQUALITY FOR ALL 3

“In 1996, President Clinton signed federal legislation for the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). This federal legislation is significant because it defines marriage. DOMA defines marriage as “only a legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife, and spouse refers only to a person of the opposite sex who is a husband or a wife." To date, there are thirty-seven states that have enacted the Defense of Marriage Act and ban same sex marriage.” The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) continues: “The introduction of DOMA initiated both disagreement and endorsement in how states and the federal government view same sex marriages. DOMA does not recognize any domestic union other than marriage between a man and a woman. In an effort to achieve a level of equality, some states have granted limited recognition of same sex domestic unions. Several states and municipalities recognize the following categories for same sex couples: marriage ( Massachusetts only) civil unions domestic partnerships reciprocal beneficiary relationships
Massachusetts is the only state to recognize marriages for same sex couples, while Vermont recognizes civil unions and Hawaii has a reciprocal beneficiary. Other state municipalities including Arizona, California, Maine, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Washington, and the District of Columbia, recognize domestic partnerships. Recognition EQUALITY FOR ALL 4 of domestic partnerships is increasing. In Massachusetts , the state Supreme Court decision ruled a ban on same sex marriage violates the state’s constitution. Further comment by the court maintains that a civil rights violation exists, if the right to marry does not include the right to marry the person of one’s choice.
In 2000, the state of Vermont legally recognized same sex partners by granting civil unions. Vermont residents who enter a civil union are eligible for many state benefits available to married couples. However, there remain limitations to Vermont ’s civil unions, Massachusetts same sex marriage laws, and Hawaii ’s reciprocal beneficiary relationships in the following respect
Neither Massachusetts ' same sex marriages, Vermont 's civil union’s nor Hawaii 's reciprocal beneficiary relationships are recognized in other states.
The federal government’s DOMA law does not recognize civil unions, same sex marriages, and reciprocal beneficiary relationships, therefore, none of these groups benefit from federal laws and protections.”

Therefore, according to NASW, “The obstacles to same sex marriage are far reaching and often have a negative impact on the individual, the couple, and their families. According to the 2000 Census, same sex couples raise more than one million children. These families are more likely to be denied important legal protections and financial benefits such as: child custody recognized decision-making family medical leave family healthcare coverage healthcare inheritance social security benefits survivor benefits taxes Access to numerous federal and state benefits, rights and privileges such as social security, taxes, inheritance, medical decisions, and many others remain unavailable to same sex couples.”

In conclusion, it might seems that the media, such as, TV, radio, movies, music, and magazines are trying to present same-sex marriage as something acceptable and normal; a “new culture within a culture”, on the other hand, the United States’ government is trying to show otherwise. My opinion regarding this issue is that I do not accept same-sex marriage or any union ;neither, I accept the right of adoption for such individuals; however, I believe they should received some federal and state benefits, regardless of their preference or sexual orientation.

REFERENCES
Barber, M. (2003). Lesbian and gay issues are mental health issues. Behavioral Health Management, 23(6), 8-9.
Buck v. Bell , 274 U.S. 200 (1927)
Cunningham.D. (2003, July). Why withdraw the lane appeal. Retrieved from https://www.mcil.org/mcil/log/2003/071203 on 2/5/04 .
Defense Of Marriage Act. Public Law 104-199, 110 Stat. 2419 (1996)
Encyclopedia Of North American Indians. Frederick E. Hoxie, (Editor). I ntermarriage with non-indians . Houghton Mifflin Company 1996. USA . Retrieved from http://college.hmco.com/history/readerscomp/naind/html/na_017300_intermarriag.htm. on February 5, 2004.
Goodridge v. Department of Public Health, Massachusetts Supreme Court, Suffix County SJC-08860, November 18, 2003.
Loving v. Virginia, 388 U.S. 1 (1967)
National Association of Social Workers (2003). NASW code of ethics. Washington , DC : Author
National Association of Social Workers (2003). Social work speaks, 6 th edition: NASW policy statements. Washington , DC : Author

References: Barber, M. (2003). Lesbian and gay issues are mental health issues. Behavioral Health Management, 23(6), 8-9. Buck v. Bell , 274 U.S. 200 (1927) Cunningham.D. (2003, July). Why withdraw the lane appeal. Retrieved from https://www.mcil.org/mcil/log/2003/071203 on 2/5/04 . Defense Of Marriage Act. Public Law 104-199, 110 Stat. 2419 (1996) Encyclopedia Of North American Indians. Frederick E. Hoxie, (Editor). I ntermarriage with non-indians . Houghton Mifflin Company 1996. USA . Retrieved from http://college.hmco.com/history/readerscomp/naind/html/na_017300_intermarriag.htm. on February 5, 2004. Goodridge v. Department of Public Health, Massachusetts Supreme Court, Suffix County SJC-08860, November 18, 2003. Loving v. Virginia, 388 U.S. 1 (1967) National Association of Social Workers (2003). NASW code of ethics. Washington , DC : Author National Association of Social Workers (2003). Social work speaks, 6 th edition: NASW policy statements. Washington , DC : Author