Gay Unions
The debate about gay marriages has been a very hot political subject for many years and because it is such a hot topic, the number of places that have come out publicly either for or against the subject is not surprising. While there are few states which allow gay or same-sex marriage, there are a few that are more liberal, allowing almost equal rights. Massachusetts is currently the only state in the United States that allows same-sex marriages. The state of Rhode Island is generous enough to recognize as legal, any same-sex marriage that is performed in Massachusetts, which is a major victory according to many same-sex supporters.
The elections of recent years have seen this as a very hot topic and with the White House stressing openly that marriage can only involve a man and a woman, not same-sexes, many states have been very reluctant to sanction same-sex marriages. However, a few states have allowed 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 recognizes same-sex unions and the Governor of New Hampshire has promised openly that he will soon sign a bill permitting same-sex unions. This is a major advance for the supporters of the movement.
Although many states have not given the go-ahead to the topic of same-sex marriage, there are states which are sitting around discussing the subject. Many couples who are struggling for their rights have argued that there is just 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 marry them too.
This has always been a contentious topic, and probably will continue to be a contentious topic for many years to come. While the issues rage within the states and at the national level, it will probably be quite a long time before the gay and lesbian rights groups are able to really declare a triumph for their cause. Nevertheless, there is some solace to be taken in the small victories as they occur, and another Governor of a state being willing to permit a civil union is at least a move in the direction of triumph.
However, the fact remains that the views of the individual states tend to reflect the views of the President. With a President in office who is a staunch opponent of same-sex marriage as well as civil union, it is unlikely to allow much room for many triumphs until a more accommodating, or rather liberal, President is in the White House. Time will tell what President Obama's views are.
Once the bill has passed through all the legal channels of the state, it can go into effect as early as the next year, much to the joy of the New Hampshire residents, who have been waiting patiently. Each state that gives this right to its residents opens the door a little more to other states to become more tolerant. Finally, this paves the way for America to join the bulk of Europe in recognizing the legal inequalities of straight and gay couples nationwide.
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