Gay Rights and Same-Sex Marriage

Posted: March 27th, 2020

Gay Rights and Same-Sex Marriage

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Gay Rights and Same-Sex Marriage

            The lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community has experienced significant debate in the recent years in relation to the legalization of marriage. The United States court system has presided over various cases that seek to build equality across different avenues, particularly in legalizing marriage. It is likely that same-sex marriage is now safe in 36 states in the United States due, in part, to the landmark civil rights case of Obergefell v. Hodges (Lee, & Mutz, 2018). Taking into consideration the Due Process Clause and the Equal Protection clause, the Supreme Court of the United States saw fit to grant same-sex couples the right to marry. However, various states have not affirmed their approval of homosexual marriage rendering it unprotected for various people.

            Modern methods of communication and protest have proved effective in strengthening the institutionalization of same-sex marriage in the U.S through sensitizing the changes and occurrence of events across the nation. For instance, CNN and The Washington Post have carried out and communicated polls to the public regarding the issue to identify the position of citizens within various states (Gibson, 2018). Such polls reveal intricate issues regarding the stance of different people on same-sex marriage, ensuring that people are open and accommodating towards each other. Additionally, it has created an avenue where discrimination has been suppressed through ensuring that people feel free to share their sexual inclinations and orientation. Rallying a mass of people enables them to achieve legal recognition and spearhead policies that foster same-sex marriage.

            Public opinion on the issue has transformed significantly with more people becoming accommodating towards homosexual marriage. In 2017, above 50 percent of the population in 44 states support same-sex marriage, whilst only 7 percent choose to take no position regarding the issue (Lee, & Mutz, 2018). Most arguments in support of gay marriage are inclined towards the concept of equality and freedom of expression for all. The law has responded differently in various states with leaders such as Kim Davis, an elected clerk of Rowan County, arguing against gay marriage basing most of her arguments on  religion.

References

Gibson, R. (2018). Same-sex marriage and social media: How online networks accelerated the marriage equality movement. New York, NY: Routledge.

Lee, H. Y., & Mutz, D. C. (2018). Changing attitudes toward same-sex marriage: A three-wave panel study. Political Behavior, 1-22.