***** Chen
Mrs. *****
Sophomore English P1
7 April 2014
20 February 2014
A Granted Right: Same-sex Marriage
The marriage equality movement had always been a controversial subject among our society, along with other social issues including ethnical equality and feminism movements. With the latter issues, inevitably, already moving toward full equality, same-sex marriage remain disparaged in some parts of our nation. People who are strongly opposed to gay marriage came up with assumptions based on non-scientifically proven statements, and claim that same-sex marriage is unnatural and immoral. With cases of homosexuality from all different social backgrounds, ethnicity, and living environment, this claim can be proven false. Since same-sex marriage has gained social acceptance and promotes social well-being, there is no doubt that same-sex marriage should be legalized.
First of all, the social acceptance toward same-sex marriage is more open than it used to be. Right now, the majority of our society, ranging from ordinary citizens to celebrities, are in favor of legalizing same-sex marriage. For instance, according to the latest Gallup politics poll of mid-2013, fifty-three percent of Americans agreed that same-sex marriage should be legalized, which is the third consecutive year this number has risen above 50 percent. (Jones, "Same-Sex Marriage Support Solidifies Above 50% in U.S.”) This is a massive increase since 1996, in which only 27 percent of Americans supported legalizing same-sex marriage. Likewise, celebrities with public influence also made statements on marriage equality. For example, “Born This Way”, a popular song by Lady Gaga, states that “No matter gay, straight, or bi, lesbian, transgendered life, I’m on the right track, baby I was born to survive.” (Germanotta, “Born This Way”) Throughout films, records and other social media platforms, these celebrities not only deliver the message of empowering homosexual people, but also praising acceptance and full equality for all. Different anti-discrimination campaigns have not only helped raising social awareness on same-sex marriage issues, but have also embraced people who suffered from prejudice.
Moreover, allowing same-sex marriage does not contradict with the idea of religious freedom. The legalization of same-sex marriage will emancipate equality movement away from politics, and further create a society of boundless freedom. It is said that "there is no consistent, coherent Western Christian historical approach to marriage to which law can adhere, never mind a consistent contemporary religious approach to marriage in our pluralist state." (Traina, "Gay Marriage Bill Preserves Religious Freedom") Different perspectives on history substantiates that marriage was never politically or religiously associated in the early Christian history. Clearly, it should not be the case now either, since marriage is a distinct civil right that should be granted to all citizens. Some regions in America are aware of this fact and have started to take action: The state of Illinois, for instance, is passing the HB5170 bill, which declares that it "will turn the state's existing civil union law into full marriage; contains a religious freedom clause." (Smith, "Does Same-Sex Marriage Threaten Religious Freedom?") These states, by a clear distinction between civil rights and religious aspects, have eliminated bans on same-sex marriage, as well as not discrediting Christianity and religious freedom. If same-sex marriage is no longer regarded negatively, it is not only same-sex couples who will be granted marriage equality, but everyone will move a step closer to full equality.
Notably, legalizing same-sex marriage will decrease youth suicide rate. Suicide is currently the second leading cause of death for ages 10-24, and the vast majority of them are related to sexual orientation issues, and the bullying that comes with it. For example, The Huffington post reported that “Each year, one out of every three gay, lesbian or bisexual students in the San Francisco Unified School District reportedly attempts suicide.” (Sankin, "LGBTQ Youth Suicide Prevention Program Will Continue At San Francisco Schools Amid Staggering Statistics.") Sadly, this horrific suicide rate originated from our society. If same-sex marriage is legalized, the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered) group will be granted equal civil rights and social status, and thus it will significantly reduce the rate of unjust behaviors upon LGBT teenagers. There are positive examples among the LGBT community: A research shows that “LGBT youth living in a social environment that was more supportive of gays and lesbians — for instance, having more anti-discrimination policies — were 25 percent less likely to attempt suicide than LGBT youth living in less-supportive environments.” (Welsh, "Homosexual Teen Suicide Rates Raised in Bad Environments") Different viewpoints on same-sex marriage from the environment will affect how LGBT youths are perceived, and the more gracious our society is toward them, the more fortitude they will have, and the less likely they will commit suicide. The dramatic decrease of youth suicide rate is a solid proof on how LGBT youth have started to, and should always be perceived equally.
Furthermore, another group that will benefit from the legalization of same-sex marriage are orphans and child without a stable family. If same-sex marriage is legalized, more families will be eligible to adopt children, therefore more children will receive necessary parenthood and education, which will be beneficial for our society. Currently, there are a devastating 400,540 children in the U.S. that are living without a permanent family, and 115,000 of them are eligible to be adopted. (“Facts and Statistics”) These children, just like ordinary kids, need adequate care throughout their youth. If more families are eligible of adoption, more children will be able to live a happy childhood and receive normal education, which, in the long term, will be beneficial for our nation too. Despite some controversy among the same-sex couple adoption policy, the demography of adoption figure rises constantly. “About 19 percent of same-sex couples raising children reported having an adopted child in the house in 2009, up from just 8 percent in 2000,” according to research by Gary Gates, a demographer at the Williams Institute on Sexual Orientation Law at the UCLA. (Tavernise, "Adoptions by Gay Couples Rise, Despite Barriers.") As the number of same-sex couples increased, more children will be adopted, and more children will receive the fundamental care to grow up. The consequence of legalizing same-sex marriage will benefit different people in our society, including orphans and LGBT youths.
Marriage should be a distinct civil right granted to all citizens, regardless of their sexuality and the partner they have. Overall, public acceptance toward same-sex marriage has dramatically increased. At the same time, marriage equality is proven not affiliated with religious freedom. Distinct benefits, such as the decrease of youth suicide and more child being adopted, comes with the legalization of same-sex marriage. Legalizing same-sex marriage is a big step toward an open-minded society with more social awareness. In addition, it is a movement toward full equality for all the people, for them to no longer be judged by social background, ethnicity, sexuality, or any prejudice, but endless freedom.
Work Cited
Jones, Jeffrey M. "Same-Sex Marriage Support Solidifies Above 50% in U.S." Gallup Politics. Gallup, Inc., 13 May 2013. Web. 20 Feb. 2014.
Germanotta, Stefani. "Born This Way." By Fernando Garibay and Nadir Khayat (RedOne). Born This Way. Lady Gaga. Lady Gaga, 2011. CD.
Traina, Christina L.H. "Gay Marriage Bill Preserves Religious Freedom." Chicago Sun-Times. Sun Times Media, 10 Oct. 2013. Web. 20 Feb. 2014.
Smith, Derek. "Does Same-Sex Marriage Threaten Religious Freedom?" Bill Track 50. Bill Track 50, n.d. Web. 20 Feb. 2014.
Sankin, Aaron. "LGBTQ Youth Suicide Prevention Program Will Continue At San Francisco Schools Amid Staggering Statistics." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 06 June 2013. Web. 20 Feb. 2014.
Welsh, Jennifer. "Homosexual Teen Suicide Rates Raised in Bad Environments." LiveScience. TechMedia Network, 18 Apr. 2011. Web. 20 Feb. 2014.
"Facts and Statistics." Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute. Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, n.d. Web. 23 Feb. 2014.
Tavernise, Sabrina. "Adoptions by Gay Couples Rise, Despite Barriers." The New York Times. The New York Times, 13 June 2011. Web. 20 Feb. 2014.
Mrs. *****
Sophomore English P1
7 April 2014
20 February 2014
A Granted Right: Same-sex Marriage
The marriage equality movement had always been a controversial subject among our society, along with other social issues including ethnical equality and feminism movements. With the latter issues, inevitably, already moving toward full equality, same-sex marriage remain disparaged in some parts of our nation. People who are strongly opposed to gay marriage came up with assumptions based on non-scientifically proven statements, and claim that same-sex marriage is unnatural and immoral. With cases of homosexuality from all different social backgrounds, ethnicity, and living environment, this claim can be proven false. Since same-sex marriage has gained social acceptance and promotes social well-being, there is no doubt that same-sex marriage should be legalized.
First of all, the social acceptance toward same-sex marriage is more open than it used to be. Right now, the majority of our society, ranging from ordinary citizens to celebrities, are in favor of legalizing same-sex marriage. For instance, according to the latest Gallup politics poll of mid-2013, fifty-three percent of Americans agreed that same-sex marriage should be legalized, which is the third consecutive year this number has risen above 50 percent. (Jones, "Same-Sex Marriage Support Solidifies Above 50% in U.S.”) This is a massive increase since 1996, in which only 27 percent of Americans supported legalizing same-sex marriage. Likewise, celebrities with public influence also made statements on marriage equality. For example, “Born This Way”, a popular song by Lady Gaga, states that “No matter gay, straight, or bi, lesbian, transgendered life, I’m on the right track, baby I was born to survive.” (Germanotta, “Born This Way”) Throughout films, records and other social media platforms, these celebrities not only deliver the message of empowering homosexual people, but also praising acceptance and full equality for all. Different anti-discrimination campaigns have not only helped raising social awareness on same-sex marriage issues, but have also embraced people who suffered from prejudice.
Moreover, allowing same-sex marriage does not contradict with the idea of religious freedom. The legalization of same-sex marriage will emancipate equality movement away from politics, and further create a society of boundless freedom. It is said that "there is no consistent, coherent Western Christian historical approach to marriage to which law can adhere, never mind a consistent contemporary religious approach to marriage in our pluralist state." (Traina, "Gay Marriage Bill Preserves Religious Freedom") Different perspectives on history substantiates that marriage was never politically or religiously associated in the early Christian history. Clearly, it should not be the case now either, since marriage is a distinct civil right that should be granted to all citizens. Some regions in America are aware of this fact and have started to take action: The state of Illinois, for instance, is passing the HB5170 bill, which declares that it "will turn the state's existing civil union law into full marriage; contains a religious freedom clause." (Smith, "Does Same-Sex Marriage Threaten Religious Freedom?") These states, by a clear distinction between civil rights and religious aspects, have eliminated bans on same-sex marriage, as well as not discrediting Christianity and religious freedom. If same-sex marriage is no longer regarded negatively, it is not only same-sex couples who will be granted marriage equality, but everyone will move a step closer to full equality.
Notably, legalizing same-sex marriage will decrease youth suicide rate. Suicide is currently the second leading cause of death for ages 10-24, and the vast majority of them are related to sexual orientation issues, and the bullying that comes with it. For example, The Huffington post reported that “Each year, one out of every three gay, lesbian or bisexual students in the San Francisco Unified School District reportedly attempts suicide.” (Sankin, "LGBTQ Youth Suicide Prevention Program Will Continue At San Francisco Schools Amid Staggering Statistics.") Sadly, this horrific suicide rate originated from our society. If same-sex marriage is legalized, the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered) group will be granted equal civil rights and social status, and thus it will significantly reduce the rate of unjust behaviors upon LGBT teenagers. There are positive examples among the LGBT community: A research shows that “LGBT youth living in a social environment that was more supportive of gays and lesbians — for instance, having more anti-discrimination policies — were 25 percent less likely to attempt suicide than LGBT youth living in less-supportive environments.” (Welsh, "Homosexual Teen Suicide Rates Raised in Bad Environments") Different viewpoints on same-sex marriage from the environment will affect how LGBT youths are perceived, and the more gracious our society is toward them, the more fortitude they will have, and the less likely they will commit suicide. The dramatic decrease of youth suicide rate is a solid proof on how LGBT youth have started to, and should always be perceived equally.
Furthermore, another group that will benefit from the legalization of same-sex marriage are orphans and child without a stable family. If same-sex marriage is legalized, more families will be eligible to adopt children, therefore more children will receive necessary parenthood and education, which will be beneficial for our society. Currently, there are a devastating 400,540 children in the U.S. that are living without a permanent family, and 115,000 of them are eligible to be adopted. (“Facts and Statistics”) These children, just like ordinary kids, need adequate care throughout their youth. If more families are eligible of adoption, more children will be able to live a happy childhood and receive normal education, which, in the long term, will be beneficial for our nation too. Despite some controversy among the same-sex couple adoption policy, the demography of adoption figure rises constantly. “About 19 percent of same-sex couples raising children reported having an adopted child in the house in 2009, up from just 8 percent in 2000,” according to research by Gary Gates, a demographer at the Williams Institute on Sexual Orientation Law at the UCLA. (Tavernise, "Adoptions by Gay Couples Rise, Despite Barriers.") As the number of same-sex couples increased, more children will be adopted, and more children will receive the fundamental care to grow up. The consequence of legalizing same-sex marriage will benefit different people in our society, including orphans and LGBT youths.
Marriage should be a distinct civil right granted to all citizens, regardless of their sexuality and the partner they have. Overall, public acceptance toward same-sex marriage has dramatically increased. At the same time, marriage equality is proven not affiliated with religious freedom. Distinct benefits, such as the decrease of youth suicide and more child being adopted, comes with the legalization of same-sex marriage. Legalizing same-sex marriage is a big step toward an open-minded society with more social awareness. In addition, it is a movement toward full equality for all the people, for them to no longer be judged by social background, ethnicity, sexuality, or any prejudice, but endless freedom.
Work Cited
Jones, Jeffrey M. "Same-Sex Marriage Support Solidifies Above 50% in U.S." Gallup Politics. Gallup, Inc., 13 May 2013. Web. 20 Feb. 2014.
Germanotta, Stefani. "Born This Way." By Fernando Garibay and Nadir Khayat (RedOne). Born This Way. Lady Gaga. Lady Gaga, 2011. CD.
Traina, Christina L.H. "Gay Marriage Bill Preserves Religious Freedom." Chicago Sun-Times. Sun Times Media, 10 Oct. 2013. Web. 20 Feb. 2014.
Smith, Derek. "Does Same-Sex Marriage Threaten Religious Freedom?" Bill Track 50. Bill Track 50, n.d. Web. 20 Feb. 2014.
Sankin, Aaron. "LGBTQ Youth Suicide Prevention Program Will Continue At San Francisco Schools Amid Staggering Statistics." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 06 June 2013. Web. 20 Feb. 2014.
Welsh, Jennifer. "Homosexual Teen Suicide Rates Raised in Bad Environments." LiveScience. TechMedia Network, 18 Apr. 2011. Web. 20 Feb. 2014.
"Facts and Statistics." Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute. Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, n.d. Web. 23 Feb. 2014.
Tavernise, Sabrina. "Adoptions by Gay Couples Rise, Despite Barriers." The New York Times. The New York Times, 13 June 2011. Web. 20 Feb. 2014.
好多生词 不过大概还是看懂噜
