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... We see more and more television series and movies which treat gay-issues. By presenting gay-ness as being a normal part of our daily lives, people get a chance to understand an issue that has for a long time been taboo. Thus a process has been set in motion which resulted in the demand for equal rights for gay people.
In some countries same-sex marriage is already an accepted fact to both the legal system as well as the (majority of) the public. In the US however this idea has encountered great opposition. ...
Research
In order to get a grasp of the opinions on gay marriage we have looked at different segments of the US society.
Various parties
“05-17-2004, 12:14 AM
Gay marriage has been legal in Massachusetts for about 3 hours now. ... I thought we lived in a country where separation of church and state was celebrated, but because of a passage in Leviticus we want to pass an amendment banning gay marriage. ...
Either way, this is a true victory for those of us who champion the right of everyone to love whoever they want. ... Bush, saying that marriage is a privilege for those of opposite sex only. Yet others believe that forbidding gay marriage is in violation with a belief, held high by the entire country, which is individual freedom, including the freedom to love someone of the same gender. ... In a country where freedom is celebrated above anything else, the concept of banning same-sex marriage seems unreal.
Religious groups
The following views are those of the major religious denominations in America on homosexuality and gay marriage. ... They also believe that churches practicing a gay-friendly theology of compassion are lowering God’s holy standard to mankind’s preferences, and this is an abomination in God’s sight. ... Marriage however, they believe is only meant for a man and a woman. ...
There are two reasons for the Churchs position: the "procreative" and "unitive" aspects of marriage. "Marriage is the foundation of social order. ... Homosexual acts are not tolerated; same sex marriage is not opposed
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
The Christian Church accepts all professing Christians. ... Church is actively opposed to same-sex marriage. ... Marriage is only between a man and a woman. ... Scientists haven’t found a gene causing homosexuality, but genes may influence us. ... Church goals include offering the world “biblically alternative models of sexual celibacy outside of a committed, permanent heterosexual marriage. ... The first is to deal with the blessing of same-gender unions and the rostering of persons in committed gay or lesbian relationships. ... It affirms the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman. Not against homosexuality, but prefers same sex marriage
Presbyterian (USA)
Homosexuals must be treated with the same respect and care as anyone in the congregation. ... Many Christians for example feel that even though the bible says homosexuality is wrong and others say marriage is sacred, if there is love involved it should be accessible for same sex couples. ...
• Restrict marriage in all states to between a man and a woman. ...
”On February 27th President Bush defended his decision to seek a constitutional amendment outlawing gay weddings, saying he believes marriage "between a man and a woman is the ideal." – MSNBC News-
A CBS news Poll shows us the following results. They give us insight on the role of gay marriage in the political climate.
Opponents of the legalization of gay marriage are less willing than those who favour it to look beyond a candidates position on the issue. Fifty-three percent of voters who oppose gay marriage would not consider voting for a candidate who doesnt share their view. Proponents of gay marriage, however, are less likely to give the issue a central role in their decision-making. ...
Right now, voters who favour the marriage amendment and wont consider a candidate who disagrees with them on the issue of gay marriage are conservative, religious, and Southern. ... Of course we all know there are many celebrities who are openly gay. ... Celebrities who are openly out and proud: Ellen Degeneres, Rosie O’Donnel , Angelina Jolie,
Im all for gay marriage, why shouldnt they suffer like the rest of us? ... There is a noticeable difference between the views of age groups on gay people. ...
“Younger people may be more accepting towards gay people and the idea of same-sex marriage because theyve had greater exposure to gay people than previous generations had. ... ”
Knowing someone who is openly gay or lesbian is the single biggest predictor of tolerance on same-sex marriage, says Evan Wolfson, director of Freedom to Marry, the gay and non-gay partnership. And if you dont personally know someone whos gay, youll find plenty of gay characters and culture on TV. Recent research by Edward Schiappa, a professor of communications at the University of Minnesota, found that seeing likable gay characters on shows like "Will Grace" had similar effects to knowing gays in real life.
Approximate Word count = 4039
Approximate Pages = 16.2
(250 words per page double spaced)
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