Essay --

Life Liberty and the Pursuit of Same Sex Marriage Though the United States in modern times has fostered a politically correct environment, where any form of bigotry or bias is frowned upon and scorned, and though we live in a country that was founded upon the principle of equality, gay and lesbian Americans today still struggle for acceptance, and to be allowed in all fifty states to legally marry their partner. While this nation has fought bigotry and bias for many years, the same sex marriage issue came into focus in the late 1960's, and has grown in fervor and ferocity every decade since then. Today there is still no unified federal law or policy in place in regards to this important issue, and states have many different views and policies in place, as do different political parties, religious sects, individuals and other organizations. It is difficult to believe, in this day and age, that we as a nation still struggle to recognize and respects the rights of all individuals. Gay and lesbian people believe that they should have the same legal rights as heterosexual couples in regards to marriage, and they have valid points. If you spend your adult life in a relationship with someone, they should be able to have rights when you face a medical crisis or die, and they should also be able to take advantage of the same tax breaks as any other couple. Opponents, especially religious opponents, consider gay marriage unnatural and a violation of the traditional union between a man and a woman, but it is also important to point out that at different points in American history, women and minorities were not viewed as equals to the white majority. Thankfully those things have changed over time, and much like the civil rights movements, th... ...disagree with their party's core values in regards to this issue, but they are a small minority. To put it very simply, I don't see how anyone, in this day and age, can argue with same sex marriage. I believe in the principles that this great nation was 5. founded upon, that we are all created equally, that we have a right to liberty, that if we don't break laws or hurt anyone, we should be treated fairly, and that discrimination of any kind is wrong. Also, there is supposed to be a separation of church and state, so I don't believe religious morals and principles should guide policy or law. Ultimately, I believe we will get past this issue, as volatile and polarizing as it is, and same sex couples will get the legal rights they deserve, and this country will not sanction legalized discriminations against anyone due to their skin color, sex, religion, or sexuality.