Straight Marriages – Gay Unions

by Barry Jones

The debate on gay marriages has been a very hot political subject for many years and because it is such a hot subject, the number of places that have come out publicly either for or against the subject is not surprising. While there are few states that allow gay or same-sex marriage, there are some that are more liberal, affording 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 a legal marriage any same-sex marriage that was carried out in Massachusetts, which is considered a major victory by many same-sex supporters.

Elections of recent years have seen this as a very hot subject and with the White House stating publicly that marriage can only involve a man and a woman, not same-sexes, many states have been very slow to sanction same-sex marriages. However, a few states have permitted same-sex civil unions, which is very similar to marriage.

Those states are, in alphabetical order: California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, New Jersey, and Vermont. The District of Columbia also allows same-sex unions and the Governor of New Hampshire has stated publicly that he will soon pass a bill permitting same-sex unions. This is a major advance for the supporters of the movement.

While many states have not given the go-ahead to the same-sex issue, there are states that are sitting around discussing the topic. Many couples who are fighting for their rights have argued that there is absolutely no difference in the way they run their households compared with their heterosexual counterparts. They have also pointed out 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 get married too.

This has always been a hot issue, and probably will continue to be a hot subject for several years to come. While the topic rages within the states and at the national level, it will probably be quite a long time before the gay and lesbian rights groups can really declare a triumph for their cause. Nevertheless, there is some solace to be taken in the small triumphs as they occur, and another Governor of a state being willing to allow a civil gay union is at least a move in the direction towards victory.

However, the fact is that the actions of the individual states usually reflect the opinions 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 more victories until a more accommodating, or rather liberal, President is in the White House. Only time will tell what President Obama’s views are.

Once the bill passes through all the channels of office, it goes into effect as early as the next year for the New Hampshire residents, who have been waiting patiently. With each state that gives this right to its residents, it opens the doors to more states to start becoming more tolerant of all its inhabitants. Finally, this is paving 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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