A speech about the Importance of Protecting Same-Sex Marriage Laws

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Introduction

I grew up in a family set up that is strongly rooted in Christianity and its beliefs. Therefore, discussions about same-sex relationships and marriages were considered taboo, unsuitable, and, most importantly, a sin before God. I couldn’t help but question my relatives’ stand regarding the matter because I believed every human deserved to express themselves freely, especially in critical aspects of their lives, like identity and sexual orientation. This factor compelled me to research same-sex relationships, marriages, and existing laws that protected this marginalized group of people. I discovered that most countries had incorporated laws that protected same-sex marriages into their judicial system at the beginning of the 21st century.

However, countries in conservative regions did not condone same-sex marriages and penalized individuals who identified themselves as part of the LGBTQ community (Siegel, 2017). This segregation and discrimination had me questioning, was it fair to restrict individuals from expressing and owning their sexuality? What would it take to bring forth a community that acknowledged same-sex marriages just as they did heterosexual marriages? What would happen if laws protecting this marginalized group were protected and adhered to by society? These questions urged me to spread awareness on the importance of appreciating the LGBTQ community and protecting same sex-marriages laws.

As we all know, same-sex marriage has raised controversial debates among many groups of people in society. Some support the issue while others, mostly glued to their traditional or religious beliefs, still think same-sex engagement is an act of immorality and therefore unacceptable. I couldn’t help but empathize with the individuals who identified as gays or lesbians. How did they feel knowing their sexual orientation caused endless debates? Do they question the possibility of leading normal lives in the future? As much as this issue is complex, I believe the protection and implementation of same-sex marriage laws to the latter will redirect people’s negative implications of the issue and help ease the burden on the LGBTQ community. Today I will enlighten you on the importance of protecting same-sex laws. We will kick off by addressing the number of people who have publicly announced their stand as lesbians and gays and have gotten married to their partners. Then, we’ll have a look at the benefits of having same-sex marriage laws in a country.

Statistics show that as of 2018, one out of ten marriages conducted in America involved same-sex couples. This statistic translates to approximately 10.2% of marriages registered by the high court. According to the article Same-sex marriage (Britannica, 2020), out of 980,000 same-sex couples’ households in America, 58% are legally married while 48% are unmarried but live together. This figure has risen significantly compared to statistics from a decade ago before the legalization of same-sex marriages, where the percentage of married same-sex couples stood at 38%. In the article, Same-sex marriage, and the constitution, Gerstmann claims that 67% of millennials favor implementations and protection of same-sex marriage laws while 47% of the silent generation support the law as well. Despite the progress made in same-sex marriages, the statistics are still low and more people are still fighting to get out of the closet for fear of judgment and discrimination by society.

Now that we have explored the number of people who identify with same-sex marriage, I will take you through the benefits this group of people has received since the establishment and the implementation of laws that encourage and support their sexual orientation. Same-sex marriage and the constitution (Gertsmann, 2017) article notes that marriage laws have influenced the decision of many gays and lesbians to come out of the closet and embrace their sexuality publicly. Knowing that they are under the umbrella of the law boosts their confidence. It creates a willingness to interact with people, express their opinions and ideas freely, and be the best version of themselves they can be. According to the article Marriage, social control, and health behavior: A dyadic analysis of same-sex and different-sex couples (Umberson et al, 2018), same-sex laws have also allowed other people to be open-minded about same-sex relationships and marriages. Over time, people have erased their stereotypical and homophobic nature because the law dictates that gays and lesbians should be recognized respected, and their contributions to society appreciated.

In the article, Same-sex marriage (Britannica, 2019), the author explains that these laws allow same-sex couples to access government benefits to married people. Some of these benefits include but are not limited to healthcare benefits, social security benefits, unpaid leave to care give and carryout unpaid home obligations, and nursing home care benefits. Same sex-marriage laws equalize gay couples to heterosexual ones by allowing access to the same advantages entitled to heterosexual couples. Ofosu, in the article Same-sex marriage legalization associated with reduced implicit and explicit antigay bias, notes that these benefits give most gay couples a new meaning of life and freedom. It gives them a sense of belonging as they get to live, work and relate like other normal couples.

Same-sex marriage laws allow gay couples to raise children and outline each parent’s rights and responsibilities regarding children and upbringing (Umberson et al., 2018). The same-sex marriage laws qualify gay couples to be parents legally through adoption methods. In the event of a divorce, the laws provide procedures on which parents separate, share custody of their children, and divide their property (Mezey, 2019). More often than not, society questions the ability of same-sex married couples to raise children. The presence of these laws reassures same-sex couples that they are on the right track and are capable of raising healthy and well-mannered children. It proves society wrong by allowing same-sex couples to experience parenthood and become successful and able in their different roles as parents.

Same-sex Laws provide a legal framework under which same-sex couples use to tackle issues arising in the case of the death of a partner. Being unmarried, especially as a same-sex couple, can be difficult when handling parental rights, taxes, and property after the death of one partner. Ofosu (et al., 2019) notes that it can be costly and time-consuming for the affected individual. Therefore, these laws allow couples to evade such challenges by providing a set of rules and instructions that guide procedures regarding issues stemming from the death of a spouse.

Conclusion

Today I have informed you about the importance of same-sex laws to same-sex couples in society. We have looked at the statistics of individuals who have come out as gays and lesbians as a result of the legalization of same-sex marriages and the passage of laws that support it. I have also taken you through some of the benefits same-sex couples enjoy due to the presence of same-sex laws. These laws have played a vital role in the growth and development experienced in the LGBTQ community. Many programs that fight for the rights of same-sex marriages have emerged because of the legalization of same-sex marriages. These programs also offer a safe space where gays and lesbians can receive guidance and counseling at any time and for free. Therefore, it is my hope that through the discussions above, you will join forces with me and help me protect same-sex marriage laws.

References

Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopedia (2020, November 19). same-sex marriage. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/same-sex-marriageGerstmann, E. (2017). Same-sex marriage and the constitution. Cambridge University Press.

Mezey, S. G. (2019). Marriage Equality, Public Accommodations Laws, and Religious Exercise. In Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Politics.

Ofosu, E. K., Chambers, M. K., Chen, J. M., & Hehman, E. (2019). Same-sex marriage legalization associated with reduced implicit and explicit antigay bias. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 116(18), 8846-8851.

Siegel, R. B. (2017). Community in Conflict: Same-sex marriage and backlash. UCLA L. Rev., 64, 1728.

Umberson, D., Donnelly, R., & Pollitt, A. M. (2018). Marriage, social control, and health behavior: A dyadic analysis of same-sex and different-sex couples. Journal of health and social behavior, 59(3), 429-446.