For Ann
alasski
TheFederalGovernment.docRunning head: The Federal Government 1
The Federal Government 8
Federal, State, and Local Government (PA 610-1803B-01)
The Federal Government
Crystal Randolph
Colorado Technical University
August 22, 2018
The Federal Government
Introduction
The key focus of the paper is to look for the policy that revolves around the aspect of same-sex marriage as an issue affecting my state. The policy discussion is to develop a recommendation to eliminate gaps associated with the problem and conflict in same-sex marriage. Same-sex marriage is important because as much as the society has tried to accept it, its proponents are still considered to be immoral since they are seen to go against the natural law of marriage. Therefore, developing a policy that protects them is significant. This means discussing the various views regarding same-sex marriages to understand the issues surrounding it in the society.
Flores, A., & Barclay , S. (2016). Backlash, consensus, legitimacy, or polarization: The effect of same-sex marriage policy on mass attitudes. Political Research Quarterly, 69(1), 43-56.
Flores & Barclay (2016) reiterates that every culture in the world has ensured that it eliminates any problems that are perceived to defile a sense of humanity among individuals. Among the main problems that lower the moral conduct of man is gay marriage (same-sex). As much as same-sex marriages are allowed in the United States, it does not mean that they are practically promoted. Politicians use them as leverage to gain votes from the LGBT community. On the other hand, some federal governments may, in some way, promote them to eliminate any sense of revolt and unrest among marginalized groups such as the U.S LGBT community. However, due to significant changes in social norms in the society, people are starting to welcome positive views regarding same-sex marriages. According to the author, it is evident that many people still perceive the changes in the society as being negative and detrimental to cultural development (Flores & Barclay, 2016).
Most people who support same-sex marriages are seen as unprepared in terms of understanding religious repercussions associated with the issue. The proponents are seen as individuals who are frustrated by negative issues associated with marriage. Most look at increasing divorce rates, cohabitation processes, and declining marriage rates as a contributing factor to their status. With the various problems taking place in the society, proponents of same-sex marriage are always on the front to discredit normal marriages among different people in the society. The conclusion of the article is that same-sex marriage exists as an issue that undermines the institution of marriage and that individuals should work hard to eliminate it from the society.
Raifman, J., Moscoe, E., Austin, S., & McConnell, M. (2017). Difference-in-differences analysis of the association between state same-sex marriage policies and adolescent suicide attempts. JAMA pediatrics, 171(4), 350-356.
The second article is a little bit of history in its nature. Author Raifman, Moscoe, Austin, & McConnell, (2017) start by making an introduction to the history associated with gay rights movements and its different activities to ensure full support. Raifman, Moscoe, Austin, & McConnell (2017) provide the reader with the different advantages and disadvantages of same-sex marriage. According to Raifman, Moscoe, Austin, & McConnell (2017), same-sex married couple is discriminated upon by some of the societal members who consider the union as an abomination. The author also tries to support gay marriage as having a long-lasting effect than normal marriage. Gay couples are considered to thrive well in any given environment since most of them come from the same sex and suffer similar problems. This ensures that they acquire the capacity to accommodate each other without any conflicts. Raifman, Moscoe, Austin, & McConnell, (2017) argue that a number of issues are the only ones that affect the development and promotion of same-sex marriage.
Among them include religious opposition which sees such a union as a doing of the devil and a sign of the end of the world. Political and development controversy is also seen as forces that promote such an act. The process of adoption also continues to be a major topic of discussion in the article as different individuals try to look into getting children from orphanages to supplement their disinterest in giving birth. The article reiterates that the impact of same-sex marriage is vast on the society. Homosexuality and same-sex marriage have a long history which is vague in terms of knowing where it originated from in the international community.
Whitehead, A. (2010). Sacred rites and civil rights: religion's effect on attitudes toward same‐sex unions and the perceived cause of homosexuality. Social Science Quarterly, 91(1),, 63-79.
For many centuries, many societies have possessed specific perceptions of individuals who declare their sexual preferences towards gay marriages and homosexuality. Such individuals are seen as lacking morals in their lives. Such individuals are seen as backward people who disregard stability in normal marriages. The article provides examples of the various situations that took place between 1988 and 1990s. During the period, many individuals found it hard to declare their sexual preferences to their families (Whitehead, 2010). Many policies limited them from doing so because it was seen as going against societal norms. Families also saw it as a problem because it opposed family beliefs about marriage. Many individuals saw the act as being and unnatural. The situation led to most of the proponents of same-sex marriages undergoing discrimination and punishments.
Many couples from gay marriages have lost their lives due to their beliefs and sexual orientation. The period saw the union between a man and a man/ woman and a woman as being taboo. The article provides readers with clear examples and data regarding changing attitudes on same-sex marriages even after the beginning of the new millennium. The information provided in the article is important in defining and explaining different perceptions placed on same-sex marriages over many years. It also explains the existing controversy over gay marriages (Whitehead, 2010). The article looks at the concept of same-sex marriage as being a threat to the marriage institution. As long as gay marriages exist, then both women and men will lack enough partners to marry because of the undermined impact of the new form of marriage.
Dorf, M., & Tarrow, S. (2014). Strange bedfellows: How an anticipatory countermovement brought same‐sex marriage into the public arena. Law & Social Inquiry, 39(2), 449-473.
The United States among other countries experiences continuous battle on the concept of gay marriages. State governments, religious factions, and citizens still argue whether same-sex marriages need to be allowed in their boundaries or not. The escalating situation has influenced continuous distress among people. If the society allows gay marriages, it means that states may have to legalize many unaccepted issues such as abortion and marijuana consumption in their boundaries. Some states will not allow same-sex marriages due to their cultural backgrounds and this may create a general conflict on the constitution which may prefer allowing the union between either a man and man or a woman and a woman (Dorf & Tarrow, 2014). The article reiterates that same-sex marriage should not be treated as a special right among those practicing it. It should be introduced in a manner that allows couples to enjoy the same legal benefits as received by heterosexual couples.
Many citizens in the United States fear the legalization of gay marriage since it may erode the strong bond people have with their culture and religious background regarding the institution of marriage. The importance of the article is that as much as changes are taking place in the country, the government has to think of a possible way to align changing beliefs about marriage and co-existence of citizens (Dorf & Tarrow, 2014). As much as individuals may have opposing beliefs regarding the issue, they need to learn possible ways of accommodating each other. The situation may ensure that the country has an open way of looking at the situation and failing to create conflict when discussing it at the community and national levels.
Riggle, E., Wickham, R., Rostosky, S., Rothblum, E., & Balsam, K. (2017). Impact of civil marriage recognition for long-term same-sex couples. Sexuality Research and Social Policy, 14(2), 223-232.
Riggle, Wickham, Rostosky, Rothblum, & Balsam (2017) points out that federal law (The Defense of Marriage Act) provides a specific definition of marriage. According to the definition given, marriage is a legal union between a female and a male. The federal level recognizes this union and has ensured that it protects it through the constitution. Under the law, many states in the U.S are limited from either promoting or implementing policies regarding same-sex marriages in their areas of jurisdiction. The above act was passed by former President Clinton and his administration. However, the current government considers this unconstitutional and may not be presented in any court trial in the United States (Riggle, Wickham, Rostosky, Rothblum, & Balsam, 2017). The article tries to show the existing laws that have been implemented to limit same sex-marriages.
The laws are seen as factors that give power to politicians to make decisions regarding those that citizens are interested to marry. When it comes to fighting for equality, politicians continue to use their power to play with the issue of same-sex marriages. Some of them are making the issue to be either constitutional or unconstitutional for them to acquire power in the society. Politicians such former President Barack Obama supported same-sex marriages (Riggle, Wickham, Rostosky, Rothblum, & Balsam, 2017). He declared that they were the same as heterosexual couples. He tried as much as possible to advise many states to have a positive perception of the controversial issue. Even though the country experiences tension and struggle between different religious groups and political factions in regards to acceptance of same-sex marriages, many Americans have begun to have an open mind towards the issue.
The situation continues to influence many same-sex married couples to seek equality through campaigns via social media and rallies. The situation is important since it allows parents and other societal members to know that gay marriages are not there to corrupt their children from the desired path. It may not have a negative impact on the marriage institution.
Conclusion
Same-sex marriages have been controversial in our society for several decades. This is because of the different religious and cultural perceptions regarding relationships between individuals with similar sexual backgrounds. Government institutions and the private sector have and continue to scramble to protect marriage as a secret union to ensure human survival. There are many existing pieces of literature that focus on the dynamic nature and functionality of marriage. Marriage is seen as an institution that does not only focus on giving individuals a sense of belonging but also ensure reproduction which is an onset in human life. Same-sex marriage is viewed as a modern concept which is created to promote political mileage among different groups. The main purpose of same-sex marriage is only meant to focus on providing individuals with a sense of belonging.
References
Dorf, M., & Tarrow, S. (2014). Strange bedfellows: How an anticipatory countermovement brought same‐sex marriage into the public arena. Law & Social Inquiry, 39(2), 449-473.
Flores, A., & Barclay , S. (2016). Backlash, consensus, legitimacy, or polarization: The effect of same-sex marriage policy on mass attitudes. Political Research Quarterly, 69(1), 43-56.
Raifman, J., Moscoe, E., Austin, S., & McConnell, M. (2017). Difference-in-differences analysis of the association between state same-sex marriage policies and adolescent suicide attempts. JAMA pediatrics, 171(4), 350-356.
Riggle, E., Wickham, R., Rostosky, S., Rothblum, E., & Balsam, K. (2017). Impact of civil marriage recognition for long-term same-sex couples. Sexuality Research and Social Policy, 14(2), 223-232.
Whitehead, A. (2010). Sacred rites and civil rights: religion's effect on attitudes toward same‐sex unions and the perceived cause of homosexuality. Social Science Quarterly, 91(1),, 63-79.
