Same Sex Marriage 2
The proposal to legalize same sex marriage is one of the most controversial issues inmodern America. Quite frankly it is the most controversial issue that the American Courts are being faced with today. Legalizing same sex marriage would change the history of American family law. The consequences of such a decision albeit positive or negative would affect children, parents, same sex couple, and families.
Marriage is more than two people declaring their love for one another. It is more than standing in front of your pastor, family and friends; it is a legal procedure that binds two people together in financial responsibilities and financial benefits. Gays and lesbians want more than just having their marriages accepted by the law, there are many benefits that marriage allows. If two people are legally married then they are allowed their spouse’s, health insurance benefits, tax exemptions, home ownership, child custody, insurance benefits, medical decisions and much more. Vermont guarantees such rights. These are guaranteed to heterosexuals once they are legally married in any state. Since gay and lesbian marriages are not accepted by the law then there are many rights that are not given to them. Visiting a loved one in the hospital, applying for immigration, social security benefits, death benefits if a life partner dies, joint parenting, adoption, foster care, custody and child visitations are just a few of the rights that are not given to gays and lesbians.
There are many communities across the nation who have legislated same-sex domestic partner ordinances. Throughout the nineties same-sex marriages were in fact being considered in many states. “As of mid 2009 the Federal Defense of Marriage Act denies married civil unions and domestic partnerships approximately 1100 federal benefits currently entitled to opposite sex marriages (Legal and Economic Benefits of Marriage, 2009). Marriage provides automatic legal protections for the...