Marriage equality and human rights violations - Essay Example

Marriage equality and human rights violations Introduction Same sex marriages have been a serious issue of debate, especially in the US, after the recent changes in family polices and the need to implement the necessary human rights protection (Casey 45). The major challenge in the whole process is societal approach and belief which is conservative in nature. The country has the role of address several issues in gay and lesbian protection. The legalization of the same sex marriages has created diverse effects in the economy and the country's focus. (Pearson 56) The discrimination of the same sex marriage is a violation of human rights. President Obama accepted the same sex marriage during the election campaigns which was controversial, but helped in the achievement of the goal of re-election. According to the American president, the issue should be approached using the state to state approach. The advocating for a state approach to the problem would culminate into a national issue and finally lead to success of the acceptance of the same sex marriage. The impact of the approach would be different based on the legal implications of the problem. (Wolfson 23) The legal implications of the problem included a change in the legal direction of the country in relation to marriage and definition. Marriage equality is defined as same-sex marriage that is legally recognized in the society as the marriage between mature or adult persons. The major question posed by the proponents of the idea is based on the protection of human rights that is protected fundamentally by the constitution. The bill of rights stipulates the major issues that must be addressed in the protection of human freedom. Based on these freedoms including the freedom of association, it becomes challenging when defining marriage equality. Equality in marriage and marriage equality in the contemporary society means two different things today. Equality in marriage is the protection of the rights of individuals in marriage while marriage equality is the struggle to accept the new set of marriage partners resulting from homosexual and lesbian relationship in the society. In fact, the push for recognition has led to serious challenge in the society because of the resistance posed by conservatives (Casey 23). Despite the challenges in defining the term, it is widely accepted culturally to mean the relationship between same-sex partners and their intention to live together has a couple. Human rights violation in relation to marriage equality The protection of gay individuals in the society has been an issue of great concern. In fact, it involves the understanding of the bill of rights. However, despite the existence of the bill of rights, the acceptance of the same sex marriage has been emotive issue and has led to various protests with an aim of seeking recognition. In fact, around the world, gays have conducted demonstrations seeking to be recognized and be accorded the necessary support compared to heterosexual relations (Olson 68). Consequently, a proposal by the conservative wing of the population believes that banning of the same sex marriage could solve the already heated debate. However, it may create a more serious challenge as compared to the current problem. The freedom of association and relations will be affected in the event that the country decides to ban same sex marriage (Pearson 6). Discrimination is the taking of the rights of the people by restricting or even denying people the right of association or relationship. The banning of the same sex marriage will be discriminatory and encourage the development of negativity towards the government. Currently, the constitution protects the rights of association and personal space (Pearson 6). Several states have legalized same sex marriage as such drastic change of opinion or stand of the government will merit serious challenges from the citizen. Discrimination based on sex sexual inclinations has been common in the society, but with the increased media campaigns it is possible to achieve massive success in the teaching of human rights. The lesbians and gay rights as established by the law were not common in the 20th and 19th century. Equality and protection Marriage Equality relates to the protection of the choices made by the gay and lesbian individuals in the society. The protection against marriage discrimination and reduction of stigma associated with same sex marriage. The definition of marriage equality has changed significantly based on the acceptance of the new meaning, which is slightly different from traditional meaning. The new meaning has overshadowed the traditional meaning associated with the term. Marriage equality is a broad term in the contemporary society based on the understanding of the society (Wolfson 96). Language change is implemented by individuals in the society who lead to increased usage of the term. The actual meaning of equality in marriage is not clearly defined in the contemporary society based on the new meanings develop. The development of new terms illustrates the power of dynamic reasoning in the world, which affects and leads to changes in word use. Terms such as “getting laid” have been developed with the increased participation of the youth in language development. The traditional term used in the description of same-sex marriage included gay marriage (Wolfson 96). However, the proponents of the idea to accept gay marriage as similar to contemporary marriage between two spouses indicate the desire for recognition. In fact, the traditional heading such as the gay marriage heading have been wished away and replaced by marriage equality. The term borrows from the gender struggles that are vital in the development of feminism. Feminism and women's liberation fought for equality and recognition in the society. The same struggle has been viewed by the proponents of marriage equality as integral for the recognition of the needs and respect of the gay or lesbian couples. In fact, the development of the term is geared towards reducing stigma associated with same-sex marriages (Wolfson 56). For many years, the term “gay marriage” has been used in the society to describe same sex marriage with the media playing an important role in the development of the term. However, the switch to the term same-sex marriages led to further complications in the way issues of marriage are addressed in the society. The push for recognition of the term “Marriage equality” is seen to be based on the concept of mutual respect and understanding. The current society does not offer the opportunity to understand the nature of the new relationships based on stigmatization of the whole process. The current term is accepted because it is deemed as not offensive. The original term “gay marriage” was viewed as highly offensive leading to major revolt against the relationship. Therefore, in order to avoid stigmatization and generalizations, the development of the new term ensured success and understanding of the new social concept (Olson 45). In fact, it helped shape the behavior of the gay. It enhances gay rights which make the situation better for activism. The development of the new cultural term is a product of comparative analysis of the various words in order to achieve harmony. For instance, the use of words such as tribe and color has been banned over the world because it is viewed as stigmatization. Likewise, the avoidance of conflict in the society is an approach applied when addressing affiliations and determinations. Conclusion The protection of gay rights in the society has been an issue of concern. They have been subjected to trauma and massive legal challenges. The recognition of same sex marriages as similar to the heterosexual marriages will facilitate conflict resolution and the development of the protection acts and laws (Bowring and Brewis 56). Currently, there are no laws protecting gays and lesbians in the society. In fact, the laws used are the existing laws rather than laws developed to protect gays. In addition, the development of new terms referring to gay and lesbian relationship has improved the perception associated with homosexuals. However, the society still treats them unfairly through segregation and discrimination. The negative perception associated with gay has affected the protection of the gay’s right. Works Cited Bowring, Michele A and Joanna Brewis. "Truth and consequences Managing lesbian and gay identity in the Canadian workplace." Emerald Journal (2009): 361-377. Casey, Benedict. "Debate on a Study Examining Gay Parents." 11 June 2012. The New York Times. 18 February 2013. . Olson, Theodore B. "THE CONSERVATIVE CASE FOR GAY MARRIAGE." Newsweek (2010): 48-54. Pearson, John. "Counterpoint: Banning Same-Sex Marriage is Discrimination." Points of View: Same Sex Marriage (2011): 6. Wolfson, Evan. Why Marriage Matters: America, Equality, and Gay People's Right to Marry. New York: Simon and Schuster, 2007. Print. Read More