Pennsylvania Favors Homosexual Marriages - Research Paper Example

of Lecturer] English 102 Pro Gay Marriage in the of Pennsylvania Introduction Same-sex or gay marriage is perhaps among the most controversial public issues in the United States of America. It is not only a political topic but also hotly debated among cultural and religious leaders in the country. However, it is at the courtrooms that gay marriages have become a tricky issue, with some states legalizing such marriages while others denying gay couples the right to marry persons of the same sex. Among the states that have allowed gay marriages include Hawaii, in which the Supreme Court pronounced that denying gay couples the right to marry is tantamount to breaching their rights as stipulated in the Constitution (Harrison, P. 213). However, the first state to legalize gay marriages in the United States was Massachusetts, which did so in 2004. Although many states in the U.S do not recognize gay marriages, recent times have realized heightened activities by pro-gay marriage activists fighting for the legal recognition of such unions (Harrison, P. 24). One such state that has been characterized by pro-gay marriage activism is Pennsylvania, which does not recognize same-sex marriages, partnerships, or civil unions. In Pennsylvania, gay relations have been a major polarizing factor in the society, pitting politicians, religious groups, and activists against one another. For instance, the more conservative Republicans have been opposed to gay marriages and unions in the political arena while Evangelicals lead the religious opposition to gay unions. In the opposition to gay marriage and other relations in Pennsylvania as well are the various family advocacy groups. To achieve their objectives, the above groups have continually sought the enactment and establishment of constitutional amendments that define marriage only as a union between a man and a woman. This paper explores the issue of gay marriage in Pennsylvania, scrutinizing the history, theories, and the future prospects for the gay-rights movement in the state. Gay-Rights Movement At the forefront in the pro-gay fight for legal recognition of gay unions in Pennsylvania is the gay-rights movement. The main objective of this movement is to bring to an end the criminalization and non-recognition of gay relationships in the states. In addition, the gay movement seeks to protect and uphold the civil rights of gays as equal members of the society. Although some activity by gay-rights movements had been reported from as early as mid 19th century, the modern gay-rights movement in the United States may be traced to 1969 when anti-riot police raided a gay bar in Stonewall, New York, claiming it was illegal (Wells et al. P. 214). Soon after this raid, a number of organizations came up, seeking to fight for the repeal of laws that prohibited same-sex relationships or conducts. Further, the gay-rights movement sought the abolishment of legislations that discriminated homosexuals and their relationships. The objectives of the gay-rights movement did not only cover legislative issues, its other objectives spanned housing issues, employment equality, and issues on communal acceptance of gay people. Despite the hurdles on its way, the gay-rights movement in the United has managed to achieve some level of success. For example, by 1999, 32 states in the U.S have either repealed or render null anti-sodomy laws that discriminated homosexuals (Wells et al. P. 96). However, some states still apply anti-sodomy laws on both homo- and heterosexuals. Fortunately, in 2003, the U.S Supreme Court declared all anti-sodomy laws unconstitutional. This decision by the Supreme Court did not legalize or recognize gay relationships. An example of U.S state that does not legally recognize gay marriages is Pennsylvania. Nevertheless, laws seeking to protect gay people from discrimination have been enacted in many states due to the efforts of the gay-rights movement. The main challenge that has hampered the success of the gay-rights movement in the states such Pennsylvania is the constant opposition from conservative people and organizations such as religious groups. Gay Marriage in Pennsylvania The increased activism by gay right groups, lesbians, and bisexual people in Pennsylvania has been the main driving force behind the increased opposition to gay unions and relations. Most importantly, the advocacy by the pro-gay persons and groups for constitutional amendments that would legalize gay marriages has been a major source of concern for anti-gay forces in Pennsylvania (Goldberg, P. 2). Certain court decisions have also played central roles in making the opposing factions drift further apart on the subject of gay marriages. An example of such decisions was made by the Massachusetts’ Supreme Court which also declared that banning of same-sex marriage infringes on gay couples’’ rights as entrenched in the U.S Constitution. Consequently, as postulated by the conflict theory, social problems that arise from power struggles has seen the powerful in the society such as the federal government, religious groups such as the Catholic Church, and politicians use the resources and powers at their disposal to ban gay relationships (Polikoff & Bronski, P. 117). This tense situation prevails despite the myriad attempts by pro-gay forces to make such unions and marriages recognized under the law. In addition, the pro-gay activists have strived to thwart any efforts by anti-gay marriage forces to enact legislations that would block gay relationships, unions, and marriages. One reason for the assertion that Pennsylvania does not recognize same-sex marriages is the definition of marriage in the current laws of the state. According to the current Pennsylvanian law, marriage is defined only as a union between a man and a woman. This remains the definition of marriage despite the many bills seeking to expand the meaning of marriage that have been introduced in the state’s legislature in the past. An example of these bills is that introduced by Senator John Eichelberger in May 20009. The efforts of this particular bill by Senator John met a dead end when the 2010 Senate election ushered in the Republican Pat Toomey to represent Pennsylvania in the United States Senate. Senator Toomey soon voted for the amendment of the United Sates’ Constitution to prohibit gay marriages (Goldberg, P. 4). The pro-gay marriage forces were however boosted by a survey conducted by Public Policy Polling in April 2011, which showed that approximately 63% of the Pennsylvania public was of the opinion that same-sex relations should be recognized by the law (Newport, P. 5). The percentage that supported gay-marriage was 30% while 33% was in support of same-sex civil unions. In the survey, 35% supported non-recognition of same-sex relationships, whether civil unions, marriages, or partnerships (Newport, P. 5). The same trend was reported by the same pollster in July 2011. In another poll conducted in August 2011 by Franklin and Marshall College, exactly 50% of Pennsylvanians supported constitutional amendments to recognize same-sex marriages while the other 50% were opposed to the same idea. These results have had tremendous impacts on the hope of the pro-gay community in Pennsylvania, regarding the legal recognition of gay relationships. Consequently, gay-right movement has reported heightened activities. According to Mark Segal, a pro-gay activist who owns the Philadelphia Gay News publication, the results by the above surveys did not surprise the gay community in the state. Nevertheless, he added that the gay community was pleased with the findings. Segal further says that the Pennsylvanian voter is becoming more progressive by the day. This progressive nature of the Pennsylvanian voter, says Segal, will result in the realization that the legalization and legal recognition of gay relationships do not pose any dangers to heterosexual relationships in the state. He therefore foresees constitutional amendments that would legalize and recognize gay marriages, civil unions, and partnerships in Pennsylvania. He however adds that these amendments would only be possible if the Pennsylvanian voters became more open and welcoming to the new legislations seeking to amend the current Pennsylvanian law on marriage (Ali, P. 6). He cites fear as the main drawback to the realization of the necessary amendments that would usher in a new beginning for the gay community in Pennsylvania. Unless this fear factor scatters away, Segal asserts that the positive strides made so far by the pro-gay campaigns (Ali, P. 7). Once this fear is dispelled and the public made aware of the facts about gay relationships and its benefits and normality, Segal believes the Pennsylvanian community would realize that gay relations would not interfere with their relationships, culture, beliefs, and religion among other aspects of their lives. What is important is that the authorities should take note of the increasing number of those supporting gay marriages and take the right action in enacting the necessary laws and amendments (Ali, P.8). The opposing opinions to gay marriage stems from the different perceptions and theories established to explain homosexuality. A picture showing pro-gay activists in action Theories of Gay Relationships Many theories have been proposed by scholars, more so psychiatrists to explain gay relationships not only in Pennsylvania but also in other regions of the world. One such theories postulates that homosexuality arises out of violent or regressive childhood or aggression during the early stages of one’s development. Factors cited to promote homosexuality in early developmental stages are overprotective mothers, absent fathers, and overprotective mothers. Moreover, some theories suggest that early sexual relationships with people of the same sex that appear satisfying could trigger homosexuality in people. Further, fear of adult responsibility and existence of nonsexual problems are also suggested as causes of gay tendencies by other theories. Importantly, failed or disappointing heterosexual relations could also determine one’s propensity to become gay (Polikoff & Bronski, P. 175). For women, having a father who has distaste for her male admirers could be a triggering factor for lesbianism. Finally memories of an abusive relationship with persons of the opposite sex could result in lesbianism. There is another category of theories that criticize the above postulations, instead emphasizing the role of biological forces in determining one’s propensity to become a gay. One such biological theory cites disruption of hormonal processes in a pregnant mother as an explanation of homosexuality. Second, neurobiologists postulate that brain functioning is also responsible for homosexuality. Scientifically, the reduced size of the hypothalamus part of the brain in homosexual men supports this postulation. In addition, homosexual men have been found to react to specific pheromones differently from heterosexual men. Genetic predisposition regulated by one or more genes on the X chromosome has also been suggested as possible determinant of homosexuality (Polikoff & Bronski, P. 54). The biological theories therefore explain homosexuality best, compared to the other theories. This assertion is supported by the fact that homosexuality manifests early in childhood, in children that lack certain traditional gender identifications. The increased amount of stigma associated with lesbianism has meant that fewer studies have been conducted on lesbianism compared to what has been done on homosexuality. Generally, most theorists and professions no longer view homosexuality as psychological or sexual disorder except in scenarios where such sexual predispositions cause stress or anxiety to a person. The Future of Gay Marriages The current trends in the public’s perception of gay relations in Pennsylvania are indications of the future of gay marriages in the state. There is high likelihood that gay marriages, partnerships, and unions will soon be legalized and legally-recognized. That is, gay marriages will also be accorded social and legal status similar to heterosexual marriages. This declaration is supported by the fact that even those opposed to gay marriages also fear that the legalization and recognition of gay marriages is imminent (Journal Lancaster New Era, P. 38). That the legalization of gay marriages is imminent is supported by the fact that certain private issues that some sections of the society were opposed to have since been left for individuals to decide on (Journal Lancaster New Era, P. 65). These issues include abortion, sexual expression, and the use of contraception, which are now left at the discretion of individuals and are practices that are recognized and allowed. Therefore, provided gay marriages will not compel state interests, they will soon be legalized and recognized. In the same manner slavery was ended, inter-racial marriages legalized, and segregation ended, so will gay marriages. Conclusion Gay relationships, more so gay marriage continues to stir heated debates in the public and private spheres of life in the U.S. Pennsylvania is one among the states in which gar marriages are yet to be legalized and recognized. Nonetheless, gay-right activism has heightened in the state recent times, pitting the pro-gay and anti-gay forces such as the Republicans and Evangelical churches. Recent survey findings however support the course of the pro-gay forces, as indicated by those found to be supporting the legalization and recognition of same-sex marriages. The future thus looks promising for the Pennsylvanian gay community as they seek legal recognition and equal rights with heterosexual marriages. Works Cited Ali, C. Same-Sex Marriage Gaining Traction in Pennsylvania, 2011. Retrieved on December 9, 2011 from http://www.politicspa.com/same-sex-marriage-gaining-traction-in-pa/27512/. Goldberg, M. A. Gay-Marriage Debate Heats Up in PA. Retrieved on October 28, 2011 from http://www.philadelphiaweekly.com/news-and-opinion/Gay-Marriage-Debate-Heats-Up-in-PA.html. Harrison, J. T. "Religion and Public Opinion about Same-Sex Marriage." Social Science Quarterly Second Series, 2006. 87: 341. Journal Lancaster New Era. People Poll: Amending Gay Marriages Be Legally-Recognized, 2006. Retrieved on October 28, 2011 from http://findarticles.com/p/news-articles/intelligencer-journal-lancaster-new-era-combined-saturday-edition/mi_8130/is_20060401/poll-amending-gay-marriage/ai_n52791793/. Newport, F. For First Time, Majority of Americans Favor Legal Gay Marriage: Republicans and Older Americans Remain Opposed. Retrieved on October 28, 2011 from http://www.gallup.com/poll/147662/First-Time-Majority-Americans-Favor-Legal-Gay-Marriage.aspx Polikoff, N. D., and Bronski, M. Beyond (Straight and Gay) Marriage: Valuing All Families under the Law. Beacon Press, 2009. Rauch, J. Gay Marriage: Why it is good for Gays, Good for Straights, and Good for America. Holt Paperbacks, 2004. Wells, J. A. et al. "The Prevalence of Homosexual Behavior and Attraction in the United States, the United Kingdom and France: Results of National Population-Based Samples". Archives of Sexual Behavior, 1995. 24 (3): 248. Read More