A Controversy in Popaganda - Essay Example

Controversy in propaganda – The Gay Rights Issue Human rights practice is a that has seen several changes in its practice in the recent past; the practice has been fighting the controversial issue of gays and lesbians, which continues to raise controversy across many countries. While the concept of gays and lesbians has continued to elicit mixed reactions across sections of people, there are places where it has been accepted as a human rights practice, and given way for legal acceptance of same sex marriages (Phillip 756-8). Countries that continue to stay away from this issue have cited the fact that it is not cultural, at the same time, sections of religious organizations have been on the forefront arguing against it. In their arguments, they have often cited the fact that it not part of their doctrine and goes against their teachings on sexuality and marriage (Ball and Gready 345). In America, the concept of gay rights has been made part of human rights as enshrined in their constitution, in fact, the American government has been vocal in advocating for respect of gay rights, declaring hard stance against countries that do not accept this recognition. The Obama administration has found itself on a diplomatic row with several countries in Africa and Asia over this concept of gay and lesbian rights (Beitz 45-9). Prior to start of the winter Olympics in Russia, the president, Vladimir Putin has placed himself on an Olympic controversy with the American and other European countries, noting that gay rights were not acceptable in Russia. Views against gay rights Putin just like many other people who have showed open criticisms for gay rights, has pointed out that the signing of the bill that prohibited acceptance of gays and lesbians into the Olympics was aimed at protecting the minors from such a practice. In his view, accepting homosexuals to be part of the normal Olympics experience will be going against their constitution and the values they stand for (British Press para 1-2). In as much as the United States and other European countries have legalized same sex marriages, marriage in itself is said not to be in tandem with the views that are held by these people advocating for these rights. By simply calling something marriage, it does not become marriage itself, it is important to understands that marriage, in the legal and religious context refers to the covenant between a man and woman, which by its nature has the fundamental objective of procreation and education of children and unity and well being of their spouses. People advocating for same sex marriage proposes something that is totally different, the union of men and women denies the self –evident biological, physiological as well as psychological differences that exist in men and women and find their complimentarily in marriage. In addition, same sex marriage betrays the basic and fundamental purpose for marriage, which is the perpetuation of human race and rising of children, something that forms the basis of argument when talking against this controversial issue. It turns a morally wrong into a civil right People that have been in advocacy for same sex marriages have often argued that same sex unions and marriages are civil rights in the same way the struggle for racial equality and other human rights have been run. This is the argument that has achieved overwhelming support in America and other European nations, making the president of the United States to sign a bill that has legalized the rights gays and lesbians. In fact, the president was skilful in allowing people who prescribe to this act to form part of the sporting contingent that is taking place in the Olympics in Russia (Graham para 2-3). However, people that do not accept the concept of gayism and lesbianism hold that sexual behavior and race are essentially two different realities, in fact, people may be different in terms of wealth, race and other physical characteristics but none of them makes an insurmountable obstacle to marriage. Views in support of Gay rights The news of Putin signing a bill that would not allow gays and lesbians into the Olympic games that are due to take place in the country were met with mixed feelings among the American people and other countries in Europe. It is said that the American media and the liberal activists became outrageous that the Olympics was going to take place in an environment that they described as being culturally “intolerant.” The response of the American towards Putin’s action was rather predictable, in fact, president Obama intentionally included homosexuals in the official U.S delegation that is set for the Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia. The government’s attorney general used this opportunity to explain that the federal government had no idea of any striking variance between customary and same sex marriages. However, not all the states in the United States are in agreement with this development, there are still 33 states that are still holding this issue as against human rights practices. In signing of the bills that legalized same sex marriages into law, several reasons were given by the state and other civil rights groups, they explained that first, gay people were normal human rights who’s rights to marriage and association ought to be respected just like it has always been done with equality and other human rights. They explained that in general, discrimination of any kind to any human being frays the spirit and should not be practiced; in this case, gays and lesbians should be treated just like any other members of the society. Civil and human rights activities in the United States and other countries in support of gay rights have posited that making committed human connections was and continues to be a good thing for both mental and physical health. At the same time, the process of making families, whether by traditional or other means is healthy and important for one’s soul. On the case of marriage, they have agreed that it is a basic and fundamental human right, however, it is the right of an individual to make his own choice over whom to engage and relate with as far as it is concerned. In this case, the state or any other person has no mandate to interfere with same-gender couples who have openly expressed the intention of being married to each other. Another important argument that is held by people who advocate for gay rights is that homosexuality is merely a normal variant of adult sexuality and that men and women in practice of it possess the same potential and desire for a sustained loving and lasting relationship as heterosexuals. This desire includes the need for parenting and loving, this view is held by hard data and not just opinion and mere talk, for this reason, discriminating against people practicing gay and lesbianism deprives them over 1000 federal rights and benefits Works Cited Philip, Alston. "Ships Passing in the Night: The Current State of the Human Rights and Development Debate seen through the Lens of the Millennium Development Goals". Human Rights Quarterly 27.3. 2005: 755–829. Ball, Olivia and Gready, Paul. "The no-nonsense guide to human rights". New Internationalist. Oxford: Oxford University Press. 2006. Print. Beitz, Charles. The idea of human rights. Oxford: Oxford University Press. 2009. Print British Press. Russian Gay “Propaganda “stirs controversy. August 2013. Web. 11 July 2014, < http://www.bpnews.net/40904/russian-gay--propaganda-ban-stirs-controversy> Graham Franklin. Putin’s Olympic Controversy. February 2014.Web. 11 July 2014, < http://billygraham.org/decision-magazine/march-2014/putins-olympic-controversy/> Read More