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Same-Sex Marriage
Same-Sex Marriage
?Each individual's journey through life is unique. Some will make this journey
alone, others in loving relationships- maybe in marriage or other forms of commitment.
We need to ponder our own choices and try to understand the choices of others. Love has
many shapes and colors and is not finite. It can not be measured or defined in terms of
sexual orientation.? (From the Statement of Affirmation and Reconciliation by the
Quaker Meeting in Aotearoa, New Zealand.) Even though is it thought by many that
marriage is mainly a religious agreement, it also creates a legal relationship between the
couple and the state.
Currently there is much debate on homosexuals couples right to legalized
marriage. There is much information available, both for and against. Two articles that
are strongly in support of legalized same sex marriage are Iowa Representative Ed
Fallon's speech to the House in 1996, and an article from the Partners Task Force for Gay
and Lesbian Couples. One article that is strongly opposed to same sex marriage is an
article written by Dr. Paul Cameron titled ?Same Sex Marriage: Till Death Do Us Part??
In a speech read to the United States House of Representatives on February 20,
1996, Iowa Representative Ed Fallon discussed why he is in support of the legalization of
same sex marriage. He began his speech, by stating of this debate and how their vote
would affect the public's point of view. He used the example of ?red-baiting,? from the
1950's, which today has become ?pink-baiting.? He felt that by creating gay and lesbian
unions, instead of legalizing gay marriage, this would only reinforce homophobia and gay
bashing. He stressed the idea that heterosexuals need only to accept homosexuals. In
order to do this, Representative Fallon, stated that we need to put an end to fear and
stereotypes, and start seeing each other as fellow human beings. He strongly believes
that this is a civil rights issue, and poses no threat to the society. He mentions a lesbian
couple that has children the same as his son. They are being raised no different than how
he is raising his child. His major point is that if same sex marriage continues to be band,
there will be a message sent to the public, which condones homophobia, and does not
give the equal rights to everyone. (Fallon, Ed. ?Iowa Representative Ed Fallon on
2/20/96.? efallon@house.legis.state.ia.us. 2/20/96)
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