Same Sex Relationships

There is no doubt that there are many different points of views when it comes to same-sex relationships, and today we will discuss this controversial topic. But first, what is a same sex relationship? A same-sex relationship is defined by Wikipedia as “A same-sex relationship can take on many forms, from romantic and sexual, to non-romantic close relationships between two persons of the same gender. ” (same-sex relationship) Same-sex relationships have been frowned upon by the church since the beginning of time but have recently come a long way to becoming socially accepted.Ignorance is bliss; or is it? Undoubtedly when speaking about same-sex relationships, it is the gateway to many misconceptions, stereotypes, violence, and many times leads to self destruction. One huge misconception that people have created when it comes to same-sex relationships is that it is “something new” or of “this new generation”. This is wrong; same –sex relationships have been around since biblical dates; as a matter of fact, the bible damns homosexuals to hell to spend the rest of eternity as a punishment for homosexual activities, and demands sure death of the violators of God’s law.

You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination. ” (Leviticus 18:22-23) “If there is a man who lies with a male as those who lies with a woman, both of them have committed a detestable act; they shall surely be put to death. ” (Leviticus 20:13) “Or do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God?Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals”. 1 Corinthians 6:9) Research has found that in a few ancient and medieval societies, erotic love bonds were created between an experienced warrior and their apprentice in countries such as Greece and Japan because it was believed that this love bond between the two would make them fight harder and with greater determination. As we all know same sex relationship has been going on for a long period of time now, most people think that just because you are gay, you are different from everybody else. Even though being gay comes with some disadvantages, you still have the same rights as everybody else.Many people think that just because you are gay or lesbian, you shouldn’t be able to adopt any kids.

Well facts shows that Gay couples all around the world either have or would like to have children. Just because you are gay does not mean you have to give up your desire to have children. There are several options available to you including adoption, foster parenting or even artificial insemination (of course with a consenting female). Different states and countries have different laws, so be sure to do you research before you take this big step.There are already thousands of children living in gay couple households. The 2000 U. S.

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Census reports 33% of female same-sex couple’s households and 22% of male same-sex couple’s households already have at least one child under the age of 18 living at home. According to the American Psychological Association Policy Statement on Sexual Orientation, Parents, & Children, "there is no reliable evidence that homosexual orientation per se impairs psychological functioning. Second, beliefs that lesbian and gay adults are not fit parents have no empirical foundation.The American Psychological Association also states "Research suggests that sexual identities (including gender identity, gender-role behavior, and sexual orientation) develop in much the same ways among children of lesbian mothers as they do among children of heterosexual parents". There is no conclusive evidence that homosexuality is linked to one's environment. In other words, growing up in a gay couple household will not "make" a child gay. Different states in which it is aloud for a married same sex couple to adopt would be: Alabama, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Georgia, Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, and Hawaii.

Gay life in different regions of the world varies by the diverse cultures within them. Some countries are more gay-friendly than others, while yet some are just beginning the transition to acceptance of LGBT people. As the debate over legal recognition of gay and lesbian couples heightens, individual states in the U. S. are considering different types of protection for gay and lesbian couples under the law. They are civil unions, domestic partnerships and same-sex marriage.In most cases, civil unions and domestic partnership laws only offer a fraction of the 1,049 benefits the United States government provides for couples in a heterosexual marriage.

Currently in the U. S. , only Connecticut and Vermont allow same-sex civil unions. So in order for same sex couples to adopt or becoming a parent to another child they must know the facts and the rights that come with them. They shouldn’t listen to other people telling them that they can’t do anything anymore because they are gay or lesbian. Marriage of same-sex couples is one of the most controversial aspects in our community.Many people look at it as something that goes against some religious beliefs and/or political views.

Others, those who are pro GLBT rights, explain that everybody should be treated equally, and that sex orientation, race, or social class should not be taken into consideration when decisions concerning human rights are being studied. The issue of gay marriage is one of the controversies that leave our society searching for the answers. Not only the United States, but the entire world has taken sides in the debate of whether same-sex relationships should be legalized or not.Only few countries have laws that benefit gays and lesbians by providing them the ability to be together under legal terms. According to Sheri and Bob Stritof, who graduated in training in family ministry form Regis College in Denver, in countries, such as Belgium, Canada, Netherlands, South Africa and Spain, civil marriage is legal. Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, France, Germany, Finland, Luxemburg, New Zealand, and Britain, provide registered partnerships, civil unions or some form of spousal rights for gay couples. Even though they offer the same thing, there are some slight differences and requirements among each country.

For example, in both Canada and Belgium there are no restrictions regarding nationality, but there is a long residency requirement in the Netherlands, in order to get married with a same-sex partner. In the United States, laws of equality and same-sex marriage are a little bit more complicated. State protections and prohibitions regarding same-sex couples vary by jurisdiction. In some parts of the country, gay couples have full marriage rights as opposite-sex couples do, but in other cities or states they may be extended limited protections or none at all.Same sex couples who are prohibited from marrying are excluded from a panoply of legal benefits specifically tied to legally recognized marriage: for example, access to a spouse's medical information, life and disability insurance, hospital visitation and medical decision-making privileges, workers' compensation survivor benefits, spousal benefits under annuity and retirement plans, the right to refuse to testify against one's spouse and many others. These instances of discrimination based on the preference for legally married couples effect many people egatively when they least expect it. Unmarried heterosexual couples, however, have the option of being legally married.

Same-sex couples have no such recourse. Added to this are other examples, such as legal difficulties that can ensue with regard of the drawing up of wills. "Upon death, in many cases, even very carefully drawn wills and durable powers of attorney have proven to not be enough if a family wishes to challenge a will, overturn a custody decision, or exclude us from a funeral or deny us the right to visit a partner's hospital bed or grave. Another example given in this regard is the fact that partners in a same-sex relationship are not immune from testifying against each other in a court of law. According to Nolo. com, starting from February 2004, same-sex couples can enter into civil marriage in Massachusetts, after its Supreme Court held that the state law barring same-sex marriage was unconstitutional under the Massachusetts constitution in 2003, and ordered the legislature to fix the discrimination.Likewise, the Connecticut Supreme Court said that, "the segregation of heterosexual and homosexual couples into separate institutions constitutes a [constitutionally] cognizable harm", and therefore held that gay marriages must be allowed.

Among the states that provide full marriage equality, we can find Iowa and Vermont. Both states started recognizing these marriages in 2009. The latter state became the first one to enact marriage equality through legislative action by overriding a governor’s veto and legalizing same-sex marriage in the state.New Hampshire will start legalizing marriages in 2010. On the other hand, there are states that instead of helping the GLBT community, the make it more difficult for its people to be treated as equal. In California, Proposition 8 was passed in November 2008, which prohibits same-sex marriage in that state. This proposition was challenged by the GLBT couples, but the Supreme Court held that even though civil marriages were not allowed, same-sex partners would be able to register as domestic partners.

Although there are locations that do not see same-sex marriage as a legal union within the United States, they have other alternatives. Connecticut, New Jersey, California, the District of Columbia (D. C. ), Maine, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington recognize civil unions and domestic partnerships. Such things are similar to marriage, and provide all or some of the same rights, benefits and responsibilities to GLBT partners. These rights include: rights nder family laws, such as annulment, divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, domestic violence, adoption, and property division; rights to sue for wrongful death, loss of consortium, and under any other tort or law concerning spousal relationships; medical rights, such as hospital visitation, notification, and durable power of attorney; family leave benefits; joint state tax filing; and property inheritance when one partner dies without a will. (www.

nolo. com). All-in-all, the rights and benefits are stripped from these people just because of their sexual preference.They are not outsiders, they are just like everyone else, with feelings, needs, and emotions and they need to be treated like we want to be. Nowhere in the constitution does it state that marriage is only something certain people can have. The only problem society has with this is that they believe it is "not right", but what is right anyways? ?

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