Gay Unions and Same-Sex Marriages

by Barry Jones

The debate about gay unions and same-sex marriages has been a very hot political topic for many years and because it is such a hot topic, the number of places that have come out publicly either for or against the topic is not surprising.

While there are few states which allow gay or same-sex marriages, there are a few that are more liberal, allowing almost equal rights. Massachusetts is currently the only state in the United States that allows same-sex marriages.

The state of Rhode Island is generous enough to recognize as a legal marriage any same-sex marriage that was performed in Massachusetts, which is considered a major victory by many same-sex supporters.

Elections of latter years have seen this as a very hot subject and with the White House stating publicly that marriage can only involve a man and a woman, not same-sexes, many states have been very reluctant to allow same-sex marriages. However, a few states have allowed same-sex civil unions, which are very similar to marriage.

Those states are, in alphabetical order: California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, New Jersey, and Vermont. The District of Columbia also recognizes same-sex marriages and the Governor of New Hampshire has stated openly that he will soon sign a bill permitting gay unions. This is a major advance for the supporters of the movement.

While many states have not given the go-ahead to the issue of same-sex marriage, there are states that are sitting around discussing the issue. Many couples who are fighting for their rights have pointed out that there is absolutely no difference in the way they run their households compared to their heterosexual counterparts.

They have also stated that while they may be with a partner who is the same sex as them, they do still love their partner and ought to have the legal right to marry them too.

This has always been a hot issue, and likely will continue to be a contentious topic for many years to come. With the issues raging within the states and at the national level, it will probably be a very long time before the gay and lesbian rights groups are able to truly declare a victory for their cause. Nevertheless, there is some solace to be taken in the small victories as they occur, and another Governor of a state being ready to permit a civil union is at least a move in the direction towards victory.

However, the fact remains that the actions of the individual states tend to reflect the views of the President. With a President in office who is a strict opponent of same-sex marriage as well as civil union, it is unlikely to allow much room for many victories until a more accommodating, or rather liberal, President is in the White House. Only time will tell what President Obama's views are.

After the bill has passed through all the channels of state, it will go into effect as early as the next year for the New Hampshire residents, who have been waiting patiently.

Each state that gives this right to its residents opens the door to more states to become more tolerant. Finally, this paves the way for America to join the bulk of Europe in sanctioning the legal inequalities of straight and gay couples nationwide.