Gay rights

My name is …….. and my issue is Gay Rights. I will be providing you with information in the following areas * Key vocabulary * Basic problem * Timeline and history * Status quo * Pro side * Pro side arguments * Pro solutions * Con side * Con side arguments * Con solutions Key Vocabulary * LBGT- stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender * Heterosexual- a person who is sexually attracted to the opposite sex * Homosexual- a person who is sexually attracted to the same sex * Domestic partnership- a person (not necessarily a spouse) with whom you cohabit and share a long term sexual relationship * Limited Domestic partnership- limited legal abilities Basic problem Now I would like to explain the 2 main reasons why this issue is a problem. * First- Timeline/History The following timeline will present you with a brief history of the major events surrounding the issue of gay rights. 1. 1924 * The Society for Human Rights in Chicago becomes the country’s earliest known gay rights organization * Society for Human Rights in Chicago- ‘ to promote and to protect the interests of people who by reasons of mental and physical abnormalities are abused and hindered in the legal pursuit of happiness which is guaranteed them by the Declaration of Independence, and to combat the public prejudices against them by dissemination of facts according to modern science among intellectuals of mature age. The Society stands only for law and order; it is in harmony with any and all general laws insofar as they protect the rights of others, and does in no manner recommend any acts in violation of present, laws nor advocate any matter inimical to the public welfare.’ 2. 1973 * Maryland becomes the first state to define marriage as a union between one man and one woman 3. 1982 * Wisconsin becomes the first state to outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation. more than 20 will follow suit. 4. 1993 * The “ Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Policy is instituted for the U. S. military, permitting gays to serve in the military but banning homosexual activity. 5. 1995 * Utah passes a law prohibiting same-sex marriage. More than 30 other states will follow with so-called Defense of Marriage laws. 6. September 21, 1996 * President Clinton signs the defense of marriage act banning federal recognition of same sex marriage. Defines marriage as “ a legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife. ” 7. December 20, 1999 * Vermont supreme court rules that gay and lesbian couples should be given the same rights as heterosexual couples 8. February 12- March 11 2004 * nearly 4000 same sex couples get marriage licenses in San Francisco 9. October 10, 2008 * Connecticut supreme court in Hartford rules that the state must allow gay and lesbian couples to marry 10. December 15, 2009 * The city council of the District of Columbia votes 11-2 to legalize gay marriage Status Quo The current status of law, regulations and court decisions regarding this issue is as follows….. * Federal law defines marriage as a union between on man and one woman, for purposes of taxes and other federal matters, marriage is primarily governed by state law. * States that allow same sex marriage i. Connecticut ii. Iowa iii. Maine iv. Maryland v. Massachusetts vi. New Hampshire vii. New York viii. Vermont ix. Washington x. District of Columbia Pro side The pro side of the issue can be states as follows…. Yes, the government should guarantee the same rights and privileges to homosexuals that it does to heterosexuals- including the right to marry and adopt children Pro arguments I will be presenting