Previously I mentioned how Europe has approached the increasing demand for gay rights, specifically those regarding marriage and civil union. Now if the Old Country, the birthplace of Western civilization as we know it and the cradle of Christian faith, can successfully deal with the issue, what is stopping the traditionally more advanced and diverse United States from following suit? While Europe has not eliminated the presence of discrimination (and honestly, how does one go about this?), many countries now allow gay marriage or, at the very least, some form of civil unions. The most progressive nations, such as Holland and Belgium, went so far as to strike any reference to gender from the laws regarding gender. Spain, in stark contrast with its rich Catholic heritage, now allows gays the right to a civil marriage. France implemented the PACS ("pacte civil de solidarite'"), one of the first forms of civil union, in 1999. Italy still supports the Vatican's policy, but remains one of the few without some form of union for their gay citizens. So often we consider ourselves the "civilized world", and yet an almost barbaric form of discrimination still lingers here, in our society. Homosexuality is still illegal in much of Africa. And it was only recently taken off a list of mental illnesses in Japan (sources). Paladins of democracy as we are, shall we not show the world the light of a free society?
Closer to our own shores, nay, dare I say our neighbors to the North allow gay marriage as well. Many US citizens have traveled to Canada to marry, even if their marriage may not be recognized in their states of residence. A matter of principle? Or maybe everyone enjoys sticking it to the Man occasionally.
Marriage is marriage, the gender means far less. Gay marriage ends in exactly the same way as heterosexual marriage: death... or divorce. The first gay divorce took place only 7 months after marriages were allowed in the state of Massachusetts. Then the institution of gay marriage is just as fragile as that of "traditional" marriage... no, the very institution is feeble, shaking under the weight of modernity. Divorce, of any form, would have been unfathomable a mere 100 years ago. People would sigh and shake their heads. I am somewhat comforted by the prospects of future gay divorce however: perhaps we can all be together, apart?
I like commas, I truly do.
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5 comments:
Patrick- I really enjoyed reading your post. Not only, was it full of intriguing and relevant information but you are an excellent writer. I like that you spent time researching how other countries are addressing this issue...ok class is up. ill get back to you in a bit.
Random,
Great job, the post was very fun to read, well researched, and I also love commas! It is crazy to think that in one place gay marriage is acceptable and just a few hours away it was just taken off of the list of mental illnesses! I had no idea! I would interested to know the types of laws or amendments that have been put before our government.
ok sorry it took so long for me to finish my post. as i was saying, I think you are doing an excellent job so far. i'm having trouble seeing the connection between the first half of your post however and the second where you stated that marriage is marriage regardless of gender. I don't think everyone would agree with this statement. There's alot that goes into legalizing gay marriage that isn't an issue in most heterosexual marriages. There is controversy.
Controversy is the third potential result of gay marriage. This is just something to consider but seriously...keep up the good work.
You point out that Europe is now more liberal towards gays and that is ironic as you say because that is where devout Christianity begun. In America, people are extremely driven against gay marriage, and homosexuals alike, by the Bible and their religious values. Once people begin to realize exactly what you are saying, that marriage is marriage, we can make progress. However, this is one of those debates as well where not everyone is going to be content with the outcome.
Patrick- I liked reading this post because of the funny semi-sarcastic tone presented within. I liked the way that you juxtaposed the U.S to other countries, and then how you brought up the fact that a lot of Americans feel that we are superior to other countries, but yet we still discriminate against things that we don't like.
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