The debate on gay marriages has been a very hot political subject 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 subject is not astounding. While there are few states which allow gay or same-sex marriage, there are some 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 is carried out in Massachusetts, which is considered a major victory by many same-sex supporters.
Elections of recent years have seen this as a very hot topic and with the White House stating publicly that marriage can only be between 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 allows same-sex unions and the Governor of New Hampshire has stated openly that he will soon pass a bill permitting same-sex unions. This is a major advance for the supporters of the movement.
While many states have not given the green light to the issue of same-sex marriage, there are states that are sitting around discussing the subject. Many couples who are struggling for their rights have pointed out that there is just no difference in the way they run their households compared with 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 should have the legal right to marry them too.
This has always been a contentious issue, and probably will continue to be a hot subject for many years to come. While the topic rages within the states and at the national level, it will probably be quite a 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 triumphs as they occur, and another Governor of a state being willing to sanction a civil gay union is at least a step in the direction of victory.
However, the fact is that the actions of the individual states usually reflect the opinions of the President. With a President in office who is a strict opponent of same-sex marriage and civil union, it is unlikely to allow much room for many more victories until a more accommodating, or rather liberal, President is in the White House. Only time will tell what President Obama’s views are.
Once the bill passes through all the channels of office, it goes into effect as early as the next year for the New Hampshire residents, who have been waiting patiently. With each state that gives this right to its residents, it opens the doors to more states to start becoming more tolerant of all its inhabitants. Finally, this is paving the way for America to join the bulk of Europe in recognizing the legal inequalities of straight and gay couples nationwide.