Ethnic Philosophy

Ethnic Philosophy Chapter 3

Section 3.5 :Topics Same Sex Marriage

1. Agreement
A. Homosexuals deserve every right that is guaranteed to every human being under our constitution
B.Tolerance
C.People can disagree for reasons founded in convictions , not because of hate
D.For the sake of discussion, bad examples of parents from both sides should be out of the equation

2.Questions
A. What type of relationship is best for raising children?
B.Should the experience of 5000 yrs. Of history be opposed? - there’s a difference between equating and tolerating/accepting
C.Is the LGBT view of morality the highest standard that overrides other views? -LGBT =lesbian ,gay ,bisexual, transsexual -are both views equally moral/ethical
D. On what basis should we make our decision? -research or feelings? -What’s best for the children ?

3.Same Sex Marriage
A. Around the World -11 countries recognize SSM: Argentina ,Belgium , Canada, Denmark, Iceland, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, South Africa, Sweden

B.United States Same sex marriage in the US is not recognized by the federal government , but such marriages are recognized by some individual states. The lack of federal recognition was codified in 1996 by the defense of Marriage Act ,before Massachusetts became the first state to grant marriage licenses to same –sex couples in 2004
-35 States have laws limiting marriage to one man and one woman
-SSM(Same sex marriage) licenses are granted by 9 states

4.The Nature of Rights
A. What are Rights?
1. A just claim to something.
B.Where do Rights come from ?
1.Transcendent/God
2.Granted by governments

5.Argument for Same Sex Marriage
A. Born this way. -Feb.1992 network reported avowed homosexual researcher Simon LeVey discovered homosexual brains(hypothalamus) were different. -“Gay Twin” study by researchers Bailey and Pillard suggested genetic origins for “gayness” a: Hamer thesis -It is a natural for them to feel attracted to the same sex as it is for heterosexuals to be attracted to the opposite sex -Because it is natural, & not a choice, why should they be penalized for doing what is natural for them?

B.Homosexual behavior is observable in animals. Since humans are animals , it must be naturally a part of some of our natures.
-Homosexual behavior is observable in animals
-Animal behavior is determined by their instincts.
-nature requires animals to follow their instincts.
-Therefore, homosexuality is in accordance with animal nature
-Since man is also animal, homosexuality must also be in accordance with human nature

C. Marriage is a basic human/civil right that should be available to all committed couples.
-There are many benefits that straight couples have that are denied gay couples
-idea found in the “pursuit of happiness” clause.
-Denying these benefits by denying marriage to the GLBT community is discrimination bc it denies a fundamental human and civil right.
-Homosexuality is normal and natural : they are just like everyone else and feel the same needs.

D.Gay activist believe it is necessary is to redefine marriage to change society.
-Paula Ettelbrick (get from tiff)
-Michelangelo Signorile, writing in Out! Magazine , state that homosexual should “fight for same-sex marriage and its benefits and then, once granted redefine the institution of marriage completely…etc”

E. How does same sex marriage really hurt anyone?
-This is just two people in love who want to share their life together.
-How can love hurt society in any way?

6. Gay Adoption
A. Homosexuals should be able to adopt for many of the same reasons they should be able to marry.