Social Benefits of Same Sax Marriages in the U.S.A.

Social Benefits of same-sax marriages in USA.

The legalization of same-sex marriage benefits both LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) people and America as a nation. As two major Supreme Court decisions about same-sex marriage (Proposition 8 and DOMA) loom on the horizon, it 's an opportune time to refocus attention on the many advantages associated with the pursuit and achievement of marriage equality. There are at least seven ways in which the legalization of gay marriage is beneficial for LGBT Americans and the United States of America.

1. Promotes Equality and Non-Discrimination in Society
Millions of LGBT people contribute daily to American life in a multitude of ways culturally, socially, financially, politically, vocationally, and spiritually. We are fundamental to this nation 's continued growth and evolution and the U.S.A. would suffer greatly from the withdrawal of our many contributions. The legalization of same-sex marriage affirms the inherent worthiness of LGBT people as valued American citizens deserving of equal rights under the law.
This promotion of equality and non-discrimination plays an extremely important role in reducing homophobia and in affirming a minority group in society which has for so long endured significant discrimination and stigmatization. Legalizing same-sex marriage communicates to millions of people across the country that gay relationships are of equal value to straight relationships, thereby helping to reduce intergroup prejudice and supporting cultural diversity.
2. Fosters Psychological, Physical, and Social Wellbeing Amongst LGBT People
Same-sex couples are excluded from the institution of marriage in 38 states. Furthermore, the federal government denies legally married same-sex couples more than 1000 federal rights and benefits associated with marriage. This discrimination and institutional exclusion negatively impacts LGBT people in a variety of tangible and practical ways. It can also cause psychological distress, social conflict and ill-health. Equal allocation of marriage rights and benefits to same-sex couples assists LGBT people in a practical sense and the elimination of relationship discrimination helps promote psychosocial and physical well-being.
It is to America 's benefit when LGBT people are given the freedom to achieve their full potential in life without having to waste precious time and resources battling for basic equality. The act of discrimination is an essentially destructive societal behavior which, ultimately, brings negative consequences both to the oppressors and the oppressed. Ending discrimination in marriage laws goes some way to correcting this.
3. Assists with the De-politicization of LGBT Rights
The politicization of LGBT rights as a left vs right issue has been one of the many "culture wars" that has plagued American society in recent decades. The battle between pro-equality "liberals" and anti-equality "conservatives" continues to characterize the state by state legalization of same-sex marriage. Democratic politicians have successfully led legislative efforts to legalize gay marriage in nine states. President Obama 's support of marriage equality, Bill Clinton 's abandonment of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), and Democratic voters ' support of marriage equality contrast strikingly with the situation on the Republican side. Opposition to same-sex marriage remains a key part of the GOP platform and a majority of Republican politicians and GOP voters do not support marriage equality.
This unfortunate construction of marriage equality as a left vs right and Democratic vs Republican issue wrongly politicizes what is essentially a human rights matter. In this sense the legalization of same-sex marriage plays a central role in de-politicizing the quest for LGBT equality. It provides Democrats and Republicans with an opportunity to refocus their efforts on addressing other problems in society and to stop wasting valuable resources on a manufactured culture war.
7. Strengthens National Identity and International Reputation.
"Liberty and justice for all" is a phrase often used in descriptions of the U.S.A. which seek to capture the nation 's collective psyche, spirit and identity. Historically, America has presented itself as a global leader in matters of freedom and democracy. It 's unfortunate and ironic, however, that back on home soil one particular group of people is consistently denied full access to the "American dream." The fact that same-sex marriage is not legal in thirty-eight states of the U.S.A. and not recognized by the federal government has damaged America 's international reputation in relation to LGBT rights.
Fifteen countries have moved ahead of the U.S.A. in providing federal marriage equality. The removal of anti-gay discrimination in all state and federal laws that apply to marriage would play a key role in enhancing America 's international reputation in matters of social justice and in restoring our integrity as a global leader in the provision of civil and human rights. The tag of "liberty and justice for all" will become more believable when same-sex couples are granted equal access to marriage laws across the country.

Supreme Court Rulings and Beyond
It is with hope and optimism that I anticipate the decisions to be soon made by U.S. Supreme Court in relation to Proposition 8 and DOMA. The sincere hope for equality advocates is that both laws will be struck down, that same-sex marriage will become legal in California once again, and that the federal government will no longer be allowed to deny rights and benefits to legally married same-sex couples.
It is time to stop playing politics and to stop "debating" whether LGBT Americans should have equal rights in society and whether same-sex relationships should be valued equally under the law. Allowing same-sex couples to marry harms no one. Conversely, it enhances the lives of millions of LGBT Americans and their families and also benefits broader society economically, culturally, and politically. I look forward to the day when the provision of marriage equality is embraced and valued as a core feature of American culture and when "we the people" can rightly be claimed to include everyone.
References: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/murray-lipp/gay-marriage-is-great-for_b_3370173.html

References: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/murray-lipp/gay-marriage-is-great-for_b_3370173.html