Thursday, November 29, 2007

Mediation Brief

Problem 1: Should gays be allowed to marry?
Scott: Yes, It is against the constitution to make laws based on religious dogmas. The only argument against gay marriage is religious based.
Kaycie: No, marriage is a sacred union between one man and one woman. This is not only clearly written in the Bible but it is also cultural. Same-sex marriage would completely change the definition of marriage.
Both: Civil union would be an acceptable alternative to a religiously observed marriage. Both of us can agree that homosexuals should be granted equal rights of a married couple.
Problem 2: Should gays be allowed to adopt?
Scott: Yes, There has not been one study that conclusively shows that children raised by same-sex couples are inferior in any way to those raised by heterosexual couples. In fact, by allowing gays to adopt, you are creating stable two-parent homes for the orphans in America.
Kaycie: Since homosexuality is socially unaccepted in many parts of the United States, it is unfair to place children where they would face persecution from their peers. Also, there have been studies that show children raised in homosexual households are at the disadvantage.
Both: As long as the homosexual couple has had a civil union, we agree that they should be able to raise a child. Regardless of sexuality, more two-parent homes are needed for the orphans.
Problem 3: Is it wrong to base laws off of religion?
Scott: Yes, Basing laws off of religion discriminates against minorities and is unconstitutional. It clearly states in the constitution that, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion.”
Kaycie : By denying gays the right to marriage, we are not basing a law off of religion alone. Christian ideals reflect the thinking of the majority of Americans so it is more cultural than religious.
Both: We agree that it is wrong to base laws off of religion.

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Brief

Thesis: Homosexuals deserve the same rights enjoyed by heterosexuals including the right to marriage, the right to adoption, and freedom from persecution.
Reason: Homosexuals do not harm or hinder society in any way.
Evidence: There has not been one study that conclusively shows that children raised by same-sex couples are in any way inferior to those raised by heterosexual couples. In fact, allowing homosexuals many rights they currently lack would only serve to ameliorate many domestic problems.
Evidence: Allowing homosexuals rights such as the right to marriage, or at the very least, civil unions, will strengthen American culture and communities by creating more stable, two-parent families.
Reason: It is morally wrong to discriminate against people based upon a personal, private choice.
Evidence: One of the foremost American ideals is the right to pursue happiness. Preventing homosexuals rights hinders that group's ability to pursue the American dream.
Reason: Most of the prejudice against homosexuals is based off religious texts such as the Bible.
Evidence: It is against the Constitution to create laws based off religious dogmas.

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Gay Rights: An Introduction

Homosexuality is often at the forefront of popular culture in today's media. Issues such as gay marriage, adoption by gay and lesbian couples, and general discrimination against this group of people are often subjects of discussion. I firmly believe that those who would chose to deny homosexuals the same rights as heterosexual Americans subscribe to outdated methods of thinking and rationalization. Many arguments in opposition to allowing homosexuals the rights they are entitled to are either rooted in Christian dogma or conservative values. These stubborn ideals are downright discriminatory and un-American. It is the duty of lawmakers and voters alike to stand up and give these people what they deserve.