Policy Issues that Affect Gay Rights

This paper begins by showing that heterosexuals and homosexuals are similar, being linked by different levels of bisexual inclination using Alfred Kinsey's research. This is used, in part, to show that homosexual traits are partially, if not completely, biological. This paper also points out that discrimination of the LGBT community is similar to discrimination of blacks/African Americans, although it seems the later has been relieved more distinctly while the former is still in the infancy of its relief. Finally, the paper shows how steps towards equality seem more like steps towards "separate but almost equal" status for the LGBT community.

Separate but equal might be considered a step in the right direction. The issue has existed as long as society has, creating problems for groups and individuals that can destroy or maim lives. Perhaps in primitive societies, inequality and discriminatory behavior was acceptable or even encouraged, but it is time for society to mature and become a place of freedom and acceptance. Gay rights have come a long way, but it is a long and difficult path that lies ahead and all too many people are standing in the way of equal treatment and justice.

If all men are created equal, then why is it that the majority is the only group who is allowed full expression of this fact? To further the question, why is it that the majority (heterosexuals) think of themselves as so different from the minority (homosexuals)? If fact, Alfred Kinsey's research shows us that everyone can be placed on a sexuality scale, with bisexuality in the middle, and very few people are completely straight or completely gay. "Homoerotic impulses are rampant in the species, and heterosexuality as an identity could not be maintained unless queer desires and acts could be effectively disavowed with proclamations and counterevidence in the form of heterosexual acts and commitments (Pinello, 2003)." In addition to this, it has been found that many other animals also show some homosexual behavior. These two facts show that homosexuality and homoerotic actions are biologically based and therefore, not a choice an individual would have to make.

If one were to review the history of LGBT discrimination in law and policy, a very striking similarity could be found in relation to discrimination of Blacks/African Americans throughout America's history. Prejudice and discrimination have been frequently aimed at the two groups. Through the years, many laws have been passed banning the groups from certain activities and rights. As society slowly comes to its senses, "separate but equal" style laws are passed that show how members of these groups are second class citizens. Eventually, African Americans civil rights movements have rewarded the group with a much deserved equality. However, the LGBT community has had no such luck persuading society to be moral and just towards it.

In addition to discrimination such as this, the LGBT community has been given a sort of constellation in legal circumstances. Many states have legalized an 'almost marriage' called civil union. This seems to make the point that gays are being given something close to what is needed in order to ease some pressure on government officials. Not only are these partnerships not recognized as marriages, they usually don't carry much benefit either. Many times, partners are not given insurance coverage or other company benefits from employers. In cases of adoption, gay or lesbian couples are barred from having adopted children on the grounds that the union is immoral or not an appropriate system to raise children in. This would be to say that two loving homosexual people are worse parents than a heterosexual couple who may fight and/or get divorced. This is certainly worse on the children than having two loving homosexual parents.

When looking at the struggles of people throughout history, it would seem that a minority can only be held down so long before a revolution takes place. It is inevitable that the LGBT community will get its rightful treatment in the future; the question is how long will society hold down this strong group of people before the society comes to its senses? On the long path to equality and justice, it is a sad thing to see how many obstacles stand in the way.

Works:

Pinello, Daniel. "Gay Rights and American Law". Cambridge University Press. 2003