The debate on gay marriages has been a very hot political topic 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 that 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 liberal enough to recognize as legal, any same-sex marriage that is performed in Massachusetts, which is a major victory according to 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 involve a man and a woman, not same-sexes, many states have been very slow to sanction same-sex marriages. However, a few states have permitted same-sex civil unions, which is very similar to marriage.
Those states are: California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, New Jersey, and Vermont. The District of Columbia also recognizes same-sex unions and the Governor of New Hampshire has stated openly that he will soon sign a bill giving the go-ahead to same-sex unions. This is a major advance for supporters of the movement.
While many states have not allowedf same-sex marriage, there are states which are sitting on the fence discussing the topic. Many couples who are fighting for their rights have argued that there is just no difference in the manner they run their households compared to 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 hot topic, and probably will continue to be a contentious subject for several years in the future. While the issues rage within the states and at the national level, it will probably be quite a long time before the gay and lesbian rights groups can truly declare a triumph 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 permit a civil union is at least a move in the direction towards triumph.
However, the fact remains that the actions of the individual states tend to reflect the views of the President. With a President in office who is a strict opponent of same-sex marriage as well as civil union, it is unlikely to allow much room for many triumphs until a more accommodating, or rather liberal, President is in the White House. Only time will tell what President Obama’s views are.
After the bill has passed through all the legal channels of the state, it can go into effect as early as the next year, much to the joy of the New Hampshire residents, who have been waiting patiently. Each state that gives this right to its residents opens the door a little more to other states to become more tolerant. Finally, this paves the way for America to join the bulk of Europe in recognizing the legal inequalities of straight and gay couples nationwide.