Gay Marriage

For years, the legalization of same-sex marriages has been the topic of many debates. On July 20, 2005, the Civil Marriage Act became a law in Canada. The Civil Marriage Act extended on the current definition of marriage. Not only did the Act expand the definition, it also described legal benefits of same-sex marriages. Under the legislation, the couples receive equal treatment as married heterosexual couples, as well as veterans’ benefits, divorce and income taxes. The purpose of the act was to recognize that many courts have found that equality rights include the right to marriage without discrimination based on sexuality.

Canada is not the only country recognizing the importance of equal rights. As of right now three other countries are in support of same-sex marriage-Netherlands, Belgium and Spain, with a fourth, South Africa on the way. Currently, only one American State has passed the equality law. As of May 17, 2004, Massachusetts began marrying gay and lesbian couples, although only state residents are allowed to marry right now.

On February 12, 2004 San Francisco decided that denying marriage licenses to same sex couple was against the state’s constitution. They had married over 4,000 couples when, on March 11, 2004, the California Supreme Court ordered them to stop issuing the licenses. All 4,000 marriages became invalid. Not much later, a small compromise was made. Beginning in January 2005, gay and lesbian couples were able to register as domestic partners. Being registered gives the couples many of the same rights as heterosexual married couples, but only in the state of California.

My political cartoon showed two figures holding signs. The first figure was a Donkey. The Donkey held a sign, which read “Make Love Not War!” and wore a peace sign around his next. The caption above the Donkey’s head stated “1960s”. The second figure was an elephant dressed in a suit and tie. The elephant held a piece of paper saying “Gay Marriage” and a sign that read “ Make War on Love!” The caption above