The modern day and age offers rights and freedoms that people have not experienced some time before and the majority of official rulings have acknowledged that people have a right to marry whomever they want, as it is their personal and private choice.
While both authors address the issue of Proposition 8 and challenges that LGBTI face due to its criteria, author of “8 Is Not Hate: The Meaning of a Proposition” focuses more on the reasons why people support the proposition, while author of “Prop 8 Hurt My Family—Ask Me How; Marriage Equality USA” is more concerned with the fact that either way proposition 8 is immoral and discriminatory towards LGBTI.
The laws and government must unite society and differences between people and not divide. The two articles have valid points but the end result is clear—it is not up to the government to decide whom a person wants to marry but at the same time, educational and other public institutions should take extreme care in voicing opinions and changing policies according to personal views of people, keeping a lawful and moral balance.
Jennifer Roback Morse has written an article to explain and clarify the proposition and true reasons for it. The article focuses on the facts of why people support the proposition. It does not explain how people are affected, their feelings and outcomes they face. It illustrates why it is morally correct to choose laws and regulations that divide people through court orders, instead of finding ways to look for common ground and reach a mutually beneficial solution.
She gives specific points and views of people who are not agreeing with the courts passing laws that would make same sex marriages official and thus, give people same rights and freedoms as everyone else. She also argues that it is not particularly fair for children to be educated about same sex marriages and unions, as children are too young to understand the true reasons and circumstances of such marriages.
Jennifer Morse explains that people who are against these rulings are not against people who are homosexual but that they oppose the court’s decisions because courts are taking their authority too far. Her points are made very clear but there are some issues that can be raised.
Marriage is a union of two people and it is not up to other individuals to decide who these people are and what qualities they have. A union is defined by feelings that are mutual and if two people want to be together, they should not be denied that right. The majority of society has the right to form a bond and has the privileges under law to receive benefits and protection that such union entitles them to.
So, it would be unfair to deny others this right because someone is unable to understand the reasons people are together, even though they can understand themselves. The fact that people are anti-laws that give LGBTI people same rights and freedoms extends towards people themselves and the explanation that the courts are given too much power to grant people these rights is also a movement against people receiving these rights.
The point that parents should be the ones deciding the type of education their children should be receiving is valid but, to a certain degree. Children should not be denied the truth but the matter of private relationships between people should not be a part of educational curriculum, no matter if it is heterosexual or homosexual. Education should be impartial and neutral, leaving emotions and love for everyone to decide on their own. But the fact that such unions do exist, should not be denied, as it is the undoubted reality of the world.
If young and older children can take a family class, which they choose under their own want and if they are educated about heterosexual marriages, they should also be educated about other types of marriages. But education should in no way be forced onto anyone. Even though Morse in not against LGBTI people, she does show some fear of what will happen to people if they are suscepted to laws and freedoms that are changed in LGBTI favor.
This comes from a long standing argument that people choose to be gay or not and it might make someone LGBTI. This has been proven to be untrue. But even if it is assumed that it is true and a person can choose, it is still no one’s business because a person wants and needs that on their own accord. LGBTI people are not asking for extra privileges and freedoms, they want to have same rights and protection under law as everyone else and it is only fair.
“Prop 8 Hurt My Family—Ask Me How; Marriage Equality USA” reinforces the view that due to changes in laws and governments giving people an opportunity to decide laws for someone else is morally wrong. The fact that anti-LGBTI discrimination exists cannot be denied. People do truly face violence, stereotypical behavior and threats towards them if they are LGBTI or support policies that are in favor.
The article shows how the proposition is having a hard emotional or psychological influence on people. It is very depressing, especially for children who face discrimination in schools and neighborhoods they live in. People are afraid that their marriages will be no longer valid and those who support LGBTI are also concerned that their views and beliefs will be jeopardized by the proposition.
There are a number of examples of how the stereotypical behavior manifests itself, affecting families, friends and everyone involved in the matter. Anxiety and depression are the result of differential treatment and people are always in the state of fear that they will be the target of violence and other threatening verbal or physical behavior.
The general atmosphere in the society is now at a peak point where everyone has a very negative attitude and this has a significant effect on people’s lives. The actions of the government and society are taking a wrong direction.
They are finding ways to separate people even further when the focus should be the unity and finding of common ground. The laws being made must forbid further discrimination and stereotypical treatment, which will in turn lead to equal rights and freedoms.
The authors of two articles have shown different perspectives on the way society and government view people with different sexual preferences. The laws of the country dictate order in society but people’s private life is personal business.
Even though the majority of population respects others there are still people with hurtful and prejudiced opinions. In the end, it is everyone’s duty to respect others and provide hate free environment to live and enjoy justice.