Chayanin Suksunpantep

Mr.Yates

Pre Ap English

12/2/14

Gay and Lesbian Rights

Social issues affect society both in small and large group. Many people agree that Human

rights is an issue that we should continue to maintain and improve in our society. The most

controversial issue is the right for same sex marriage. More and more people believe in allowing

everyone to have the same right regardless of sexuality and this movement is only growing and

will not come to a halt unless the government take action to allow same sex marriage in all

states.

The protest for the rights of same-sex have been going on as part of a movement since the

1924s. For many gay and lesbians, “the phrase ‘in the closet’ refers to gay and lesbians who hide

their sexual orientation” and are afraid to show their true self (Gay and Lesbian Rights). LGBT

stands for lesbian, gay, bisextual, and transgender. The purpose of the LGBT movement is to

gain equal rights and acceptance. LGBT movement fight for rights against discrimination in

employment, business, and housing. The founder of gay rights movement is known to be Harry

Hay. More than “ 4,380 gay men and women had been discharged from the military and around

500 fired from their jobs with the government” because of their sexual orientation (Gay Rights

Movement). In 1953, president Dwigth Eisenower banned homosexual from working for the

federal government. There were riots known as Stonewall riots to police officer which eventually
lead out to blood on the street in 1969. Currently, even though some rights were gained, the

movement is still going on as part of the American life.

For LGBT, they believed their rights were being limited. Gay and lesbian needs Civil

Rights protection against “hostility, discrimination—and sometimes deadly violence” because of

their sexual orientation (Civil Rights 101). In the Declaration of Human Rights, this violated

article 5. This article stated to be no cruel and torture and also inhuman treatment. Many gay and

lesbian receives violation against discrimination in both jobs and housing. Many people received

transfers, declination, and discrimination for employment and even health services. Threat for

campaign and even verbal abuse are all part of the violation of people with different sexual

orientation. Some might say this also violate article 16 in Human Rights. Men and women “​have

the right to marry and to found a family” but in many states gay marriage is not allowed

(UDHR). 15 states have banned same sex marriage by Constitutional Amendment and State Law

ever since 1996’. Many same sex couples want the right to be legally married and live with the

person they love and honor their relationship with a child. Therefore, the banning of gay

marriage by the government is a violation to an important article of Universal Declaration of

Human Rights. Many people have realized this and are working to gain rights for LGBT.

Today, there are many gay and lesbian centers and medical association provided for

LGBT. Gay and lesbian medical association was provided for equality on health care and for

many. An association known as GLMA help “limits on discrimination based on sexual

orientation and gender identity” through today (GLMA). GLMA stands for gay lesbian medical

association and is designed for LGBT to receive their full medical care and also provided home

for professional LGBT nursing. Rights also have been violated “because the proposed law by its
express terms forbids same-sex couples entry into civil marriage, it continues to relegate same

sex couples to a different status” not receiving equal rights (Goodridge V. Department of Public

Health). Many gay and lesbian did not want special treatment, they want equality. An example of

one is getting to be legally married to the person they love by choice. Gay and lesbian centers

from all around America are working to help fight for their equality, provided families and

medication needs, and gave an opportunity for the highest education. Since many states have

approved of gay and lesbian there are fewer and fewer discrimination and violence against them.

Gay and lesbian rights are still being debated today. Many associations are working hard

for their equality and the right for marriage. Many also believe that the purpose of marriage is to

produce and raise children, allowing same sex marriage could lead to the weakening of

institution of marriage and it would be more of an adult gratification. However, gay and lesbian

rights is a social issue that many people believed should be fixed. Rights have been violated and

ignored. These group of people are pending for the acceptance of society that will lead them to

full equality and human rights.