Deciphering the Discrimination Behind the Gay Marriage Ban

Another example of dominance discrimination is that allowing homosexuals to marry condones homosexual behavior, and homosexual behavior is unnatural. This argument displays “a considerable ignorance of behavior of the animal kingdom” (Scott). Because heterosexuals, who dominate society, do not find homosexual behavior natural to themselves, they assume and present that it isn’t natural at all. As is common with dominance discrimination, this may not be a conscious thought process, but more of a feeling.

Denying homosexuals the right to marry is both difference discrimination and dominance discrimination. Regardless of what label the discriminatory act is given, it is unethical and unconstitutional. Ignorance perpetuates intolerance and hatred, and is no excuse for discrimination.

In 1978, the United States Supreme Court declared marriage to be “of fundamental importance to all individuals” in Zablocki v. Redhail. The court described marriage as “one of the ‘basic civil rights of man’” and “the most important relation in life.” The court also noted that “the right to marry is part of the fundamental ‘right to privacy’” in the U.S. Constitution. (Murphy, 2000)

Anyone who believes that the Constitution of the United States of America is the law of the land will advocate for equal rights for all of our citizens.

References

Bidstrup, Scott. “Gay Marriage, The Arguments And The Motives.” Retrieved June 29, 2009 from http://www.bidstrup.com/marriage.htm.

Murphy, Jenny. “Should Gay Couples Be Allowed to Marry?” Human Rights Campaign, San Francisco Chronicle, February 3, 2000. Retrieved July 17, 2009 from http://www.speakout.com/activism/issue_briefs/1138b-1.html.

Saul, Jennifer Mather. Feminism: Issues & Arguments. 2003. New York: Oxford University Press.

Schweber, Howard. “Same Sex Marriage: The Worst Argument in the World.” The Huffington Post, October 20, 2008. Retrieved July 17, 2009 from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/howard-schweber/same-sex-marriage-the-wor_b_136260.html.

Thompson, Allison. “Pratto Says Social Dominance Theory Explains Discrimination.” University of Connecticut: Advance. November 1, 1999. Retrieved June 29, 2009 from http://advance.uconn.edu/1999/991101/11019908.htm.