Gay+Rights+-+Recent+Events+and+People

=Why is Gay Rights a Civil Rights Issue?=

Civil Rights are the rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality, so a civil rights issue is when one kind of person is denied either of those freedoms. Lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgenders fit into this category very well because of the discrimination and unfair laws and ways of the United States. First of all, unlike in heterosexual marriages, homosexuals are denied more than 1,000 benefits. Think about that, 1,000 benefits that help you and can make your life easier! Also, in 34 states, it is legal to fire a person because of their sexual orientation. In 44 states, it is legal to fire someone because of their gender identity (transgender). In 2004, the FBI statistics stated that hate crimes attacking gays were the third most active in the country. As you can see, life for gays is certainly not fair. Therefore, gay rights is definitely a civil rights issue. =**State Laws**=
 * Massachusetts:** Allows gay to marry in 2003
 * Vermont:** In 2000 Vermont made a new law that says all gay/lesbian people have all civil unions (all rights with out marrige).
 * New Jersey:** New Jersey gave gay/lesbians civil unions in 2006.
 * California:** In 2003 California now allows gay/lesbian couples to register for to have a relationship similar to marriage called a domestic partnership.
 * Hawaii:** Hawaii offers many benifits for gay/lesbians including: inheritance without a will, being able to visit your loved one in the hospital, and the ability to make medical decisions for your partner this rulling was in 1999.
 * Maine:** In 2004 Maine instintuted a domestic partnership.

Where Can Gays and Lesbians Get Married?


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