- Mary Munion, Business Communication, Salisbury PA, 2012

Same-sex marriage has been recognized internationally by ten countries since 2001.

The United States has begun the process of acceptance of same-sex relationships and marriage, but it has proved to be an issue that we cannot seem to agree on.  The recognition of same-sex marriage is a civil, political, social, moral, and religious controversy.  The conflict that arises out of the so-called “problem” of same-sex marriage is the question of whether or not the traditional term marriage is appropriate.  Another problem associated with same-sex marriage is whether or not gay and lesbian preferred individuals have any rights at all.

People have been fighting for equal rights for same-sex marriage for several years now.  The same-sex marriage bill was originally repealed.  However, Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley recently proposed a same-sex marriage bill, which is now moving on to the state Senate.  The passing of this bill would make Maryland the eighth state to legalize same-sex marriage.

Five students provide their insight on this issue:  Given the original repeal of the same-sex marriage bill, what is your opinion of the recent passing in Maryland?  Is this a sign of progression within the United States?  If so, why?  If not, why?

“I believe that the bill passing is a good thing.  Not only should gays have the right to marry, but also that decision shouldn’t be controlled by anyone other than himself or herself anyway.  The bill is definitely a sign of progress.  Because it was repealed in the past and has been reapproved shows a progression in the way of acceptance for other peoples’ personal decisions in America.”

-Abdullah Elgabrowny ’12, Huntingdon Pa.

“I think it’s excellent that Governor O’Malley is taking a step towards equal rights-gay marriage should be legal throughout the U.S.  I believe that it is a small sign of progression because its another step towards equal rights for all and hopefully will encourage more people and states to stop being so ignorant and close-minded.”

- Holly Brandes ’12, State College Pa.

“I completely disagree with the concept of same-sex marriage.  Passing this bill is not progression, it’s ignorance to what is really right and wrong.”

-Anonymous

“It depends which side you’re on.  If you’re a conservative, then no, but if you’re a liberal and you’re for same-sex marriage then yes, it’s progress.  I would consider it progress because isn’t the Constitution all about the rights and freedom for all?  The United States is known as the “land of the free” and if we restrict gay and lesbians rights of expression, then it is a violation of their Constitutional rights.  As long as they give us more freedom, I will consider it progress.”

-Ismail Mustafa’13, international student from the United Arab Emirates