Gay Marriage Rights Now a Global Reality

By John Aruna Massaquoi

This book is a whistle blower to the world that
the long uncompromising denial of gay marriage
rights is now becoming a global reality. The
struggle between gay activists and homophobia
against samesex marriage had almost come to
an end with religious groups and politicians losing the battle.
This became possible as a result of gay aggressive activists of
public pressure, for these minority group with different sexual
identity that has awaken the world bodies, like the United Nations,
the European parliament, and the United States of America. To
date the international community has recognized that gay rights,
are human rights, and human rights are gay rights, and has to be
accepted globally.
This signals the end of violence against [LGBT] people based on
sexual orientation, and gender identity. Since the law is now on
the side of gay for protection.
The book reflects the efforts of gay rights activists and
achievement they have made in recognition of gay marriage by
the international bodies, starting with Europe, with the first gay
marriage in Netherlands, followed by Belgium, Norway, Spain,
and Portugal, etc, Samesex marriage in the united states is
not federally recognized, but such marriages are becoming more
and more recognized by many states.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jun 20, 2013
• ISBN: 9781481743334

Book preview

© 2013 by John Aruna Massaquoi. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 06/14/2013

ISBN: 978-1-4817-4334-1 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4817-4333-4 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2013907221

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

CONTENTS

Introduction

Dedication

Look Ahead

American Share Of A Contentious Debate On Same-Sex Marriage

Massachusetts Dicision And Its Aftermath

INTRODUCTION

This book is about human sexuality and civil right issues with regard to the world marginalized gay minority community, because of their sexual orientation. It is hope that the book will serve as a whistle blower to the world that the long uncompromising denial of gay marriage rights, is now becoming a global reality. That the struggle between gay activists, and homophobia against same-sex marriage had almost come to an end with religious groups and politicians losing the battle.

This has become possible as a result of gay aggressive activists of public pressure, for this minority group with difference sexual identity, that has awaken the world bodies, like the united nations, the European parliament, and the united states. To date the international community has recognized that gay rights are human rights, and human rights are gay rights, and has to be accepted globally.

This signals the end of violence against [LGBT] people. Based on sexual orientation and gender identity. As the law is also now on the side of gay for protection.

This book reflects the efforts of gay rights activists, and the achievement they have made in the recognition of gay marriage, by international bodies. Starting with Europe, the world first gay marriage, followed by Belgium, Norway, Spain, and Portugal,etc.

Same-sex marriage in the united states is not federally recognized. But such marriages are recognized by many states.connecticut,Massachusetts, New Hampshire,New York, and Vermont, plus Washington.

While 75 countries will imprison you if you are gay, only 53,have anti discrimination laws, that apply to sexuality, only 26, countries that recognized same-sex marriage.

Reading this book will give you details of gay rights recognition by continents and countries, and the decriminization of gay acts in many parts of the world. based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Excluding those that are still unwilling to recognized gay rights, as human rights, Such countries are the Caribbean, the middle east, and part of Africa. Which indicate that the international struggle has achieved enormous social and legal victories, in the past 10 years, is not yet completed. But there are people in the international community that stand by them, and support them, and that change will come, because the UN said that [LGBT] rights are not special rights ,but parts and parcel of fundamental human rights. we all enjoy.

DEDICATION

I have personally written and dedicate this book to all the brave activists men and women who have been in the battle to fight for gay marriage rights. These people whom I so greatly admire. On there extraordinally sacrifice in been at the front line of the struggle, that have showed great courage and conviction in the face of bigotry and intolerance, whom some have literally given their lives for this cause I say to all those who have die in this cause, that their collective contribution in the fight for equality had brought about the present recognition of gay marriage

And for the surviving heroes I say to you bravo, on your victories, for you have lived to see this day to gain your reward in your achievement. May we all now start to enjoy the benefit of equality in marriage rights, gay/straight.

This book is a sign of my compassionate love of liberty for mankind, thus not gay, but my hate for oppression had push me from the fence to .join in the fight for civil rights. My sexuality have nothing to do with my consciences of what I see right on equal marriage law with gay. I therefore want the public to join me in blowing this whistle to the world that the gay marriage rights, is now a global reality through the sale and distribution of this book.

S o many people around the world lack that essential emotion compassion, that will help the survival of the species. Indeed the hostility visited upon LGBT people, is very strong indicator in our time of deficiency.

All sorts of rationalization have trotted out by ignorant, and/or hatefully homophobic to try to justify discrimination against LGBT people. Ranging from maintaining traditional family values, to linking gay people with pedophiles, to causing all sort of societal calamities.

The vary irrationality of their arguments in favor of deprivation of civil rights to LGBT people, both bespeaks lack of compassion as it bespeaks gullibity and/or lack of compassion of those who make their rhetoric seriously.

In the previous Book which states that the passionate passion usually has their roots in that which is blemished crippled, incomplete, and insecure within us? The passionate attitude is less a response, to stimuli from without then as emotions of an inner dissatisfaction. A poignant dissatisfaction .whatever be it cause, Is at bottom a dissatisfaction with our selves. It is surprising how much hardship and humiliation, a man will endure without bitterness. When he has not the least doubt his worth, or when he is so integrated with others that he is not aware of a separate self.

And it is to this phenomenon every person who possesses both critical intellect and necessary emotion of compassion must turn to help understand. why there are some homophobes. Who make their homophobia something like a career? So many spent an inordinate amount of time condemning god’s LGBT children, and one must understand that their animus ultimately resides, not in the object of their hatred, but in their own psyches, that betrays their blemishes, crippled natures, in completeness, and insecurities.

After all if someone is emotionally and sexually intact, why would there be a need for their obsessive condemnation of other consenting adults, emotional /sexual orientation?

However is same-sex marriage, for example, going to adversely affect any one’s heterosexual marriage?

Clearly there can be no rational answer to that rhetorical question. If anything same-sex marriage will enhance the institution of marriage? Indeed increasing legitimacy, will accrue to the institution of marriage the more people partake of its rights, privileges, and responsibilities. So people who are genuinely concerned with their, future of the institution of marriage should be working to minimize divorce, and encourage same-sex couples, who wish to make life time commitment to each other to marry.

Yet we have many religious {and secular} people who try and prevent same-sex couples, from partaking of the very institution from which they benefit. Thereby encouraging fornication as one of their prejudices. By product, and they even the temerity to claim the right to discriminate in the name of god. So, would they have us believe that god would prefer fornication, over marriage among gay people?

Can they be clueless that they could reasonably expect gay people can .should, and must lead celibate lives while only heterosexuals, can and should fulfill one of human beings most primal urges?

The irrational of homophobic rhetorical shows a clear deficiency on the part of homophobes. Regarding lives of compassion as it does their dissatisfaction with their own lot in life. Why else spend such an inordinate amount of time thinking about, and condemning the emotion/sexual lives of others.

Emotional/ sexually intact people aren’t particularly concerned, with the emotional and sexual lives of others adults. They are likely to have a live and let approach to such matters.

However when someone has an inordinate fascination with condemning others, that condemnation betrays on emotional deficiency that make compassion very difficult, if not impossible, to have or sustain.

And if a Christian, [or any other decent person] can be characterized by anyone characteristic, that characteristic is compassion!

Christians are to be agents of god grace in this world. We are to preach and live out the gospel of grace, faith, love, peace, reconciliation and inclusiveness! And those who condemn others, those who seek to deprive others of civil rights, those who help to create fear, and hatred of others, have show by their words, and/or deeds that they are neither Christians nor even decent people.

We should make no mistake; homophobes are absolutely no different in their mind-set. And in their emotional deficiencies than were, and are white supremacists. Both groups partake of the need to discriminate, and hate in order for the awareness of their own emotional deficiencies, to be overridden by their condemnation of others.

Condemnation act as an imperfect and temporary band-aid to help heal haters, own emotional woundedness, a woundedness that they don’t have the courage to bring themselves to face. Confront, and overcome. So, they take the cowards way out and rather than deal, with the beam in their own eye, they feel the need to manufacture a beam in a minority group, whom they perceive it is safe to persecute.

And when that particular minority group is no longer considered safe to persecute, they will search for another minority group. Upon which they vent their anger. Anger born of their own emotional deficiencies that they cloak in religious trapping. So that they can try and stake a claiming’ ‘godliness, virtue and morality, in fact their own rhetoric and actions show them to manifest the greatest from of ungodliness, lack of virtue, and immorality, the sin of pride in their oppression of others.

Jesus never condemned gay people. But He sure spent quite a bit of time condemning the proud, the haughty, and the legalists, who condemned and discriminate against other. All the while claiming to impose those yoke in the name of god.

If haters didn’t have an object to hate, they would be forced to confront their own emotional, blemishes, crippled natures, incompleteness, insecurities, deficiencies, and frailties and that is the lasting thing a moral coward feels he/she can afford to do.

N owadays things had changed, there is a gradual cultural shift under way worldwide view towards gay individual and gay rights. While public attitudes haven’t moved consistently in gay and lesbian’s favor every year the general trend is clearly in that direction. This year the shift is an apparent record high level of the public, seeing gay and lesbian relations as morally acceptable. Meanwhile support for legalizing marriages and or the legality of gay and lesbian relations more generally is near record highs

Here are some of the successes of gay human rights victories, leading to same-sex marriages around the world .which was most despicable before now. In many countries around the globe, the institution of marriages is influx. As government consider whether to allow gay and lesbian couples, the right to married or enter into other legally recognized forms of domestic partnership. Currently around the world, mostly Europe offer varying levels of marriage rights to gay couples.

Countries that now allow gay marriage are:

{1}   The Netherland

{2}   Belgium

{3}   Spain

{4}   Canada

{5}   South Africa

{6}   Norway

{7}   Sweden

[8]   NEW ZEALAND

[9]   PORTUGAL

[10]   HUNGARY

[11]   ICELAND

[12]   ITALY

[13]   ISRAEL

[14]   MEXICO—CITY

[15]   ARGENTINA

[16]   THE NETHERLAND

AMERICAN STATES THAT ALLOW SAME-SEX MARRIAGES.THE RECOGNITION OF CIVIL UNION OR SAME-SEX PARTNERSHIP.

[17]   MARYLAND

[18]   NEW JERSEY

[19]   WASHINGTON

[20]   CALIFORNIA

[21]   NEW YORK

[22]   DALEWARE

[23]   HAWAII

[24]   MAINE

[25]   NEW HAMSHIRE

[26]   VERMONT

[27]   IOWA ILLINOIS

I n December 2002 the Netherland became the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. When the Dutch parliament passed by a three to one margin. Its landmark bill allowing the practice. The legislature gave same-sex couples the rights to marry divorce and adopt children. The legislation attend a single sentence in the existing civil marriage statute, which now reads A marriage can be contracted by two people or the same-sex.

The opposition in parliament came from Christian Democratic party, which at the time was not part of the government coalition. After the law went into effect, The protestant church in the Netherlands, which represent about 12% of the country population announce that individual congregation could decide whether to conduct same-sex marriage ceremonies. Although Muslims and conservative groups continue to oppose the law. As well as homosexuality itself. Same-sex marriage is widely accepted by the Dutch public.

In April 2001 the mayor of Amsterdam officiated at ceremonies of the first gay couples to be married. More than 2400 same-sex couples marriage in Netherlands .within 9 months of the passage of the new law. According to government figure, since them the annual number of same-sex marriage has declined from 1,838 in 2002 to 1, 371 in 2007.

BELGIUM {2005}

Beginning in 1998, the Belgium parliament offered limited rights to same-sex couples through registered partnership, same-sex couples could register with a city clerk and formally assume joint responsibility for household. Five years later, In January 2003 the Belgium parliament legalized same-sex marriage, giving gay and same-sex the same tax and inheritance rights as heterosexual couples.

Support for the law came from the Flemish speaking and the French speaking south .and the law generated surprisingly little controversy across the country. The long-dominant Christian Democratic Party, traditionally allied with the Catholic Church, was out of power when the law the parliament passed the measure.

The 2003 law allowed Belgian same-sex couples and recognized as married those from other countries where same-sex marriage was legal Those provisions were broadened in 2004 to allow any same-sex couples to marry as long one member of the couple had lived in Belgium for at least three months. In 2006 the parliament also granted same-sex partners to adopt children. About 3800 couples same-sex couples had married in Belgium as of 2006.

SPAIN {2005}

A closely divided parliament legalized same-sex marriage in 2005, guaranteeing identical rights to all marriage couples regardless of sexual orientation. The new measure adds brief new languages to the existing marriage statute. Which now read marriage will have the same requirement and results when the two people—entering into the contract are of the same-sex or different sexes? Vatican officials as well as the catholic Spanish Bishop conference strongly critized the law, and large crowds demonstrated in Madrid for and against measure, After the law went in to effect the country’s constitution court rejected challenges from two municipal court judges who had refused marriage licenses to same-¹sex couples. The high court ruled that the lower court judges lacked legal standing to bring the suits.

According to the survey by instito opina, private Spanish polling organization approximately {62%} of the public favored the legislation on the day before, it was passed. Nine months later about the same number {61%} supported the measure. More than 10000 same-sex couples had married in Spain at the end of 2005.The first same-sex divorce was granted in June 2006

CANADA [2005}

Same-sex couples in Canada gained most of their legal benefit of marriage in 1999 when the federal provisional government extended common law marriage to gay and lesbian couples Though a series of court cases beginning in 2003 same-sex marriage gradually became legal in Nine of the country’s 13 provinces and territories in 2005 the Canadian parliament passed legislation making same-sex marriage legal nationwide.

A Canadian Broadcasting corporation survey conducted three months before the law enacted found that 52% Canadians oppose the legislation. But one month after passed of the law 55 % favored keeping it on the books. That number stood at 58% in December 2006. In 2006 lawmakers defeated an effort by the ruling conservative party of Canada to reconsider the issue .leaving the law unchanged.

SOUTH AFRICA [2006]

The South African parliament legalized same-sex marriage in 2006.One year after the country’s highest court had ruled that the existing marriage laws violated the South African constitution guarantee

Marriage of equal rights. The new law allows for religious institutions and civil officials to refuse to conduct same-sex marriage ceremonies. A provision that cities claim it violates the rights of same-sex couples under key constitution.

The new measure by a margin greater than five—to one, with support coming from both the governing African national congress, as well as main opposition party. The Democratic alliance. However the traditional monarch of the Zulu people, who account for about fifth of the country’s population maintain that homosexuality is morally wrong.

NORWAY [2009]

As of January 2009 gay couples in Norway can legally marriage. Adopt children, and undergo artificial insemination. The new law replaced the 1993 law permitting civil unions. The 2009 law was passed despites resistance from members of the Christian Democratic party and the progressive party .as well as a public controversy over state funding for fertility treatments for lesbian couples.

According a pool conducted by Norwegian newspaper two months prior to the enactment of the new law. A majority of the public {58%] said they supported propose law to legalized gay marriage. Only 31% of the public oppose it the largest religious group in the country the Lutheran afflicted-church of Norway was split over the issue. Following the passage of the new law, the church leaders voted to prohibit its pastors from conducting same-sex weddings.

SWEDEN [2009]

In April 2009, the Swedish parliament voted by an overwhelmingly majority to legalize same-sex marriage gay couples. In Sweden had been allowed to register to civil unions since 1995.The new law allow gay and lesbian to marry in religious and civil ceremonies, but it does not require a clergy to officiate such ceremonies. The Lutheran-affiliated church of Sweden, to which roughly three quarter of Swedes belongs. Has offered blessing for same sex partnership.

Since January 2007, 71% of Swedes said they would support gay couples, rights to marry. According to a poll conducted by SIFO institute similarly a January 2009 poll conducted by sveriges Television found that 68% of pastors in the Lutheran church of Sweden said they would officiate gay marriages in their marriages? There is substantial support in Sweden for same-sex marriage. In January 2008, 71% of Swedes said they would same-sex marriages. Since January 2007, In October 2009 the church will decides whether to bless same-sex marriages.

MAY 8,2012: NORTH CAROLINA.

Voter in the state approve a constitutional amendment defining marriage solely as a union between man and woman.

March 1, 2012, MARYLAND, U.S.

Governor, Martin O’ malley signs into law a bill that would legalize same-sex marriage. The law won’t take effect until 2013 though, and risk repeal if opponents gather enough signatures to force a referendum on November.

FEB, 17, 2012: NEW JERSEY US.

Governor, Chris Christie vetoes a bill allowing same-sex marriage in New Jersey. His decision came a day after, the state assembly passed the bill. Christie, a republican who oppose same-sex marriage had vow very swift action once the bill reached his desk.

FEB, 13, 2012 Washington US.

Washington state Governor, Chris Gregoire signs a gay marriage into law effective in June. However if opponents gather enough signatures, to force a referendum. It might not take effect until November at the earliest.

CALIFORNIA.

JAN. 1, 2012: DELAWARE AND HAWAII.

There two American states begin recognized one month after New York lawmakers narrowly vote to legalize same-sex marriage. New York becomes the sixth US states where gay couples can wed.

AUG, 4, 2010: CALIFORNIA, US.

A, US federal court judge overturns proposition 8, California’s controversial same-sex marriage ban.

JULY 15, 2010: ARGENTINA.

Argentina’s senate votes in favor of same-sex marriage bill, making it the first country in Latin America to grant same-sex marriages, all the rights of heterosexual unions.

July 7, 2010: HAWAII, US.

Hawaii’s governor vetoes legislation that would have allowed same-sex civil unions. Gov, Linda Lingle told a news conference the bill would have allowed same-sex marriage by another name.

JUNE 27, 2010 ICELAND.

A law allowing same-sex marriage comes into force in Iceland. That same day, Prime Minister Johanna Sigurdardottir wed her long time partner Jonira.Beodottir.

JUNE 5, 2010, PORTUGAL.

Same-sex marriage becomes legal in Portugal, almost three weeks after the country conservative president signed a gay-marriage bill into law. President Am bal cava co Silva said he did not veto the bill because the majority liberal lawmakers would only overturn his decision.

MARCH 4, 2010, MEXICO CITY, MEXICO.

The law allowing same-sex marriage in the city comes in to effect.

NOV 4, 2009, MAINE, US.

Maine voters repeal a state law that would have allowed same-sex couples to wed. State law makers had voted in favor of same-sex marriage the previous May.

JUNE 3, 2009: NEW HAMPSHIRE, US.

New Hampshire becomes the sixth states to legalize same-sex marriage. After the state house and the senate pass legislation. The governor signs both into law the same day.

MAY 18, 2009, WASHINGTON STATE, US.

Washington governor Chris Gregoire signs into law a bill that extend all the demonstrate rights and benefits of heterosexual marriage to same-sex couples. The everything but marriage law would be upheld in a referendum in November.

MAY 9, 2009: HUNGARAY.

Hungary’s official government publication, announce that gay couples will be able to register domestic partnerships, beginning July 1, provided both partners are at least 18 years old.

APRIL 7, 2009: VERMONT, US.

Vermont became the first to recognize gay marriage, At the same time, Washington D.C also move to recognize same-sex unions performed in other states.

APRIL 3, 2009, IOWA, US.

Iowa became the third state to allow same-sex marriages. after state supreme court unanimously uphold lower court’s decision, to strike down a 1998 state law defining marriage as a union between man and woman.

Several couples rush to tie the knot. On April 27, the day ruling took effect.

OCT, 10, 2009: CONNECTICUT, US.

Connecticut legalize same-sex marriage. The move came after eight same-sex couples sued the state, which had only allowed then to be joined through civil unions. The state supreme court ruled 4-3 in their favor.

FEB, 9, 2007 ITALY.

The Italian cabinet approves legislation to grant legal rights to unmarried couples—both same-sex and heterosexual—but stop short of allowing gay marriage.

NOV, 21, 2006: ISRAEL.

Israel’s high court justice rules that two gay men married in Canada, as well as four other, same-sex couples wedded abroad, should have their union recognized in Israel.

NOV 7, 2006, THE US VOTES.

Voters in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin are asked whether they support a ban on same-sex marriage. The ballot measure passes in all states except Arizona, where it would be ratified two years later.

OCT 25, 2006: NEW JERSEY .US.

New Jersey Supreme Court rules that same-sex couples are entitled to the same civil rights as heterosexual couples. Gay married is still not approved in the state.

DEC, 9, 2004: NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand passes the civil union bill to recognize unions between heterosexual couples and unmarried heterosexuals giving them the same—rights as married couples in child custody. Taxes and welfare.

1961: THE US.

Illinois repeals it’s sodomy laws making it the first state in the US to decriminalize homosexuality between consenting adults in private. The law take effect in 1962 Connecticut follows in 1969, with the taking effect in 1971, in the 1970’s a rush of other states decriminalize homosexuality.

LOOK AHEAD

N epal could be the next country to legalize gay marriage if it national government canines out mandate by the country’s high court to introduce same-sex marriage legislation by 2010.

COUNTRIES THAT BAN GAY MARRIAGES;

Meanwhile, other countries including Honduras, Latvia, and Uganda, banned same-sex marriage in 2005, Nigeria could be the next country to outlaw same-sex marriage. If legislation introduce in January is passed and in Greece a court in May 2009, ruled that two same-sex marriage performed the year before were illegal and therefore void. In addition, at least 70 countries explicitly outlaw homosexuality.

REGISTERED PARTNERSHIP AND LEGAL ARRANGEMENT

The extension of legal rights to same sex couples began in 1989, when Denmark created registered partnership that extended to property and inheritance right to same-sex couples. This mark the first time a national government guaranteed gay and lesbian household some of the legal rights long held by heterosexual married couples. Norway took similar action in1993, followed by Sweden in 1995, and Iceland in 1996, other European countries soon follow suit. Other nations in Europe South America and elsewhere have expanded the rights of same-sex