Social Benefits of same-sax marriages in USA. The legalization of same-sex marriage benefits both LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) people and America as a nation. As two major Supreme Court decisions about same-sex marriage (Proposition 8 and DOMA) loom on the horizon, it’s an opportune time to refocus attention on the many advantages associated with the pursuit and achievement of marriage equality. There are at least seven ways in which the legalization of gay marriage is beneficial for LGBT Americans and the United
States of America. 1. Promotes Equality and Non-Discrimination in Society Millions of LGBT people contribute daily to American life in a multitude of ways culturally, socially, financially, politically, vocationally, and spiritually. We are fundamental to this nation’s continued growth and evolution and the U. S. A. would suffer greatly from the withdrawal of our many contributions. The legalization of same-sex marriage affirms the inherent worthiness of LGBT people as valued American citizens deserving of equal rights under the law.
This promotion of equality nd non-discrimination plays an extremely important role in reducing homophobia and in affirming a minority group in society which has for so long endured significant discrimination and stigmatization. Legalizing same-sex marriage communicates to millions of people across the country that gay relationships are of equal value to straight relationships, thereby helping to reduce intergroup prejudice and supporting cultural diversity. 2. Fosters Psychological, Physical, and Social Wellbeing Amongst LGBT People Same-sex couples are excluded from the institution of arriage in 38 states.
Furthermore, the federal government denies legally married same-sex couples more than 1000 federal rights and benefits associated with marriage. This discrimination and institutional exclusion negatively impacts LGBT people in a variety of tangible and practical ways. It can also cause psychological distress, social conflict and ill-health. Equal allocation of marriage rights and benefits to same-sex couples assists LGBT people in a practical sense and the elimination of relationship discrimination helps promote psychosocial and physical well-being.
It is to America’s benefit when LGBT people are given the freedom to achieve their full potential in life without having to waste precious time and resources battling for basic equality. The act of discrimination is an essentially destructive societal behavior which, ultimately, brings negative consequences both to the oppressors and the oppressed. Ending discrimination in marriage laws goes some way to correcting this. 3. Assists with the De-politicization of LGBT Rights The politicization of LGBT rights as a left vs right issue has been one of the any “culture wars” that has plagued American society in recent decades.
The battle between pro-equality “liberals” and anti-equality “conservatives” continues to characterize the state by state legalization ot same-sex marriage. Democratic politicians have successfully led legislative efforts to legalize gay marriage in nine states. President Obama’s support of marriage equality, Bill Clinton’s abandonment of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), and Democratic voters’ support of marriage equality contrast strikingly with the situation on the Republican side.