Assignment 1: Hot Topics1: Part 1 Gay Marriage Timeline

Hello Everyone,

FYI: Assignment 1 will be posted in 2 blog entries. Part 1 will focus on the timeline of Gay Marriage and the second will focus on the theory around this issue.

Intro: The following blog entry is about the timeline of gay marriage and some theory regarding how some theory plays into this particular protest and conflict. The timeline section will focus on the timeline based on the legalization of gay marriage in Massachusetts and the key events that played into this movement. The theory section will focus on the social movement theory, the rational approach, and the emotional/cultural approach as well as how supporters and opponents fall into each theory.

Part A: The timeline of the same sex marriage/relationships is a broad and huge subject. If you want a full coverage of court decisions relating to gay relationships, see the following link from the HRC website at: http://www.hrc.org/justice/resources/justice_timeline.pdf. In the interest of length, I will focus on Massachusetts. It is the first state in the United States to legalize gay marriage. “A Timeline of Events Involving Gay Marriage in Massachusetts” is an article that gives a great description. And the following is the time line of 4-6 major key events for the legality of approving same-sex marriage in Massachusetts (reference at the end of the blog):

April 11, 2001 Seven same-sex couples, denied marriage licenses, sue in Suffolk Superior Court in Boston to challenge the state's gay marriage ban.

Nov. 18, 2003 The SJC rules it is unconstitutional to bar gay couples from marriage, and gives the Legislature 180 days to come up with a solution to allow gays to wed. President Bush, in a visit to London, criticizes the decision and vows to work with Congress to "defend the sanctity of marriage."

Feb. 4, 2004 Acting on a request from state lawmakers, the SJC clarifies its earlier ruling, saying only full, equal marriage rights for gay couples rather than civil unions are constitutional.

Feb. 11, 2004 Massachusetts Legislature opens constitutional convention with debate on a proposed constitutional ban on gay marriage and adjourns a day later deadlocked, after failing to pass three separate proposed bans on same-sex marriage.

March 29, 2004 State Legislature approves proposed constitutional amendment that would ban gay marriage but legalize Vermont-style civil unions.

March 31, 2004 State Attorney General Thomas F. Reilly says gay marriage will apply only to Massachusetts residents because of a 1913 state law that prevents out-of-staters from getting married in Massachusetts if they are ineligible for marriage in the state where they live.

Part B: Now I will look at 3 – 4 key events that have (and still do) affect this movement:

1. In the 1960’s/1970’s after a serious of raids of gay bars. John D’Emilio, in his article, “The Gay Liberation Movement” says, “The Stonewall Inn was an especially inviting target. Operating without a liquor license, reputed to having ties with organized crime, and offering scantily clad go-go boys as entertainment, it brought an ‘unruly’ element to Sheridan Square, a busy Villiage Intersection” (D’Emilo 36). After that, it lead the gay community to pull together and start their journey to obtain equality. This is a key event because it allowed his group to legally obtain all the rights straight couples receive in marriage. This was one of many targets that the police raided and allowed this movement to begin.

2. As the timeline above shows the legality of approving same sex marriage in Massachusetts, it was the first state in the United States to allow same sex marriage. It allowed for in state gay couples to marry. This is a key event that leads to other states to allow same sex couples to marry. Other states include Connecticut, Iowa, Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire (NH signed into law today see following link at foxnews.com: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/06/03/new-hampshire-lawmakers-approve-gay-marriage/).

3. Lastly, the California situation is another key event. Since the approval of marriage last year, it has been in a constant state of flux. Last, roughly May, the state law banning gay marriage was overturned. Then, in the last election, a voter approved proposition (Prop. 8 in California and 102 in Arizona) constitutional ban on gay marriage. A week ago, that ban was upheld, but those who did marry remain married. Now the movement is going to put another ballot on the ticket for the next election.

These three events affected the movement because it shows how far the group has come in fighting for and obtaining the rights they deserve in regards to their status quo in society. It also shows that some people still opposes the gay community while others embrace them. As shown, the citizens in each state are actively involved in this issue. This has come a long way and looks like the momentum of equality started after 6 states officially approved same sex marriage.

Sincerely,

Steven Weingarten