Annotated Bibliography Opposing Veigh R Diaz M 2009 Voting
Annotated Bibliographyopposingveigh R Diaz M 2009 Voting To
ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY Opposing: Veigh, R., & Diaz, M. (2009). Voting to Ban Same-Sex Marriage: Interests, Values, and Communities. American Sociological Review, 74 (6), . Retrieved from (From SFSU library database--JSTOR) This journal article is taken from American Sociological Review, the American Sociological Association's flagship journal. It mentions that there were initiatives hoping to ban same-sex marriage on the ballot in 28 states, and anti-same-sex marriage almost always won out, but it depends greatly on the geographic locations of the voters.
This article examines what are the factors that cause people to oppose same-sex marriage with deep analysis and data. In which regions that people live in oppose same-sex marriage the most. The editors, based on their research and analysis, believe that counties characterized by traditional structures and gender roles show strong opposition. Because of the tradition social and moral values emphasizes the importance of one man, one woman marriage, a lot of people who carry that belief strongly oppose same-sex marriage. Jeffress, R. (2015, June 26).
Gay marriage: Why Supreme Court got it wrong. Retrieved May 12, 2017, from court-got-it-wrong.html This is an article from Fox News, written by Pastor Robert Jeffress, who is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Dallas and also is a Fox News Contributor. Jeffress claims that Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage is disappointing and tragic, for it says states must allow same-sex marriage. He asserts that there will be conflicts and the Court can expect tons of litigation against whoever refuses to honor same-sex marriages because courts is making same-sex marriage a civil right. Religious institutions will have to face challenges for they always oppose same-sex marriage according to their beliefs.
He argues that marriage should be reserved for one man and one woman not only because same-sex marriage will bring a great amount of legal problems, but also because it defies what God says about marriage. O'Hara, M. E. (2017, February 14). Valentine's Day Petition Asks Congress to Ban Same-Sex Marriage. Retrieved May 12, 2017, from out/valentine-s-day-petition-asks-congress-ban-same-sex-marriage-n720661 This is a news report from NBC News about Jason Rapert, a Republican Senator, proposing a petition, hoping that the U.S.
Constitution can define marriage as between one man and one woman. He declares that his action is protecting human life from conception. He thinks that it has to be more clear on the Constitution about heterosexual marriage. Support: Religious Institute on Sexual Morality, Justice, and Healing. (2006). Religious Leaders Should Support Same-Sex Marriage.
In M. E. Williams (Ed.), Opposing Viewpoints. Religion in America. San Diego: Greenhaven Press. (Reprinted from An Open Letter to Religious Leaders on Marriage Equality, 2004) (From SF public library database) This is an excerpt from an open latter about viewpoint of the Religious Institute on Sexual Morality, Justice, and Healing.
In the letter, the writer states that religious leaders are “committed to promoting moral and spiritual integrity of persons and society.†He asks the leaders to consider securing the freedom to marry. With that said, he believes that same-sex marriage should be approved. Also, everyone has the right to lead lives that express love as the writer points out. Strong family is based on marriage equality marriage creates committed relationships. Marriage is about love, and spending one’s life with someone who can share joy and sorrow.
Wyatt-Nichol, H., & Naylor, L. A. (2015). Liberty and Equality: In Defense of Same-Sex Marriage. Public Integrity, 17(2), . doi:10.1080/.2015. (From SFSU library database--EBSCO) This article is written to support same-sex marriage. The writer claims that same-sex marriage is gaining more attention in society nowadays.
People have to be more serious about it. There are laws that prohibit same-sex marriage but are they really moralistic? This article examines same-sex marriage in 3 areas: equality, individual liberty, and morality. As people are reading this article, they will discover what are the true reasons of prohibiting same-sex marriage. The writer disagrees that same-sex marriage is immoral and he thinks that everyone has his/her own right to marry who he/she loves.
Campion, E. W., Morrissey, S., & Drazen, J. M. (2015, May 7). In Support of Same-Sex Marriage. New England Journal of Medicine. pp. . doi:10.1056/NEJMe. (From SFSU library database--EBSCO) This article is written by a doctor who supports same-sex marriage.
He asserts that there are health care providers who look at homosexual as an illness, and so provides health care plan to treat those people. Homosexual people often have emotional disorders because of the pressure from families and society, or even from just hiding the fact that they are homosexual. As a doctor, the writer suggests that same-sex marriage should be accepted to promote health and justice.
Paper For Above instruction
The debate surrounding same-sex marriage has been a polarizing issue within American society, touching on themes of morality, legal rights, religious beliefs, and social values. Various perspectives have been articulated over the years, with opposition often rooted in traditional, religious, and cultural beliefs, while support highlights rights to equality, liberty, and mental health benefits. This essay critically examines the opposing viewpoints on same-sex marriage, analyzing sociological, religious, legal, and health-related dimensions to provide a comprehensive understanding of the debate and its implications for policy and society.
Introduction
The legalization of same-sex marriage has been a significant social transformation in the United States, culminating in the landmark Supreme Court decision in 2015 that legalized gay marriage nationwide (Obergefell v. Hodges). Despite this federal victory, considerable opposition persists, driven by cultural, religious, and ideological factors. Understanding the roots of opposition and support is crucial for policymakers, social scientists, and civil society advocates aiming to foster inclusive and equitable communities.
Sociological Perspectives on Opposition
Veigh and Diaz’s (2009) research provides a detailed sociological analysis of opposition to same-sex marriage, focusing on regional variations and cultural values. Their study reveals that counties characterized by traditional social structures and gender roles show strong resistance to marriage equality. These areas often uphold conservative moral values emphasizing the importance of one man, one woman marriage, which they argue are deeply ingrained in societal norms. Their findings suggest that religiosity, social conservatism, and adherence to traditional gender roles significantly influence opposition to same-sex marriage (Veigh & Diaz, 2009).
This sociological view indicates that opposition is not merely a matter of personal prejudice but is heavily shaped by entrenched cultural and community values. For example, regions in the southern United States, known for their conservative social fabric, display higher levels of opposition, suggesting that geographic and cultural context play critical roles. Understanding these sociocultural dynamics can help tailor educational and outreach efforts to address misconceptions and foster dialogue in resistant communities.
Religious and Moral Opposition
Religious beliefs significantly influence opposition to same-sex marriage. Jeffress (2015) articulates a conservative Christian perspective, arguing that the Supreme Court’s decision to legalize gay marriage defies divine law and threatens societal moral fabric. He contends that marriage is a divine institution intended for one man and one woman, citing biblical principles as a basis for opposition. Jeffress warns that recognizing same-sex marriage as a civil right will lead to legal conflicts and the erosion of religious freedoms (Jeffress, 2015).
Similarly, from a religious perspective, the Open Letter from the Religious Institute on Sexual Morality, Justice, and Healing (2006), advocates for the support of marriage equality, emphasizing the moral duty of religious leaders to promote love and commitment regardless of sexual orientation. They argue that religious teachings should evolve to recognize the importance of accepting all committed relationships, fostering societal justice and affirming human dignity (Religious Institute, 2006).
Legal and Political Dimensions
The legal battles over same-sex marriage have been intense, involving arguments about constitutional rights and societal morals. Wyatt-Nichol and Naylor (2015) defend marriage equality, asserting that prohibitions are inconsistent with principles of liberty and equality. They highlight how laws discriminating against same-sex couples violate fundamental human rights and argue against the moral superiority of such prohibitions. Conversely, Jason Rapert’s (2017) petition attempting to enshrine heterosexual marriage in the Constitution reflects ongoing political efforts to oppose legalization and preserve traditional marriage definitions.
Health and Social Implications
Supporters also emphasize the health and societal benefits of recognizing same-sex marriages. Campion, Morrissey, and Drazen (2015) note that legal recognition can improve mental health outcomes for LGBTQ+ individuals by reducing social stigma and familial rejection. They argue that social acceptance and marriage equality are essential for promoting psychological well-being and societal cohesion. Conversely, opponents believe that legalizing same-sex marriage could have adverse social consequences, though these claims lack substantial empirical evidence.
Conclusion
The opposition to same-sex marriage is multifaceted, rooted in cultural, religious, legal, and moral factors. Sociological research emphasizes regional and community-based values, while religious leaders often invoke divine principles to argue against marriage equality. Legal debates center on rights and morality, with some efforts seeking constitutional protections for traditional marriage. The dialogue continues to evolve, with increasing societal acceptance balanced by persistent opposition driven by deeply held beliefs. Future dialogue requires respectful engagement, education, and acknowledgment of diverse perspectives to foster societal cohesion.
Recommendations
To promote understanding and acceptance of same-sex marriage, policymakers and advocates should focus on community education initiatives that address cultural and religious concerns compassionately. Legal frameworks should uphold nondiscrimination principles while respecting religious freedoms. Further research is needed to explore the social and health impacts of marriage equality, informing policies that support both individual rights and community cohesion. Bridging the divide requires open, respectful dialogue tailored to address the core concerns of opposing groups while affirming the fundamental human rights of LGBTQ+ individuals.
References
- Jeffress, R. (2015, June 26). Gay marriage: Why Supreme Court got it wrong. Retrieved from court-got-it-wrong.html
- O'Hara, M. E. (2017, February 14). Valentine's Day Petition Asks Congress to Ban Same-Sex Marriage. NBC News.
- Religious Institute on Sexual Morality, Justice, and Healing. (2006). Religious Leaders Should Support Same-Sex Marriage. In M. E. Williams (Ed.), Opposing Viewpoints. Religion in America. Greenhaven Press.
- Veigh, R., & Diaz, M. (2009). Voting to Ban Same-Sex Marriage: Interests, Values, and Communities. American Sociological Review, 74 (6). JSTOR.
- Wyatt-Nichol, H., & Naylor, L. A. (2015). Liberty and Equality: In Defense of Same-Sex Marriage. Public Integrity, 17(2). https://doi.org/10.1080/
- Campion, E. W., Morrissey, S., & Drazen, J. M. (2015, May 7). In Support of Same-Sex Marriage. New England Journal of Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMe
- Obergefell v. Hodges, 576 U.S. (2015).
- Supporters of Marriage Equality. (2004). An open letter to religious leaders on marriage equality. Retrieved from SF public library database.
- Jeffress, R. (2015). Why Supreme Court got it wrong. Fox News.
- Rapert, J. (2017). Valentine's Day Petition to Ban Same-Sex Marriage. NBC News.