Arguements for gay marriage

[ASanders84]

I'm taking a Model IL Govt class in college. In the beginning of March, we goto the state capitol and have a mock General Assembly session for a couple days. I am submitting a bill that would legalize gay marriage. I have about 5 minutes on the floor to speak on it. I want to come prepared with the best arguement with poll numbers and whatever else that would help get this passed. In our assembly, Democrats outnumber Republicans, but that doesn't mean all Democrats will end up voting for it. I must gather the best arguement for getting this passed. Any input on points I should bring up or poll numbers would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[AtomicKitten]

1. It's a simple message of freedom.

It is labeled "gay" marriage to invoke gay sex which creeps RW'ers out to automatically make them against it.

It simply needs to be reframed into proper terms.

[BR_Parkway]

2. It's not gay marriage - it's equal treatment for all, religious freedom

and discrimination based on sex.

equal treatment doesn't allow providing some rights and tax breaks for any group over another

my church married me, but the gov't has decided some churches marriages are worth recognizing, but not all

I can marry a woman, but not a man legally

[ClassWarrior]

3. I agree. Call it marriage rights.

The word "gay" conjures up the image of sex, which activates a negative frame in some people's minds. Call it marriage rights and ask if they want the government telling THEM who they can and can't marry.

NGU.

[TechBear_Seattle]

4. Your church did NOT marry you

Rather, the minister that conducted a legally irrelevant religious blessing was empowered by state law to witness your signatures on civil marriage documents.

Now, let us all say "Thank you" to the First Amendment and the separation of Church and State :hi: :patriot:

[TrogL]

5. Any argument against gay marriage....

...is based upon the notion that there's something wrong with homosexuality.

See the links here http://members.shaw.ca/trogl/

The rest contain logical fallacies which you can smack down one at a time.

[guidod]

10. Thank you, I was trying to figure out

how church got involved in this.

[Duncan Grant]

6. I can offer a site that may add to your research.

The Institute for Gay and Lesbian Strategic Studies: http://www.iglss.org/

[gratuitous]

7. I don't know how it is in Illinois

But in Oregon, as soon as a man and a woman say "I do" and get their marriage certificate, they're entitled to all sorts of free benefits: Rights of inheritance, rights to visit in the hospital, legal and societal recognition of their relationship, and so on. I imagine Illinois has a similar list of legal rights and privileges that appertain upon marriage.

If the words inscribed on the Supreme Court building in Washington DC are to mean anything, those words being "Equal Justice Under Law," then the legal rights and privileges should be made as freely available to same sex couples as they are to any other couple. After all, everyone pays the same taxes on income, capital gains, and other assets; why, then, isn't everyone entitled to the same legal consideration for their marriage?

It's a question of fairness and equal treatment.

[Kerrytravelers]

Who else gets to be on the back of the bus?

Today, it's the rights of gay people. We're closing in on women. Hey, lets go after black, brown, red and yellow people in that order! In a parellel move, we can target the non-Christians and those outside of the fundamentalist movement.

[Kerrytravelers]

8. self-delete. Duplicate.

Damn double-clicks. I get too passionate and start double-clicking like mad!

[Mr Rabble]

9. EVERYONE should feel the misery together!

Just joking. I love my wife with all my being.

The fact that we are even having this debate shows just how barbaric our society is.

"Homophobia- the last respected form of racism."

[dsc]

11. Here are some from Illinois self interest

Chicago would become the gay honeymoon capital of the country. Imagine all the money that would be made throwing all those weddings. Several people whose medicine and other medical care are currently being paid for by the state would have their care paid for by their spouses insurance.

More seriously, the best arguments for marriage equity are that all people should be treated equally. Currently one class of people are being totally screwed over just because another class of people think they are disobeying God.

[abex]

12. it doesn't hurt a goddamn thing nt

[ASanders84]

13. c'mon people

i didn't expect to get blasted with all this political correctness. i posted this in hopes of support and good ideas for an arguement.

[abex]

14. it doesn't hurt a goddamn thing nt

[Duncan Grant]

15. Where's your argument?

Give me a thesis statement - an outline - anything. I think many people here would be happy to help you refine a position but who's got time to write it all out for you? Have you started doing any research of your own? If so, tell me more about the strategies you're considering.

If you don't formulate the argument (and have the ability to defend it) the opposition will devour you like a cheap continental breakfast. Better you should hear this from me than from the mock governmental body you hope to convince.

Good luck with it.

[ASanders84]

18. i have some ideas

i have some bible quotes i'm going to use to annihilate the biblical view.

recite the first amendment.

talk about gay marriage in mass. does canada have gay marriage or just civil unions?

i have an article that is about mlk jr. daughter says mlk would be for gay marriage. i plan on making this point.

i need poll numbers of what percentage of people were for desegregation before it was enacted. my guess is it isn't too good, and i'm going to use that for the what, 30%? that argree with gay marriage.

i just finished my bill today. i'm just starting to put together my debate.

[Duncan Grant]

20. Do you think that's a bit too ambitious for the alloted 5 minutes?

Sorry if the following sounds terse but in the interest of time...

The use of biblical quotes and the first amendment seems to frame your legislation as a church and state issue. I'd say this will dilute your argument and soak up too much of your limited time.

Presenting win/win scenarios re: gay marriage worldwide may present more opportunities for persuasion. (Check out the website I posted up thread.) Then extrapolate the truth of gay marriage internationally to the IL audience. Why do they benefit? What will it take to build consensus? If there are myths re: gay marriage that you'd like to debunk this would be a good time to do it - but keep it brief.

Dr. King's daughter is against gay marriage, Mrs. King supported it.

I don't know where you can find the polling data you seek but I see where you're going with it - I like it. Beware that many do not equate GLBT and Black civil rights - so be prepared.

I wish I had more time tonight to devote to this - maybe I can stop back in later.

[sallyseven]

16. In Massachusetts not one marriage has failed because of a

gay marriage. Like Heterosexual ones, they divorce too. I have not notice anything except there is more tolerance of everyone.

[belpejic]

17. Love

We all should be free to love whomever we wish. If we want to make commitments to each other we should be afforded equal benefits. It all ends up as a positive for society -- we live healthier lives, we raise children, we seek stability. All good stuff.

And I'm a hetero, though I'll give you a smooch if you're good looking.

[ASanders84]

19. lol

i'm a hetero male :P