This document discusses gay marriage and homosexuality. It defines gay marriage as the legal union between same-sex partners and homosexuality as sexual attraction to people of the same sex. Some key facts provided are that gay marriage is legal in 19 U.S. states, 61% of 18-29 year old Republicans support it, and 16 countries allow same-sex marriage. The document argues that gay marriage and homosexuality are important topics because marriage is a personal, legal union that should not be denied based on sexuality, and discrimination against those who are homosexual is a violation of basic human rights similar to racism.

1. Gay Marriage and
Homosexuality
VICTORIA AYON

2. WHAT IS IT?
 Gay marriage is the legal acknowledgment of union
between partners of the same sex.
 Homosexuality is the sexual attraction to people of
the same sex.

3. Facts
 Gay marriage is legal in 19 states. (Not nearly enough).
 Of the Republicans, the age group with the highest amount of support for same-sex
marriage ranges from 18-29. 61% of them support it.
 16 countries, mostly in Europe and South America have laws that allow same-sex
marriage.
 Sometimes civil unions are granted between same-sex couples, but don’t provide the
same federal benefits they would get, if they were a straight couple.

4. Why are these topics important?
 Gay marriage is a very important topic because marriage is the legal union
between partners. It’s a personal matter. It should not be pertaining to others,
nor should it be illegal. It’s unconstitutional. Gay marriage is ONLY legal in 19
states. It’s 2014. Nearly all states should have gay marriage legalized by now.
We’re afraid of what we don’t understand. There’s nothing to understand
except that people should be able to do what they want, with who they want,
without others putting their two cents in, and choosing to take away from
someone’s basic human rights.
 Homosexuality is important because there are still homophobes and
discrimination against anyone who even slightly falls under the category of
homosexuality. Discrimination is discrimination. It doesn’t matter who is being
discriminated, it’s unacceptable and wrong. Homosexual discrimination is
essentially the same thing as racism. They both, at one point were, and are
taking away from one’s freedoms because of who they are. We got past
racism and discrimination; we should realize that we’re repeating the same
mistakes.

5. FACT CITATIONS
 http://www.cnn.com/2013/05/28/us/same-sex-marriage-fast-facts/
 http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/topics/gay-marriage-and-homosexuality/