by The Library of Congress

Will Gay Marriage and Civil Unions Hurt the United States?

With New Hampshire soon becoming the fourth state in the U.S. to offer legal recognition to gay and lesbian relationships, the “traditional marriage” debate is once again heating up.

The religious right maintains that civil unions and gay marriage will break down the traditional family. They hold firm that God meant for marriage to be between one man and one woman for the purpose of procreation. I have heard television evangelists say that our laws were derived from the 10 commandments and that we are a Christian nation. Radical right wing websites plant the seeds of fear by equating civil unions and gay marriage to legalizing pedophilia!

Fear is a very powerful emotion. Fear is what enabled Hitler to execute millions of Jewish people. Fear is what convinced the American people that invading Iraq was the right thing to do. It is easier to fear and avoid the unknown than it is to embrace change. Only education and experience can ease the

by The Library of Congress

Gay Civil Union Tips! A Celebration To Remember!

Have you and your partner decided to take the steps and join your lives together by way of a gay civil union? While you may already be committed to one another in every way possible, a gay civil union can be that little extra step to help solidify your relationship to those around you! With a bit of planning you can make your special day one to remember!

Large & Elaborate Or Small & Intimate
Take the time to sit down with your partner in order to determine how large of a gay civil union ceremony you want to have! Are you looking for a large celebration with all of your friends, family members, and co-workers? Or are you looking for a small and intimate gay civil union that will be simple, private and perhaps only have a few of your closest friends and only your immediately family members in attendance? For additional tips consider a visit to http://www.gayweddingdestinations.com/gaycivilunion. Remember that your gay civil union celebration is all about

by The Library of Congress

Survey: most favor civil unions–moral stance on homosexuality major influence on decision, report by Peter Menkin

In a newsworthy survey titled, “Majority Continues To Support Civil Unions: Most Still Oppose Same-Sex Marriage,” the Pew Report offers a telling look at the changing attitude in America for Civil Unions.

The study of considerable scope and depth says in one part:

 An August 2009 Pew Research Center survey finds that 53% oppose allowing gays and lesbians to marry legally, compared with 39% who support same-sex marriage, numbers that are virtually unchanged over the past year.   In the October 9, 2009 Pew Survey  from The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, this shorter article will speak at the end of the article on the survey’s question regarding Homosexuality and Morality. Other sections discussed first are: Same Section Marriage Issue Continues to Divide; Advocates Split on Strategy; Most Favor Civil Unions; Homosexuality and Morality; Moral Views Underpin Policy Decisions; Discrimination Against Gays and Lesbians; and, About the Survey.   A PDF

by The Library of Congress

Civil Unions

Civil Unions are legal contracts brought about by a voluntary union for life (or until divorce) of same-sex couples.  These unions are recognized by state governments, appointing similar legal rights and benefits that a contract of marriage would provide.  Although, civil unions do not take affiliation with religion, as does marriage.  Civil unions are also known, in some states and countries, as domestic partnerships.  The two terms are interchangeable, when relating to laws and regulations.  

In 1989 the country of Denmark contracted civil unions to allow same-sex couples rights similar to those of married couples.  In 2000, Vermont was the first state to create civil unions in the United States.  The state allowed same-sex couples to have some legal rights and responsibilities, although the rights did not extend past Vermont’s state borders. Civil unions currently exist in very few states.  Oregon, New Hampshire, Vermont and Iowa are currently four of