The Gay-rights movement has been a long going issue since 1924. Over the course of the last century there has been many changes in the views and rights of homosexuals. Recently, in the past few years the issues of same-sex marriage has come to light. 1984, in the city of Berkeley, California marked the first city to offer its employees domestic-partnership benefits. In 2000, Vermont became the first state in the country to legally recognize civil unions between gay or lesbian couples. On May 17, 2004 same-sex marriages become legal in Massachusetts. In recent years other states have begun following in Massachusetts footsteps. On July 17, 2013 Queen Elizabeth II approved same-sex marriage bill for England and Wales. Her approval comes a day after it passes in Parliament. While the queen's approval is simply a formality, her quick response clears the way for the first gay marriages to happen as soon as 2014 in England and Wales. The bill allows same-sex couples to marry in both religious and civil ceremonies. It also allows couples currently in a civil partnership to convert it into a marriage. Scotland is currently considering its own new legislation on same-sex marriage. The issue, however, still remains controversial.
Religion plays a big factor in many peoples' views on this extremely controversial issue. I believe that they should have a right to marry who they please, even if I don't agree with it. My beliefs shouldn't stand in the way of someone's rights. We say we are a country that believes in equality, but wouldn't limiting the rights of our people go against that? I wouldn't want someone telling me who I can and can't marry. You can't help who you love. I don't think religion should even play a part in politics because of the fact that so many people have different beliefs. I think if we are a country that believes in equality, then we should have equality for ALL of our people, no matter who they are.
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