1. Civil Unions and Gay Marriage Sydney Cantor

2. Historical Background 1951: The first national gay rights organization formed 1973: Homosexuality is removed off the official list of mental disorders 1978: Milk begins his term as a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors by sponsoring a civil rights bill that outlaws sexual orientation discrimination. 1993: The “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy is instituted for the U.S. military 2000: Vermont becomes the first state in the country to legally recognize civil unions 2008: California supreme court rules that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry. Six months later, voters approved a ban for same-sex marriages, called Proposition 8.

3. Current State President Obama signed a referendum in 2009 allowing the same- sex partners of federal employees to receive benefits. "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" military policy was officially repealed Six state governments have passed laws offering same-sex marriage: New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont, and Hew Hampshire In June 2011, New York lawmakers voted to legalize same-sex marriage

4. Opposing Viewpoints For the Legalization of Same- Sex Marriages Denying them is a violation of religious freedom Marriage benefits should be available to all couples Homosexuality is an accepted lifestyle nowadays with most evidence strongly supporting biological causation The number of child adoptions should increase Against the Legalization of Same-Sex Marriages Most religions consider homosexuality a sin It would further weaken the traditional family values It could provide a slippery slope in the legality of marriage It confuses children about gender roles and expectations of society

5. Obama/Democratic Position Against the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) Gay and lesbian couples should have the same rights as straight couples Consistent advocate for equality Obama signing the certification ending the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy

6. Republican Party Position Calls for a constitutional amendment that fully protects marriage as a union of a man and a woman Believes that a two parent family provides the best environment

7. Rick Perry’s Position Signed the National Organization for Marriage’s Pledge In favor of federal constitutional marriage amendment Must defend the Defense of Marriage Act Recently met with some of the most anti-gay activists Homosexuals are inappropriate role models for adolescent boys

8. Mitt Romney’s Position Pushed vote in MA against gay marriage Believes that marriage is a sacred institution between a man and a woman Supports a gay marriage ban

9. Michele Bachmann’s Position “Children need a mother and father” Signed the National Organization for Marriage’s pledge A former patient from Bachmann’s Christian counseling clinic was advised to “pray away the gay”