For much of American history, indeed, for much of world history, homosexuality has been a taboo subject. Often, it has been considered a crime in itself. Yet today, millions of gay and lesbian Americans are not only open about their sexuality, they are campaigning for new laws which they say would grant them the same rights accorded to heterosexuals, including the right to marry. Same-*** marriage, now legal in Massachusetts, Ontario and the Netherlands, places gay and lesbian relationships on a legal par with traditional families for the first time in Western history.
What’s more, there’s been a notable shift in the public’s attitudes toward homosexuality over the last two decades. Not all that long ago, for example, it would have been unimaginable to have an openly gay bishop, as the Episcopalian church now does. About half of Americans now say in surveys that homosexuality should be considered an acceptable alternative lifestyle, compared to only one in three people 20 years ago.
At the same time, though, surveys indicate Americans have mixed feelings about how far the government should go in codifying rights for gays and lesbians. Many Americans still view homosexuality as objectionable -- even a sin -- and many see gay rights as an assault on the traditional family and an effort to win government approval for sexual behavior that they view as deviant.
Gay rights remains an emotionally charged issue, and it’s clear the issue will continue to have ramifications not just for public policy but for American society as well.
Civil rights or special rights
Gay rights activists say it’s a matter of equality: They suggest that homosexuals should have the same rights and protections as heterosexuals, including:
Protection against discrimination in employment, housing and immigration.
An expansion of hate crime laws to specifically include sexual orientation.
Domestic partner benefits similar to those granted to married couples.
The right to marry or have their relationships recognized in "civil unions."
The ability to serve in the military without hiding their sexuality.
Others, though, say special rights shouldn’t be granted on the basis of behavior -- particularly one that many Americans find offensive. And some say that current laws are adequate to protect all Americans, regardless of their sexual orientation.
For many Americans, the issue hinges on the question of whether homosexuality is a choice or an innate characteristic with which people are born.
Advocates of gay rights say sexual orientation, like race or disability, can’t be changed, and therefore homosexuals should be protected like any other minority group. Opponents argue that homosexuality is a lifestyle choice that shouldn’t be rewarded. Many objections to gay rights have religious roots. Most major religions oppose homosexuality as a violation of the law of God, and point to human anatomy and reproduction as proof that same-Sexintercourse is unnatural. But even within denominations, there are many who call for tolerance.
Many opponents of gay rights also worry that children who interact with openly gay adults -- teachers or Boy Scout leaders, for example -- will view those adults as role models and make that same sexual choice, thus undermining the course of society. For schools and parents, this presents myriad problems, not least of which is how homosexuality is explained and taught to children, if at all.
In a landmark 2003 decision striking down anti-sodomy laws, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that gays and lesbians have a right to sexual privacy and are "entitled to respect for their private lives." That may undercut the basis for many laws that limit the rights of gays in adoption, child custody and workplace discrimination. But that will only become clear as the decision is applied in new lawsuits around the country.
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What i and most of the people think is that American citizens should be able to go about their lives — getting a job, finding a place to live, forming long-lasting relationships and raising children — without fear of discrimination or harassment simply because they are different from the majority of society. The purpose of government is to protect and extend equal rights to all our citizens.
ok i was reading that and i found it rather interesting ,lets not have any discrimination in this thread or any uncalled for actions.This is just something i thought would be interesting to read.Lets not fight about it 
kk?...kk.
Gay Rights
i'm glad you agree 
When did standing up for what you believe in become bitching about how unfair life is? 
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