In 21st century America, its shameful that we allow gays and lesbians to be denied the same basic rights as every other citizen. Gays and lesbians are routinely denied employment and housing, unable to obtain official recognition of their life partners, and even become the victims of hate crimes. The United States has struggled with how to provide equal rights to all of its citizens -- blacks, women and the disabled, to name a few. The civil rights movement has shown us that it is often necessary and right for the federal government to step in and protect those groups. Government protection and assurance of equality under the law must extend to gays and lesbians as well. It is the only way to ensure that all citizens enjoy full human rights, and that is what American government is all about.
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Our nation is a diverse one, and that diversity has contributed mightily to our growth and strength. Communities hold different values and opinions on dozens of issues, including homosexuality, and that diversity should be respected. Communities must be free to make their own choices because solutions really only work if they come from the grassroots and reflect the values and norms of most people. Local policy on gay and lesbian issues has evolved over the years based on changing comfort levels, without government interference. Some places have chosen to offer protections for gays while others have imposed bans on same-sex behavior. That's their right, particularly with our tradition of federalism. Those who disagree with local decisions can seek remedies by moving elsewhere. On this issue, the federal government should follow, not lead.
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There is a big difference between tolerating private behavior between consenting adults and endorsing such behavior by granting legal protections. Giving domestic partners benefits and special privileges legitimizes same-sex relationships even though they cant create children, which is the major reason underlying governments traditional protection of marriage and family. Same-sex relationships are also deeply offensive to many Americans, often based on religious beliefs. Marriage is not just about love and commitment, but about the stability of family, which is the linchpin of society. Were already seeing the social damage caused by families weakened by divorce and single-parent households. Granting new rights and benefits to gays and lesbians benefits and inheritance rights would crush one of the pillars of stable, civil society.
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