Reading summary 4.1

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Summary: Marriage Equality is Unstoppable by Sally KohnIn the first days, there was Adam and Steve. Honestly, this is not true but an opening in Sally Kohn’s article “Marriage Equality Is Unstoppable” in which he captures the evolution of same-sex marriages in a well-detailed timeline since 350BC to present. Same-sex marriage is a modern issue currently not surprising in many societies. Kohn in the article focuses on its evolution, particularly through registration and acceptance in legal contexts. According to Kohn, marriage equality is becoming unstoppable as many states in the US have either allowed it legally or at least ruled in its favor. However, couples or individuals identifying themselves as gays, lesbians, and transgender receives cruel treatment from the society. Nonetheless, the article adequately expresses that marriage equality is important for fairness and justice in America, and therefore, government and other institution should seek a way towards universal acceptance.
Here, Kohn observes society problem and consequently provides an effective solution. The article provides examples and statistics of states, 19 in total, and the District of Columbia that allow same-sex marriages among others. It also reveals that eleven judges have so far ruled in its favor. This progress contradicted the past before 2004 when almost all states accepted marriage as a union between a male and a female only, as expressed in Bill Clinton’s Defense of Marriage Act of 1996.

Finally, Kohn discusses the plights of gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender people despite the increased recognition and acceptance of same-sex status in the US. These include the discrimination at work, low wages ranging between 10 and 30 percent less that of straight people, incarceration and massive victimization in violent crimes. Worse, there is no federal legal instrument currently developed to protect these individuals against their discrimination, as there are laws like Equal Employment Opportunity.
It is evident that acceptance and legalization of same-sex marriage have increased in the past few decades. Fisher (2) confirms this by reviewing various development in same-sex marriage institution. He, however, warns that same-sex marriage is not an evolution of the one between a male and female. Wolf also demonstrates this progress, particularly on the legislation and legalities in several cases of same-sex marriage. Notably, same-sex couples have had their challenges that comes with self-declaration as one. The worst is discrimination at workplaces and wage distribution since their status does not reduce their need for sustaining themselves and survival. Consequently, Kohn (7) and Fisher (5) proposes resolutions that bring back justices and fairness. In conclusion, cases of same-sex marriage are increasing, and this indicates progress in its acceptance. Some challenges come with it that can be solved through justice and fairness.
Works Cited
Fisher, Anthony. “Same-Sex ‘Marriage’: Evolution or Deconstruction of Marriage and the Family?” – Opinion – ABC Religion & Ethics (Australian Broadcasting Corporation), 23 July 2015, www.abc.net.au/religion/articles/2015/07/24/4280213.htm
Kohn, Sally. “Marriage equality is unstoppable.” CNN, Cable News Network, 3 June 2014, edition.cnn.com/2014/06/03/opinion/kohn-gay-marriage/index.html.
Wolf, Richard. “Timeline: Same-Sex marriage through the years.” USA Today, Gannett Satellite Information Network, 26 June 2015, www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2015/06/24/same-sex-marriage-timeline/29173703/.