Sociology

Justice Kennedys ruling in the Lawrence case has been termed as one of the most libertarian majority opinion that the Supreme Court has ever issued. Gay couples will not only be acknowledged but will also be entitled to respect for their private lives under the due process clause of the 14th Amendment. The ruling promises to change the status of homosexuals in America. Justice Kennedy announced that the state can no longer control the destiny or debase the existence of the gay community by making their private sexual conduct a crime. Conversely, the ruling has faced opposition especially from conservatives like Justice Scalia who argues that the decision would weaken crucial laws barring prostitution, bigamy and incest and also disrupt the current social order. Though no state currently grants gay marriages with the church being split over the issue, states like Vermont bestow on gay couples some of the responsibilities and rights as normal marriages. However, they give the union different names. Further more, the ruling will form a basis in challenging the Defense of Marriage Acts being adopted by some states and the federal government which still define and accept marriage between a man and a woman only. Notwithstanding the challenges ahead, the Lawrence ruling provides the alliance of gay lawyers with more leverage when petitioning for their rights and more recognition in schools, the military, adoption and custody, the workplace and more importantly in marriage, institutions which still consider homosexuals as moral deviants.

Response to Kathryn Pendergrass
Memphis, Tenn.
Well, I do sympathize with your situation. However, you will need to change your attitude. If the current trend continues, same-sex marriage may eventually be legalized since its support especially among most American adults who have an opinion on the topic is increasing. At the same time, apart from being faced with the challenge of explaining to your children the articles of homosexuals in the magazines, schools will be required to teach same-sex marriage as early as kindergarten since the role of marriage our society is and has been a major topic taught in schools. Therefore as much as this might violate your beliefs as a parent, you will have no choice because these vocal minorities are receiving great support from the very institutions that you depend on. Change, of whatever kind is inevitable especially in this present society so try and embrace it for your own peace of mind.

Response to Daniel Peter,

Hattiesburg, Miss.
I am really proud of you for acknowledging, accepting and supporting your sons sexual status. Most parents are living in denial about their childrens status making the situation more difficult. Though most individuals may not accept or even love your son for who he is and for what he represents, I believe that every individual is entitled to his or her own opinion and choice. Your son, like every other American citizen has the right to enjoy his fundamental human right and marry whoever he chooses. Connecticut and Vermont are on the path of recognizing the right of gay couples while in New York in 2005, Judge Doris Ling-Cohan, ruled in favor of gay couples being allowed to marry. Basically, there is no point in guaranteeing basic freedom to gays and lesbians if you are not interested in conferring the most essential right of all, the right to marry the one you love and to whom you have made a commitment to. This can only be described as unjust and unfair in a democratic society like ours.  I believe your son will enjoy a fulfilling life irrespective of his sexual orientation.