Same-Sex Equality
             In America today, 84 percent of the population defines marriage as the union of two people of the opposite sex. Marriage is one of the fundamental establishments of the United States, as stated in the U.S. Constitution. However, many Americans are denied this basic right because of whom they are trying to marry. In most states, including Indiana, it is illegal for two people of the same sex to enter into a marriage together. The state of Indiana is one of 40 states whose constitutions clearly define marriage as ¡§the union of a man and a woman¡. I believe that this is blatant discrimination towards homosexuals and their families, and the law should be altered in some way to accept everyone despite their sexual orientation.
             Indiana has no laws that address benefits towards gay and lesbian couples. The state does not recognize any same-sex marriage, regardless of where the marriage took place. Indiana does not grant any recognition of civil unions, nor do they offer same-sex partner benefits for government workers, as many states now offer. As stated above, Indiana will only grant a marriage license to a woman if she is marrying a man or a man if he is marrying a woman. In a poll taken by WTHR Channel 13, less than a quarter of Hoosiers believe gay couples should be allowed to marry. Only 19 percent of adults are in support of gay marriage, but the majority of Hoosiers under age 35 believe in some form of legal acknowledgment. All in all, it is going to take time before Indiana catches up with the rest of the country in awarding same-sex benefits and recognition.
             Although marriage is the primary goal, recognition in general would be a giant step in the right direction. Massachusetts is the only state right now that has legalized same-sex marriage. Many cities throughout the country have taken it upon themselves to grant marriage licenses to same-sex couples. These are a few places in the Unit...