Should same-sex marriage be legalized? The issue of same-sex marriage has erupted all over the world. Joseph Chamie, the former director, and Barry Mirkin, the former head of the Demographic Policy Section, of the United Nations Population Division, aim to present updated statistics and information on the same-sex marriage debate in "Same-Sex Marriage : A New Social Phenomenon.” They claim that same-sex marriage is a “recent phenomenon” that will likely persist for years in many countries because social, religious, and legislative controversies continually renew its debate (544). defined as “recent” because “…SSM [same-sex marriage] did not exist until the twenty-first century, when a growing number of countries began allowing same-sex couples to legally marry” (Chamie and Mirkin 529 ) The authors report that, as of mid-2011, 10 countries, Mexico City, seven US states, and Washington DC, have made same-sex marriage legal (531). “Thus, 319 million people, or 5% of the world's population, live in jurisdictions that recognize same-sex marriage” (Chamie and Mirkin 531). In the United States, 40 states have rulings prohibiting same-sex marriage while, in 29, the bans are supported by voters and prevent judges from overturning the legislation (Chamie and Mirkin 537). Statistics confirm that “…in the United States, the country remains divided on same-sex marriage” (Chamie and Mirkin 537). The division of opinion here at home is no clearer than when analyzing the polar perspectives of La Shawn Barber (a freelance writer who has appeared on many popular radio stations and newspapers such as the Washington Post) and Anna Quindlen (an acclaimed writer nationally and contributing editor to Newsweek magazine). Barber posted... halfway down the page... individuals on one side have not taken the time to understand individuals on the other, and no common ground is being used to unite the two sides in a debate that can quickly intensify. It's as simple as basic geometry. A fundamental law teaches that between any two points, no matter how distant, there is always a line connecting them both. Works Cited Barber, La Shawn. “Interracial Marriage: Slippery Slope?” San Martino's guide to writing. By Increase B. Axelrod. New York: St. Martin's, 1985. 256-57. Print.Chamie, Joseph and Barry Mirkin. “Same-sex marriage: a new social phenomenon.” Population & Development Review 37.3 (2011): 529-551 Academic research completed. March 18, 2012. Quindlen, Anna. "The St. Martin's Guide to Writing" by Rise B. Axelrod: St. Martin's, 1985. 258-59. Press. (This essay is the property of Martin Zendejas)
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