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The Declaration of Independence states that; we hold these truths to be self-evident, that

all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable

rights. These words were written over two-hundred years ago, and even then, the people

believed in the importance of equality. All men are created equal, and therefore there

should be no discrimination. History shows the discrimination of African-Americans and how

our country has evolved regarding racism, but now there is a form of discrimination that is

becoming more prevalent. This form of discrimination is towards those of other sexual

orientations, such as those who are gay, lesbian, or bisexual. Discrimination, under any

circumstances, is morally wrong, and discrimination based on sexual orientation needs to be

addressed.

Along with the degrading discrimination based on sexual orientation, comes the subjection

of verbal abuse and other hate crimes. A gay and lesbian anti-violence report states that

75% of hate crimes are committed by people under the age of 30, and one in three are

under the age of 18. More than 80% of victims of violent hate crimes never report the

incident, because many are afraid they will be outed. Such horrific discrimination and

violence can often result in low self esteems, and in some cases, even suicide. Young

lesbians, gays, and bisexuals are at a quadruple risk for suicide than people of the same age

that are straight. Anti-gay hate crime rates have risen dramatically; an incredible 172% injust the past decade. This tragedy has even become prevalent in families. One study

showed that 26% of gay and lesbian teenagers who came out to their parents were kicked

out of their homes, and 42% of homeless teens are gay, lesbian, or bisexual.

There is even discrimination in the workforce. A survey of two- hundred employers showed

that 18% would fire someone who was gay or lesbian, and nearly 30% would refuse to hire

anyone who was gay, lesbian, or bisexual. A study by the University of Maryland revealed

that lesbians earn an average of 14% less than straight women who share the equal age,

education, skills, and residence. Results like these are a direct violation of the Universal

Declaration of Human Rights that was invoked by the United Nations General Assembly. In

the Universal Declaration of Human Rights it states that every person has the right to

work, and to just and favorable conditions of work and everyone, without discrimination,

has the right to equal pay, which is exactly what employers are disregarding. They aretaking away peoples right to work and be treated fairly, simply based on sexual orientation,

which has nothing to do with how productive an employee may be.

Gays have rights just like every straight person in the country, and one right that every

person is entitled to is the right to marry. The government is violating individual freedoms

that are in the Declaration of Human Rights, which gives everyone the right to privacy and

to found a family, without any interference based on race, nationality, religion, or sexual

orientation. The U.S government recognizes same sex couples and gives them a right to

civil unions, but in most cases, not marriage. The federal government accounts over 1,700

benefits with couples who are married, not couples in civil unions. Some of these benefits

include spousal benefits, social security survivor benefits, and unpaid leave to care for an ill

spouse. Also, the government has restrictions on whether or not gay couples can adopt

children. In the U.S, its legal for single gay people to adopt a child; but for gay couples it is

illegal to adopt children. There is no excuse for this discrimination from the government;

there is no threat to society if gay couples marry, and there is no threat to children, should

gay couples be allowed to adopt.

Discrimination via the government is to be expected, yet still unjust; but one source of

discrimination is appalling. The gay and lesbian society is suffering discrimination from the

churches in the country. The religious communities often believe that being gay is morally

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wrong, and refuse to allow gays in their churches and services. Catholicism and other

religions that worship through the Bible often say, that in the Bible it says that gays will go

to Hell. It is wrong to discriminate this way, because not everyone worships through the

Bible. In the United States, there are many different beliefs, and ways of life, and people

should not be discriminated against simply based on their sexual orientation, just because

the Bible, the church, or other religious material that states that being gay is wrong or

unnatural. Every human is given the right to his or her opinion and is given the freedom of

expression, so long as to not impose upon others rights. Being gay, lesbian, or bisexual

poses no threat against anyone elses personal rights or freedoms.

Another issue that is linked with anti-gay violence, discrimination, and hate crimes is the

claim that people choose to be gay. With all of the facts presented about the seriousness of

discrimination of gays in todays society, why would anyone want to choose to be gay and

therefore subject themselves to the tragedy of discrimination? Being gay is not a choice;

28% of teenagers who are gay are forced to drop out of school. The harassment from the

other students, the fear of being outed, and the pressures to conform in society often

becomes too much. Even 85% of teachers oppose and refuse to address these types of

issues in their schools, or to integrate any type of lesbian, gay or bisexual theme into thecurriculum or discussions.

A common misconception is that asking for Gay Rights laws is asking for special privileges

towards the gay community. However, Gay Rights laws do not give the gay community any

special privileges, but simply the same basic rights of equality that every straight person is

given. The straight community has already been given theses rights for centuries, but these

rights have been taken away consistently from the gay community and it is time for a

change to occur. All men are created equal, and should be given equal rights as a

consequence.