The Issue Of The Gay Liberation Movement - 1627 Words

Although the gay liberation movement had very little impact at that time, it set the stage for bigger and better changes in the future. Since the 1960’s America has added, removed, and adjusted laws against homosexuals. On May 17, 2004, Massachusetts becomes the first state in the United State to legalize same–sex marriage. The Massachusetts Chief Justice concluded, â€Å"to deny the protections, benefits, and obligations conferred by civil marriage to gay couples was unconstitutional because it denied the dignity and equality of all individuals and made them second-class citizens.† Now 37 states have legalized same-sex marriage and 13 states have laws that still prohibit it. A year before the state of Massachusetts decided to legalize same-sex†¦show more content†¦Panetta and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Mike Mullen, signed the certification. The certification was given after a long period of preparation but according to Elizabeth Bum iller, â€Å"Pentagon officials said that more than 1.9 million of 2.2 million active-duty and reserve service men and women had been trained in preparation for the end of the policy.† These training sessions lasted about 45-75 minutes and included group work and PowerPoint presentations on â€Å"the ubiquitous communication tool of the military as well as discussions of hypothetical situations.† Military leaders and Pentagon officials seek these training sessions. The hypothetical situations help them become familiar and with homosexual service members showing public affection as well as helping them with eliminating any negative attitudes they may have towards homosexuals. Along with some of the positive changes that are occurring in the United States, such as the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy repeal and the military leader training sessions, Pentagon officials are considering extending some benefits to same-sex married couples in the military. These ben efits include health insurance; base housing, certain death benefits etc. These are ideas that are still being formulated because under certain laws, primary the Defense of Marriage Act, the Pentagon can not give