Homosexual+Descrimination+8-503



-//"Who would give a law against love? Love is unto itself a higher law."// ~Boethius, The Consolation of Philosophy, A.D. 524

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Homosexual Discrimination is a major problem in the U.S. There have been countless deaths from this type of discrimination in places such as New Jersey, Maryland, and Washington D.C. Government officials have not taken proper steps to prevent such bullying and to protect citizens. Because of this neglect homosexuals have been negatively affected. ======

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The fact that homosexuals and bisexuals have been discriminated against is something that cannot be ignored. Despite the suicides known to be the result of children being harassed for being homosexual, little has been done to prevent it. Schools should take more responsibility in trying to stop the endless harassment of their students who are not being accepted for something they can’t change. According to the Youth Pride Incorporation, 28% of homosexual high school students have dropped out because they were bullied and not accepted. In another study Youth Pride Inc. reported that 80% of homosexual high school students have isolation problems and withdraw themselves from others. Above all, 37% of homosexual students have thought about or attempted suicide after being harassed about their sexuality, while only 25% of school guidance counselors know how to deal with the troubles homosexual teenagers go through and 97% of students notice other students making negative, homophobic remarks. With statistics like these, most high school students who are discriminated against because of their sexuality don’t know who to go to when they need help. If the harsh effects of taunting high school students can be prevented in a few simple ways, it should. ======

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[[#x-Homosexual bullying has become a growing concern and has been grabbing the attention of many. Several organizations have recorded rates of bullying and have seen that it has resulted in suicide in many cases. The producers of “In The Life” made a documentary about this issue and some of its affects. This organization has accumulated statistics about “bullycides”, which is a term for a victim who takes their life because of bullying. Through their surveys this research group has found that there is indeed a correlation between bullying percentages and suicide rates. A person who is bullied has five times more of a chance of committing suicide than an average person. Making things worse, homosexuals are one of primary targets of bullying. A study conducted by Centers for American Progress and Media Matters has proven that to get rid of homophobia, it is best to expose people to sexual minorities. Sending messages to homophobes and all people in the U.S. will help reduce bullying. Advantages to this method are reducing suicide rates and attempting justice for lives lost to this problem. However, there are disadvantages. For example, many people in the “In The Life” video had their kids take their lives due to bullying over sexuality, but no actions were taken against the bullies. The schools did not hand out warnings and many parents have joined together for civil rights and brought it up in many legislative meetings. Still there has been no action taken. The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) is a foundation with similar positions. They too are exposing bullying and even provide counseling for victims. Still, not many policies have been enacted against this form of bullying.]][[#x-Homosexual bullying has become a growing concern and has been grabbing the attention of many. Several organizations have recorded rates of bullying and have seen that it has resulted in suicide in many cases. The producers of “In The Life” made a documentary about this issue and some of its affects. This organization has accumulated statistics about “bullycides”, which is a term for a victim who takes their life because of bullying. Through their surveys this research group has found that there is indeed a correlation between bullying percentages and suicide rates. A person who is bullied has five times more of a chance of committing suicide than an average person. Making things worse, homosexuals are one of primary targets of bullying. A study conducted by Centers for American Progress and Media Matters has proven that to get rid of homophobia, it is best to expose people to sexual minorities. Sending messages to homophobes and all people in the U.S. will help reduce bullying. Advantages to this method are reducing suicide rates and attempting justice for lives lost to this problem. However, there are disadvantages. For example, many people in the “In The Life” video had their kids take their lives due to bullying over sexuality, but no actions were taken against the bullies. The schools did not hand out warnings and many parents have joined together for civil rights and brought it up in many legislative meetings. Still there has been no action taken. The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) is a foundation with similar positions. They too are exposing bullying and even provide counseling for victims. Still, not many policies have been enacted against this form of bullying.]] Homosexual bullying has become a growing concern and has been grabbing the attention of many. Several organizations have recorded rates of bullying and have seen that it has resulted in suicide in many cases. The producers of “In The Life” made a documentary about this issue and some of its affects. This organization has accumulated statistics about “bullycides”, which is a term for a victim who takes their life because of bullying. Through their surveys this research group has found that there is indeed a correlation between bullying percentages and suicide rates. A person who is bullied has five times more of a chance of committing suicide than an average person. Making things worse, homosexuals are one of primary targets of bullying. A study conducted by Centers for American Progress and Media Matters has proven that to get rid of homophobia, it is best to expose people to sexual minorities. Sending messages to homophobes and all people in the U.S. will help reduce bullying. Advantages to this method are reducing suicide rates and attempting justice for lives lost to this problem. However, there are disadvantages. For example, many people in the “In The Life” video had their kids take their lives due to bullying over sexuality, but no actions were taken against the bullies. The schools did not hand out warnings and many parents have joined together for civil rights and brought it up in many legislative meetings. Still there has been no action taken. The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) is a foundation with similar positions. They too are exposing bullying and even provide counseling for victims. Still, not many policies have been enacted against this form of bullying. ======

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Homosexual discrimination is a severe problem that should be handled by the government. This topic has lead to many deaths, injuries, emotional instability, self-injuries, and depression. The government most definitely should take action against an issue that has caused so much harm to the people of this country and work to stop it. The constant threat a homosexual feels can affect their actions, feelings, and behavior. ======

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"New York Times Policy Focuses Attention on Homosexual Civil Unions." Gallup.Com –Daily News, Polls, Public Opinion on Government, Politics,Economics, Management. 21 Jan. 2011 <[]>. ======

__ Essay #2: __ By: Mohammed, Nicole, Farhin, & Asika 8-503
There are very few policies introduced or even taking place that help prevent the discrimination of homosexuals. The U.S. military’s ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’, or DADT, policy proposed in 1993, allowed gays and lesbians to not reveal their sexuality and military commanders would not ask for it either. Before this policy, homosexuals were not allowed to join the army or would be discharged, should it be discovered that they were homosexual. It was proposed by President Bill Clinton and went to congress where it was accepted. Unfortunately, this policy was repealed in February of 2010. DADT served homosexuals in the military for 17 years and now no longer protects them since it has repealed.. Senators Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Mark Kirk, Scott Brown, Olympia Snowe, and George Voinovich opposed this policy in person in Washington when the Senate voted. The result of the vote was 65-31, and DADT was repealed. The advantages and disadvantages of DADT vary. For obvious reasons, this policy benefits homosexuals by avoiding discrimination. However, the major disadvantage is that the true identities of these homosexual soldiers must be kept a secret. Many of the citizens in the U.S. are supporting the fact that homosexuals should be able to join organizations such as the military and openly declare their sexuality. In 1996, President Bill Clinton signed the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) saying that it is the states’ right to decide whether to allow or ban same-sex marriage. Only five states allow same-sex marriage and thirty states have amendments prohibiting it. The five states are: New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, and Vermont as of 2011. California, one of the states that had once allowed same-sex marriage passed a law on May 29, 2009, approved by their Supreme Court, that same-sex marriage was banned. Nevada and Hawaii offer domestic partnership laws but this does not have all marriage benefits. Aside from the 35 states that allow or don’t allow same-sex marriage, the remaining 15 states are quarreling about whether or not to allow this. New York, Rhode Island, and New Mexico are the only three states that are neutral in this problem. The advantages to this policy are that states are allowed to choose whether or nor to allow this type of marriage and satisfy the citizens. On the contrary, the homosexuals are losing their right of freedom of expression. They are losing the ability to express who they are and whom they love.

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A law in Wales, England, was put into effect on March 23, 2010. The law protects discrimination against homosexuals by stating that anyone who offends a homosexual verbally and/or physically can be charged with seven years in jail. ======

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 This law was passed due to the high rate of attacks on people for being homosexual. The law does not apply to criticism or jokes about homosexuality as the government did not want to keep religious leaders from going against their beliefs or limit comedians when writing material. Though the law does stop people from acting out against their hatred for homosexuals. As stated in a recent article from “Law UK”, the largest gay news service in Europe, this law may not be frequently enforced, but it has a harsh punishment and will stop more homosexual discrimination than before. The law is predicted to fail due to the fact that similar laws against hatred due to sexual orientation have only been carried out twenty times in the last thirty years, according to “Law UK”. After many heated discussions, the House of Lord, part of the judicial branch, passed an amendment that protects those who oppose and/or are offending homosexuals. They are not protecting the victims of this problem. The amendment, by Tory Peer and former home secretary under Margaret Thatcher, Lord Waddington, allows the “discussion or criticism” of sexual practices. But violence still continues. ======

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There has not been a lot of action taking place concerning homosexual discrimination. Few policies have taken place but have failed to main their purpose. More people should consider the affects of homosexual discrimination and support policies. ======

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 Ask, Ending ‘Don’t. “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal Passes Senate 65-31.” Breaking New and Opinion on The Huffington Post. Web. 18 Feb. 2011. <[] ’t-ask-don’t-tell-repeal_5_n_798636.html>. ======

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 “Bill Clinton: Colin Powell Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Policy Fell Short – Political Hotsheet – CBS News.” Breaking News Headlines: Business, Entertainment & World News – CBS News. Web. 18 Feb. 2011. <[] >. ======

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 “”Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Dictionary of American History. 2003. Encyclopedia.com. 18 Feb. 2011 <[|http://encyclopedia.com] >. ======

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Examiner.com.” Washington DC News, Washington DC Information, Washington DC Events – Examiner.com.com Web. 18 Feb. 2011. Examiner.com.” Washington DC News, Washington DC Information, Washington DC Events – Examiner.com.com Web. 18 Feb. 2011. “In Support of ‘don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ – Los Angeles Independent | Examiner.com.” Washington DC News, Washington DC Information, Washington DC Events – Examiner.com.com Web. 18 Feb. 2011. <[]. ======

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"Law against Homophobic Hatred Comes into Effect - PinkNews.co.uk." PinkNews.co.uk - Pink News, Reviews and Comment from Europe's Largest Gay News Service. Web. 18 Feb. 2011. <[] >. ======

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Vestal, Christine. "Gay Marriage Legal in Six States." Stateline. Web. 10 Mar. 2011. <[] >. ======

__Essay #3:__ By: Mohammed, Nicole, Farhin, & Asika 8-503

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 A public policy that would best deal with the issue of homosexual discrimination among teenagers in school is one that would secure citizen’s rights, but still protect those who could potentially be harmed. Our policy states that any person who verbally, or physically abuses a homosexual would be brought to justice. Verbal abuses such as death threats or phrases causing one to attempt, or commit suicide, would result in the offender to undergo a 90-day suspension from school. This would give their parents time to discipline them. Also, the student would be given time to think about and understand what they did wrong. Furthermore, it would show them that there is no positive affect of hurting others intentionally. However, this consequence only be enforced after the student received a fair trial. This meaning that there would need to be witnesses and evidence fully showing that the person has verbally discriminated a homosexual. Physical abuse would have a more severe punishment. Murder, consistent beating, etc. would lead to penalties such as expulsion from school, depending on the situation. Once again, the accused would receive a fair trial. ======

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<span style="font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"> Both advantages and disadvantages come with this policy. One advantage would be that homosexuals would be able to express their sexuality freely and with no judgment from others. Also, people who are homophobic would fear acting on their prejudice because of the penalties if this law were to be in affect. This could lead to a more peaceful community. Another advantage to this policy is that since abusers would be afraid of receiving the penalties, less time would be spent on discipline those who harm homosexuals. Also, less time would be spent in trials for those who have physically harmed individuals. A disadvantage to this policy is that citizen’s freedom of speech could be limited. Because they would be punished for their words, this limits what they can say and therefore their freedom of speech is not fully given. A second disadvantage to this is that the law may isolate homosexuals, causing them to stand out more. This could possibly lead to more crimes. ======

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<span style="font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"> Our law is Constitutional because it does not violate all of citizen’s rights being carried out by the constitution. It protects the freedom of expression, allowing homosexuals to not feel the need to hide who they truly are. This policy has a slight violation on freedom of speech since it limits what one can say to another. However, it is only in cases where one’s free affects another. The president himself is responsible for carrying out and enforcing the law. This is because he is the head of the executive branch. He appoints federal agency members who are responsible for enforcing the law and seeing if it is being followed. Federal police enforce this law and have the right to investigate and arrest those who violate the laws. However to pass the law itself, Congress must propose it. Then the executive branch must agree to the law. After this law is passed, only then do federal agents have the right to enforce it in their given territory. ======

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<span style="font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;">The president himself is responsible for carrying out and enforcing the law. He appoints federal agency members who are responsible for enforcing the law and seeing if it is being followed. To fully carry out this law, Congress would have to pass it. After this law is passed, only then do federal agents have the right to enforce it in their given territory. The federal police would enforce this law and have the right to investigate and arrest those who violate the laws. ======

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<span style="font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;">"Colonial Forge High School - Anti-Bullying Policy." Colonial Forge High School - Home Page 10 -11. Web. 24 Mar. 2011. <<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat; cursor: pointer; padding-right: 10px;">[] >. ======

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<span style="font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;">"School Bullying in Law." Anti-Bullying Network. Web. 24 Mar. 2011. <<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat; cursor: pointer; padding-right: 10px;">[] >. ======

__ Essay 4: __ Mohammed, Farhin, Nicole, and Asika 8-503

There are several steps to take in order to have our policy adopted. The first step is raising awareness of the discrimination that goes on against homosexuals. Once this issue is recognized, the next step is to propose our plan to high schools, starting with the ones with the most reported cases of discrimination. Raising awareness about the effects of the discrimination and offering our ideas to stop it or at least prevent it, can decrease the percentage of homosexuals getting discriminated against. Once New York City high schools realize the negative effects of bullying homosexuals, they may carry out the ideas we propose. Once there is a legitimate policy against homosexual bullying, the next step is to make sure the policy is enforced.

In order for our policy to be adopted, certain influential people and groups are essential. “In The Life” Media is one organization that has similar goals as our policy. They attempt to expose the injustice of homosexual bullying to the public in order to reduce it. For years, they have interviewed homosexuals and asked about the hardships that they face. “In The Life” Media has released many documentations about the daily life of a homosexual. They also provide effective ways of helping the push toward homosexual equality. To gain support, we can use similar tactics such as using media and technology to show other organizations our goals of what we are fighting towards such as moves and anouncements on T.V. about the emotional impact of this problem. Another organization that can help is the Hartford Gay and Lesbian Health Collective. This organization protects homosexuals by providing health services and support for people of diverse sexual orientation. They also provide mental health services and education services for homosexuals. We can win support using their ideas as well.

One of our main goals for our law is to protect homosexuals from different forms of abuse. Another organization with similar goals is the Capital District Gay and Lesbian Community Council. Their main solution to homosexual discrimination is to promote the well being of homosexuals. This organization has one of its locations in Albany and they take care of abused homosexuals. To many this is like a second home. Through this, we will win support as the policy provides an escape for those who are abused. This organization also provides counseling for many homosexuals. Many homosexuals have different ways of reacting to the situation, some violent both outwards and self-inflicted. Therefore, the counseling will ultimately benefit the homosexuals as they are guided towards a life of equality and a calm environment.

One influential person that is crucial to our policy being adopted is Governor Cuomo. Since this is a state law, his support are needed. We can gain his support by proving that our issue is a growing concern and prove to him that our solutions will be affective, by providing him with our research to prove our point. For example, using the videos provided by “In the Life” to expose bullying through technology. This will all result in our policy getting adopted. Overall, our policy will create a feeling of security and this may itself be the reason why it will be adopted. Homosexuals will live a life of equality and will not be restricted their freedom of expression, if our policy were to be accepted.

__ Works Cited: __

Hartford Gay & Lesbian Health Collective. Web. 14 Apr. 2011. <http://www.hglhc.org/>.

"In The Life Media." IN THE LIFE | Documentary Stories from the Gay Experience. Web. 14 Apr. 2011. <http://www.inthelifetv.org/>.

Pride Center of the Capital Region | Be Proud. Live Pride. Web. 14 Apr. 2011. <http://www.capitalpridecenter.org/>.