Since the dawn of time, our country has struggled with equal rights issues in one way or another. Whether it's women's rights, racial segregation or, more commonly, equal rights for those whose sexual orientation is different from that considered normal by the vast majority of the population. However, the reality is that everyone deserves to be treated the same. This country was founded on the idea that individuals are equal and, for that reason, all of us who inhabit this great nation should have the same rights. I believe it is our duty as a growing nation to provide security and acceptance for all and, in doing so, provide equal rights to all individuals in this country, including those who wish to participate in a same-sex marriage. For decades, homosexuality has been something that has been looked down upon and many have vilified homosexuals as immoral, depraved and condemning same-sex marriage as an attack on God's principles. These individuals' rights have been taken away, they have been discriminated against, and they have been made to feel ashamed for exactly who they are. This needs to change, these individuals are no different from anyone else, they want to love, be loved, marry and have children, just like we all do. Before 1996 and the enactment of DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act), federal programs left the definition of “marriage” to the states. If a couple were legally married in this state, they would reap the benefits at the federal level, because at that time, if a couple was married by the state, they were also married under federal law. Since the enactment of DOMA, the individual state is still the deciding factor in approving same-sex marriage for that state, however, now here...... middle of paper ...... blocking them and their inflicts another form of racism. . The time has come for change; this country is now ready for change. We all deserve to be treated the same and we all deserve the right love for the one we want to love. Works Cited Grossman, Gary. “Position paper on same-sex marriage”. American Psychoanalytic Association. (2007): n.pag. Internet. November 21, 2011Newport, Frank. "For the first time, a majority of Americans support legal same-sex marriage; Republicans and older Americans remain opposed." Gallup Polling News Service (2011). Gale Opposing viewpoints in context. Internet. November 28, 2011. Paige, UK “Sexual Orientation and Marriage.” American Psychological Association. (2004) n.pag. Internet. November 21, 2011Stone, Geoffrey R. “The Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional. » Huffington Post (2010). Gale Opposing viewpoints in context. July 20, 2010. the web. November 28. 2011.