There are a number of social, cultural, and psychological factors that help explain the phenomenon of gay and lesbian bashing. On the sociological level, we can look at the conflict theory of social problems. The conflict theory of social problems
The issue of gay rights remains one of society’s most hotly debated and controversial issues. A recent state supreme court decision in Massachusetts has declared a state ban on gay marriages unconstitutional, while other states like Hawaii permit gay marriages. President Bush, the Religious (New) Right, and other groups have advocated the belief that marriage is between a “man” and a “woman.” While gay individuals are required to pay taxes for roads, government official salaries, and even administrative costs of policies that deny them equal rights compared to heterosexuals, they are not given equal representation in law or government. Similar to women and African Americans in the 19th and early 20th centuries, homosexuals are still routinely denied equal protection under the law in many areas from employment to sexuality. A taboo subject for decades in American society, homosexuals are beginning to win support and increased rights. Until homosexuals have the same rights at heterosexuals, they are being denied their full Constitutional rights.
The history of a gay rights agenda in the United States is a relatively new one. Three decades ago no such thing existed. Since that time the U.S. and various states’ supreme courts have repealed anti-sodomy laws, granted homosexuals the right to form unions, and have even granted same-sex marriage rights. Nevertheless, gay rights remains a highly controversial issue in the U.S. and gays are routinely denied their full Constitutional rights in a variety of situations. President Bill Clinton was the first president to address a gay rights group, while issuing a directive th
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