Gay Marriage By: Ayla Rorbakken, Skylar Haigh and Chelsea Serrano.

Problem & Issue

Problem: Federal marriage discrimination is wrong.

Issue: Only 13 states, and Washington D.C. allow gay marriage to be 100% legal.

State Your Beliefs

I believe that every couple that wants to should be able to get married even if they are two men, or two women.

State Your Proposed Solution

My solution is that people who agree with me need to get involved. I found a website called Freedomtomarry.com, and it has numerous details on what you can to. Two things that stuck out to me most were getting your mayor to speak out publicly about supporting marriage equality, and signing the pledge online.

Why is your proposed solution the BEST action?

Because everyones voice should be heard, and that is made simple by singing the pledge. Also, the mayor or other government officials have very loud voices. They will be heard all over, and may change a few peoples’ minds.

Other Possible Appropriate Actions

● Sign pledges or petitions on pro gay marriage websites. ● Watch TV shows/movies with gay couples in it. If these

get good ratings, the more often directors will put them into films and shows. Gay couples could eventually become “normal” and maybe more people would accept them.

● Donate to Freedomtomarry.com. ● Debate with people who disagree with the right to

marry, try to persuade them.● Tell friends/family to share why they think gay

marriage should be legal in all of America, maybe even the whole world.

Are there any legal consequences to your action?

Right now, it is illegal for gay couples to marry in a lot of states. There are a few states that are legal.

Are there any social consequences to your action?

About half of all people disagree with gay marriage. These people may get very mad, some of these people could even be in Bettendorf Middle School.

Are there any economic consequences to your action?

A couple when married has many more legal rights than unmarried couples. Including tax benefits, inheriting some of your spouse's estate, getting medicare, social security benefits for spouses, insurance benefits from spouses’ employee, being able to visit your spouses in the intensive care unit at the hospital, receiving equal division of property if you divorce, and receiving family rates for different kinds of insurances.

What values do I have to support my beliefs?

I value equality for everyone. I do not like discrimination at all.

What are the values and beliefs of other people?

Many Christian groups oppose same sex marriage, and they aren’t afraid to be public about it. According to a Christian pastor, “Marriage is an ordnance from God that unites a man and a woman.” He also once said, “Homosexuals are people who think they are smarter than God.”

What business or individual in my community might be able to help with my initiative?

● I can guarantee that all of my friends can help.

● Big companies that support gay marriage: Bud Light, Martha Stewart, Youtube, Expedia, Smirnoff, Absolut, Oreo, Amazon, Levi’s, Nordstrom, Target, JCPenney, and Starbucks.

Steps to Complete the Action

● Skylar, Chelsea, and I will try to get people to sign support-gay-marriage pledges online.

● After that, we should try to take it to the next level.● E-mail our town mayor, our governor, and other

government officials about their opinion.● Those that support same sex marriage, we will ask

them to speak out, on social media or at a public forum.

● Goal: Try to turn people who oppose same sex marriages’ opinions around.

● Ultimate Goal: Have all of America, 100%, legalize gay marriage.