Marriage Equality: An Investigation into the Growing Support in the United States

Imagine your soul mate of 20 years is in the hospital with only hours to live. They are alone, in pain, longing to be comforted and to say their last goodbye. This goodbye cannot become a reality, as you are denied access. Only family and relatives are allowed in the hospital room, and your marital status does not qualify you as family. This is a harsh reality for many same-sex couples living in the United States. Current legal restrictions prevent them from living in a happy marriage, recognized in the eyes of the law. Historically leading up to the formation of today’s society, marriage has been considered by many to signify a sacred religious commitment between a man and a woman. It is a declaration of love between two individuals, expressed with a piece of paper and accompanying social expectations of living in a committed relationship. However, it is important to consider the extent to which marriage does not fit into these definitions. It is fundamentally, in addition, a legal contract between two individuals that establishes obligations as well as certain rights. Situations such as the example given are a perfect example of how marriage inequality has detrimental consequences for many people. It is this issue that is the driving force behind instituting legal change. The road has proved to be long. Yet despite fierce opposition to marriage equality by conservative organizations, research shows that support for gay marriage equality is steadily increasing in the United States due to generational culture shifts, increased corporate support, and prevalence of gay individuals in pop culture.

The marriage equality movement has been steadily gaining traction in recent years. This is largely due to the cultural shifts among the current generations. There are currently four generations living in the United States: millennial, Gen X, Baby Boomers, and Silent. Each generation grew up in a distinct time period, living with different sets of moral values that have created various ways of seeing society. These four generations have all seen a steady increase in support for marriage equality, as the concept becomes more socially acceptable as an included part of the public vernacular. According to data gathered by past national polls, in 2003 almost 60% of Americans polled opposed marriage equality and only 35% supported marriage equality. Moving forward to 2013, polls show that Americans now favor marriage equality 51% to 42% (Silver, 2013). These statistics are an indication of several key points of interest, however, they must be taken into consideration as conflicting slightly with other polling results. “Polls differ in the exact numbers, showing 46 percent to 58 percent of Americans in favor of same-sex marriage (and anywhere from 36 percent to 46 percent against it) making it uncertain whether supporters of same-sex marriage now constitute an outright majority,” (Silver, 2013). Over the long-term view, however, data collected shows a clear shift towards support for marriage equality even if the short-term data remains inconclusive.

A key factor in this cultural shift is the increase in marriage equality support by the millennial generation. The millennial generation is made up of individuals born after 1980, they are the most current graduates and aspiring leaders within society. Over the past decade, millennial support for marriage equality has risen by 19 percentage points (Pew Research Center, 2013). Today over 70% of millennia’s support marriage equality. That is 21 percentage points more than the next closest generational support of Gen X (Pew Research Center, 2013). These statistics make it clear that there is a tide of changing public opinion reflective in people’s polled answers over the years. This is because of the various moral influences diverging to different concerns over the years.

Social circumstances are constantly changing as a result of various factors related to religious, cultural, and political influences. These changes in turn influence generational perceptions of normalized social behavior. In previous decades, generational perceptions have been more heavily influenced by a culture that stifled any expressions of sexuality. This created a prohibitive environment for the discussion of sexual preference especially. The previous generation did not engage in any open discussion of these topics, and so it is only in the modern age that same-sex equality has become a matter of public debate. This is due to a shift away from traditional morals as well as lessened shame about the subject of gay marriage. Until as recently as 1973, homosexuality was considered a mental illness by the American Psychiatric Association (“History of Psychiatry & Homosexuality, n.d.). The entry was taken out of the officially published registry of mental disorders in response to widespread protest movements for civil rights in the United States. These movements began with the African American push for equal liberties in the 1960s and continued into the new millennium with the women’s liberation and gay rights movements.

Generational turnover is also playing an important role in the increasing support for marriage equality. As time passes, the population of baby boomers and the silent generation are naturally in decline. At the same time, the millennial generation is coming of age and filling the population void left by the decline of the older generations. This results in little fluctuation of actual population numbers and instead changes primarily in beliefs held by each population. Millennials now make up a larger segment of the adult population than any other generation (Pew Research Center, 2013). This means that the power to vote and instill societal change through the political process, as well as the ability to fully advocate for marriage equality rests in the hand of the Millenials. If the current trends are any indication of what is to follow in coming years, it appears that support for marriage equality will continue to grow. Whether support for gay rights will tend into a linear pattern of increasing or grow exponentially remains to be seen.

Of the many reasons supporting the legislation of same-sex marriage, there are a specific few, which point out increased social bonds that form as a result of stable relationships. Married people have been proven to be happier, healthier, and at a lower risk for negative-influenced behaviors in comparison to non-married people (Marriage Equality USA, 2013). Across generations, people consistently hold true to the values of bettering society and paving the way for a bright future. This is important to consider as same-sex marriage legislation struggles through a lengthy legal process, and continues to face many roadblocks to full passage.

Support from corporate America is also playing a key role in increasing support for marriage equality. Corporations have long been at the forefront of nondiscriminatory practices and have outpaced society and governments alike in regards to social acceptance policy. In the past corporations have remained silent on social legislative policy, and instead have developed an internal non-discriminatory corporate policy (Heustess, 2013). These policies often encompass the ambiguous language that applies to all different forms of discrimination without specifically naming discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Today, however, corporations are becoming more vocal in their public support for marriage equality on behalf of their same-sex couple employees (Heustess, 2013). In publically vocalizing such support, these companies are able to ensure their continued appeal as many sectors of the market as possible. It is a smart business idea, as a company does not want to lose the consumer spending of this largely unspecified market consumer demographic that is proving to be instrumental in affecting public opinion.

Since 2002 the Human Rights Campaign has been publishing its Corporate Equality Index a comprehensive ranking of Fortune 500 companies based on their non-discriminatory policies as well as public support of equality. In 2002 only 13 businesses achieved a perfect score of 100%. Fast forward to 2013 and that number has grown to 252 businesses that achieved a perfect score (HRC, 2013). A staggering 69% of major corporations are currently requiring all employees to participate in diversity training programs that include the subject of sexual orientation and gender identity (HRC, 2013). Through these programs, corporations are increasing awareness of LGBT rights and issues in and outside of the workplace. The index also remarks upon a notable increase in corporation’s public support of the LGBT community. Of all the businesses rated in the index, 80% reported public engagement supporting marriage equality (HRC, 2013). This engagement consisted of respectful advertising, recruiting practices, charitable contributions, and deeper association with other businesses that promote equality. This promotion of equality in nondiscrimination in the workplace brings with it an enormous potential to carry over to employees' personal lives; effectively shifting Americans' stance on gay rights issues.

Corporate America plays a well-demonstrated role in shifting the tide of public opinion on any matter. Large companies exert such an influence on the lives of everybody within society through the manipulation of various means. This includes a measured effect that corporations have in the political sphere of the United States. New corporate lobbying interests, who have the financial means to spend, often back policy changes increased amounts on targeted campaigns.

Corporations are also playing a large role in legislative policy regarding nondiscrimination and equality for reasons concerning economic interests as well as a specific social agenda. On February 27, 2013, a brief containing the signatures of over 200 companies was filed with the Supreme Court urging them to strike down the federal Defense of Marriage Act (Eckholm, 2013). The Defense of Marriage Act denies federal benefits and recognition to marry same-sex couples. Apple, Mars, Citigroup, and Alcoa were just a few of the giant corporations to sign the brief (Eckholm, 2013). In the brief the corporations stated that the Defense of Marriage Act essentially forces them to treat same-sex couples differently than their heterosexual counterparts. The corporations go on to point out the unnecessary costs associated with having a double standard. Several companies released statements after the brief was filed. In a 2013 NY Times article, John Holdredge of Holdredge Wines said, “We don’t want to have to ask employees about their orientation and we don’t want to have to discriminate.” He echoes the belief of many business owners across the country. This realization has resulted in series of historical instances in which corporate America is standing up for human rights.

Corporate support for marriage equality is not just rooted in employee morale. Financially, marriage equality presents cost benefits in the elimination of running double tax systems for married same-sex employees. In addition, same-sex marriages are estimated to add $2 billion to the wedding industry (Badgett & Gates, 2006). Marriage equality would also allow for greater health care coverage for spouses of married same-sex employees. Health care benefits are a major draw when it comes to recruiting and retaining talented employees. Although the increase in health care cost will increase slightly for corporations the consensus among researchers and corporations is the benefit is still a net positive. State and federal budgets will additionally see a net gain in their budgets, as marriage equality would reduce the number of uninsured Americans (Badgett & Gates, 2006). As debate about healthcare rages on in the United States, it remains of particular interest for both political parties to come to comprehensive solutions about how to implement a system of health insurance. This economic incentive is a large part of the impetus that big companies have to push for marriage equality. In advancing the interests of the LGBTQ community, they are achieving an increased potential profit flow and ascertaining economic expansion.

This push by corporations for marriage equality is affecting change in legislative policy, but also in society as a whole. In an effort to be on the “right side of history” corporations are driving change and increasing awareness. A 2013 survey by the Pew Research Center found that 21% of individuals that have changed their stance on marriage equality from negative to positive attribute the change to an LGBT co-worker. The study suggests that when individuals opposed to marriage equality meet, and get to know and LGBT individual they are more likely to change their stance on the issue. The nondiscriminatory policies enacted by corporations provide a forum for LGBT individuals to express themselves openly, and to humanize the issues of marriage equality.

Mass media and pop culture have historically always been at the forefront of driving culture changes in society. Marriage equality is no exception to this regard. With more celebrities announcing their support for the gay rights community in dealing with issues that have plagued them for such an extended period of time, there is an increased shift towards a perception of marriage equality as being a basic right. In addition to this change, there is a large movement within popular culture to include representation a diverse population of characters in public media. This impetus has resulted in a more balanced inclusion of gay and lesbian figures within television production, in character design for television series as well as within live television production.

The television network ABC can be held up as providing an example of LGBTQ-inclusive programming. One of the more significant moments in the station’s history came in 1997 when sitcom star Ellen DeGeneres publicly announced that she was gay on the show as well as off (GLAAD, 2013). This network’s support of an inclusive policy creates one of the most balanced portrayals of storylines as well as screen time involving members of the LGBTQ community. ABC can be looked to as an example of a leading network that demonstrates a commitment to equality as reflected in their programming (GLAAD, 2013). This is a rare example within network television of such balance, although generally speaking broadcast stations have moved towards increased equality in these aspects.

Television endorsement of marriage equality should not be underestimated, as a television show provides a unique opportunity to bring the issue into people’s living rooms. The filming of shows such as Modern Family and Glee has a measured impact on shifting public perceptions of gay rights. One survey found that 27 percent of respondents said “gay” TV shows like the two previously mentioned pushed them to be more pro-gay marriage (Watercutter, 2013). This seems almost too simple to hold true, but the inclusion of gay characters in popular television shows proves to be both a reflection of changing values and an impetus for the changing of such values. In any case, it is clear that the more frequent inclusion of plotlines that encompass gay or lesbian characters is a step in the right direction for advocates of gay rights.

A huge advantage for the gay rights community came with President Obama’s announcement of his support for the cause. The President provided an example of national leadership on this point that was quite unprecedented in scope when he went on a national television news network to announce his support of same-sex couples. Obama has additionally been at the helm of directing efforts such as the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, the legislation that prevents openly gay members of the LGBTQ community from entering the military force (Earnest, 2012). The president’s announcement was a historical landmark in the struggle towards full marriage equality rights. It is hugely indicative of a shifting tide in public opinion in the United States for the President to acknowledge his support of such issues. While Obama cannot be considered a pop culture figure in the traditional sense of the word, he certainly exerts an enormous influence within modern culture as a political figure.

The President set a precedent for public announcement of support for marriage equality with his speaking. Soon after President Obama gave his endorsement, artist Jay-Z spoke out in a similar manner in favor of gay rights (Watercutter, 2013). This was an interesting development in several ways for the LGBTQ advocates. The hip-hop community often perceived as homophobic as well containing a litany of other biases such as sexism and racism, as the overwhelming majority of songs contain subject matter in that vein. Another instrumental moment came with the hit song “Same Love” by Macklemore, Ryan Lewis, and Mary Lambert. The song is an anthem for gay rights activists and consistently remained in top charts across the country. The song’s popularity shows a huge change in public perception of gay rights, containing lyrics as blatant as “The right-wing conservatives think it’s a decision,” and “It’s human rights for everybody, there is no difference” (Macklemore, 2013). It is indicative of the changing times that such a controversial topic was endorsed so thoroughly in a hip-hop song and still remained a chart-topper, paid for by corporate advertisers on broadcast radio.

Media both influences culture and is influenced by it. The effect that portrayals of homosexual characters within popular media have should not be underestimated in their ability to incite change. It is important to consider as well how much of this media influence is tied to support by large corporations within the United States. Because media outlets are owned by such large corporate entities, the views they present are a reflection of that industry’s values. Media outlets are one among many other corporate interests that operate to change our perceptions of society. They draw a certain amount of influence from current political discussion and climate of debate, however, these entities exert more force in changing public views than is realized. The inclusion of these issues of marriage equality in both the planning and implementation stages of many different media formats reflects its pertinence in the culture as a moral and ethical consideration.

As states across the nation have adopted different versions of marriage legislature, there has been an increased push to legalize same-sex marriage on a federal level. As it stands, the marriage recognition rights that apply to a gay or lesbian couple in one state do not extend across borders to areas where conservative majorities keep such equality from progressing. Today’s generation is at a crossroads between following the moral ideals that have been handed down from previous generations and embracing a new set of ethical principles with which to guide social behavior. These changes are reflected in the political movement for marriage equality that has picked up a massive amount of political support in recent years. In the past decade, research has shown a steady increase in support for marriage equality in the United States. This is a combined result of generational culture shifts, increased corporate support, and prevalence of gay individuals in pop culture. These causes together have exerted enough influence to change the general public’s perceptions and increase the acceptance of homosexuality within American culture. More than anything, the fight for marriage equality is about individual liberty and societal acceptance. That homosexuality has been a tucked-away facet of our culture for so long is, fortunately, changing, as the discussion is led by a new generation of thinkers. We are recognizing as a nation the historical significance of such debate, and incorporating into the public vernacular the topics of discrimination and marriage inequality. This movement has been largely driven by the emotional components of argument, however in retrospect there are currently many statistics being released revealing correlations between time passing and support for marriage equality on a federal level. It is important to consider the multitude of factual evidence provided which documents a trend towards changing definitions of what marriage constitutes. The marriage equality movement in current times is proving instrumental in bringing about a change in public perception.

References

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Marriage Equality USA. (2013, January). Why Marriage? Retrieved from Marriage Equality USA: http://www.marriageequality.org/why-marriage

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Silver, N. (2013, March 26). How Opinion on Same-Sex Marriage is Changing, and What it Means. from The New York Times: http://fivethirtyeight.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/03/26/how-opinion-on-same-sex-marriage-is-changing-and-what-it-means/?_r=0

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