Project Steps – Group 12

Identification and use of a specific, complex phenomenon: The question of same-sex marriage has become a hot topic in American Society in recent years. We have also seen a rise in states banning gay marriage, Florida being one of them. The research question is to gain a better understanding of why so much of the state population disagrees with same-sex marriage. Open-ended, original, and localized research question: What laws and political views continue to ban same-sex marriage in Florida? Relevant disciplines: Law – The laws in several different states all over the country that have begun to ban gay marriage, as well as what law processes were used to pass such laws. Psychology – The understanding of why groups of people or individuals support or oppose same-sex marriage. Education – How education can inform the public about same-sex marriage and what it means for the general public. Development of insights gained from each discipline: Law – In recent years, gay marriage has been banned in several states. Simultaneously, taking away the rights of a whole minority group of people who may never be able to have equal rights as guaranteed to all people. Psychology – Psychology plays an important role in banning gay marriage. Many times feeding on the strong emotional feelings of large groups can swing election results. Education – By providing education to the general public about how same-sex marriage may or may not affect their daily life may change people’s views on same-sex marriage. Conflicts and their causes between disciplines clearly identified: New laws passed in several states have banned gay marriage, however the law also guarantees equal rights to all citizens. Gay marriage is a very heated topic of discussion and is often a very polarizing subject in an election. Unfortunately, the term gay marriage has a very negative stigma attached to it and often the defense used to ban gay marriage is that by allowing same-sex couples to wed we will be taking away from the validity of heterosexual marriage. Even though, by law, allowing same-sex marriage would not take away rights but instead give equal rights to more people. Establishment of a common ground for the disciplines involved based on a concept, assumption, or theory related to each discipline: The common ground is that by allowing same-sex marriage in the state of Florida we will be taking a step forward by giving equal rights to all marriages. By providing an explanation for why some people are so scared and against same-sex marriage perhaps we can show them how same-sex marriage is not hurting anybody, but instead is helping to make our country and state a better place to live.