Ethical Theorys

The outlawing of slavery and extending voting rights to women seem to indicate that ethics can have beneficial results. Give an example from the past that indicates a similar result or a current social policy that might be regarded as wrong, which therefore needs to be changed. Give your reasons and indicate which ethical theory you believe provides the best support for your view.

The example where advocacy has let to positive results is the advocacy toward same sex marriages and gay rights. In 1996 the United States enacted the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). The DOMA is a law that states marriage is to be between one man and one woman for the marriage to be legal. Section 3 of this law does not recognize same sex marriages for legal reasons like insurance benefits, social security survivor's benefits, and filing for joint tax returns. In 2011 the Obama Administration decided section 3 of DOMA was unconstitutional, but the law will still be enforced, though the law will not be defended in court (Montopoli, 2011). Thanks to advocates for same sex marriages, a number of states now allow same sex marriage, though they continue to push for the same rights as marriages of those of the opposite sex. In 2007, a bill was passed that ensured equal rights for gay men and women and bisexuals in the workplace.

I consider this an appropriate example because the government shouldn't have the right to say that marrying someone from the same sex is wrong, and therefore restrict the rights of those who enter into same sex marriages. People who are in same sex marriages are people just the same as people who are not gay, and they are entitled to the same rights and privileges, like being able to file jointly and collecting social security survivor's benefits from a long, productive, loving marriage, that people married to the opposite sex are entitled to. The government trying to restrict those rights is interfering with freedom of free choice. All people should be treated equal and have the same rights and privileges in the workplace regardless of their sexual orientation. I think the best ethical theory that supports this view is deontology. Deontologist argues that we have a duty, or an obligation, to treat other people with respect; human beings have dignity, and we must take that dignity into consideration when dealing with them (Mosser, 2010).

Montopoli, B. (2011), Obama administration will no longer defend DOMA, CBS NEWS, retrieved form: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20035398-503544.html

Mosser, K (2010). SOC 120: Ethics and Social Responsibility (Kindle Locations 437-438). Bridgepoint Education Inc..