Equal Gay Rights Most American politicians believe that everyone should be treated equally, especially because it is stated in the United States Declaration of Independence. Our founding fathers wrote these words to protect all individuals. Americans who follow the rules and are upstanding citizens have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. However, Americans who are not typical heterosexuals find their rights restricted, even if they are loyal citizens. Gay and lesbian couples face discrimination and unfair treatment because of their sexual orientation. We must combat this discrimination against gay and lesbian couples so that those who are trustworthy citizens have the same rights as heterosexual citizens. In this article, I will argue that homosexual individuals should have the same rights as heterosexuals because (1) hate crimes against homosexuals continue to occur, (2) discrimination in the workplace continues to increase, and (3) ) the inability to have same-sex marriages are unjust. I believe this unfair discrimination is unconstitutional and must be fought immediately. The executive branch, in my eyes, plays an important role in equal rights for lesbians and gays. I believe the executive branch could provide protection and has the capacity to help these individuals. Homosexuals are no different from heterosexuals except when it comes to their sexuality. Lesbian and gay people are victims of hate crimes and prejudice in our society. During the 1969 Stonewall gay riots in Greenwich Village, a lesbian and gay political movement against lifestyle discrimination led homosexuals to fight for their rights (Carter, 2004). This movement and...... middle of paper ...... New York, NY: Hereck, GM (2006). Legal recognition of homosexual relationships in the United States. American Psychologist, 61, 607-621 Human Rights Campaign 2013 Annual Report. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.hrc.org/files/assets/resources/HRC_2013_ANNUAL_FINAL.pdf Hunt, J. (June 2012). A state-by-state review of nondiscrimination laws and policies. Retrieved from http://www.americanprogress.org/wp-content/uploads/issues/2012/06/pdf/state_nondiscrimination.pdfNadal, KL, Riveria, DP and Corpus, MJH (2010). Microaggressions and marginality: manifestation, dynamics and impact. (p. 217). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Obama, B. (January 21, 2013). Inaugural speech. Tilcsik, A. (2011). Pride and prejudice: employment discrimination against openly gay men in the United States1. American Journal of Sociology, 117(2), 586-626.