American nationalism can be described in the fundamental terms of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; however, these core ideas are impacted in all states when equal rights intersect with the complex issue of the right to marry. Thomas Jefferson once said, “I will never bow, by any word or deed, to the sanctuary of intolerance, nor admit a right of inquiry into the religious opinions of others” (Jefferson , 1900). When discussing the different positions on marriage, civil unions and equal rights as they relate to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, it is fundamentally important to follow the example of Jefferson and approach diverse perspectives with an open mind. Since the average person's views on marriage equality have been shaped by their upbringing, it is important to review not only the arguments of the Democratic and Republican parties, but also the positions of those in the middle whose lack of affiliation could create a moderate and tolerable solution. to this current question. The histories of marriage equality, sexual orientation, and gender identity in the United States have been taboo, bloody, and are now the subject of serious debate. From interracial marriage to recognizing HIV and AIDS as serious problems in our country, America has been able to avoid issues that Americans consider important until the debate alienates society. This is once again evident in the debate over marriage equality in the United States. Currently, the majority of US states continue to have laws against LGBT marriage and civil unions or continue to ignore this issue altogether. Joseph Bottum wrote an article that addressed this taboo of this discussion, history and its effects on society. As a Catholic, Bot...... middle of paper ......ified and arranged alphabetically under nine thousand titles relating to government, politics, law, education, political economy, finance, science, art, literature, religious freedom, morality, etc.;. New York: Funk & Wagnalls Company. Millman, G. (April 8, 2014). The Morning Risk Report: Mozilla vs. Chick-fil-A – Social Issues and Reputation Risk. The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved April 30, 2014 from http://blogs.wsj.com/riskandcompliance/2014/04/08/the-morning-risk-report-mozilla-vs-chick-fil-a-social-issues-and-reputation - risk/Newbeck, P. (2008). Virginia Wasn't Always Made for Lovers: Interracial Marriage Bans and the Case of Richard and Mildred Loving. Carbondale: Southern Illinois University Press. Rakove, J.N. and United, S. (2009). The American Constitution Annotated and the Declaration of Independence. Cambridge, Mass: Belknap Press of Harvard University Press.