Cassandra Hoffman

Kelly Turnbeaugh
English 2010
May 08, 2014
Annotated Bibliography: Gay Marriage in Utah

On Dec. 20 2013, gay marriage became a temporary reality in the state of Utah. As a
member of the LGBT community this directly impacted me, therefore, I followed the issue
closely as the state of Utah tried to appeal the court ruling. When the Spring semester of 2014
began, my English 2010 instructor advised us that we would be required to choose a subject in
which to write three pieces on. With gay marriage being my primary area of interest at the time, I
didnt hesitate to choose this as my topic. It was no longer just an issue that I had interest in, but
an issue that a large majority of Utahans were focused on.
The project that we were assigned involved writing about our topic in three different
genres: a report, a position argument, and a memoir. One of the primary focuses for each of our
papers was to target a specific audience and be sensitive to the rhetorical situation in which we
were entering. Because gay marriage had become such a hot topic in Utah, I decided to choose
Utahans in general as my main audience. Knowing that Utah is a very religious state, and that
residents are deeply concerned about family and children, I attempted to play into these concerns
with my writing. My belief was that if I can show Utahans how opinions have changed since
they outlawed gay marriage, and how the disapproval of it affects children, then I may be able to
persuade some to stop fighting against the court ruling that struck down the ban on gay marriage.
The following is a bibliography showing the resources that I used in each piece of writing, the
summaries of each resource that I used, and the reasons for which I chose each resource.


REPORT
Adama, Brooke. "Federal judge strikes down Utah ban on same-sex marriage. The Salt Lake
Tribune. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 May 2014.
Summary
This news report was posted on The Salt Lake Tribunes website the same day that Judge
Robert J. Shelby ruled Utahs same-sex marriage ban unconstitutional. Adams reports the events
that took place shortly after word got out about the ruling. Governor Gary Herbert immediately
filed an appeal with the 10
th
Circuit Court of Appeals requesting a stay on the ruling. Meanwhile,
hundreds of same-sex couples rushed to the courthouse to obtain marriage licenses.
Reflect
This report gave me the basic information to begin my own report with the events that
once again turned gay marriage into a large debate in Utah. I used the details to ensure that
anyone who may not be aware of how the newly fueled debate began will know what started it
all. Additionally, to show the stance that has been taken by public officials.
Adams, Brooke. "Capitol is arena for dueling rallies over gay marriage." The Salt Lake Tribune.
N.p., n.d. Web. 7 May 2014.
Summary
Adams paints a picture in this report for the rallies that took place at Capitol Hill on
January 28, 2014. She notes that hundreds of people gathered to have their voices heard; both
those for and against same-sex marriage. Both sides shouted over public speakers with their
signs held up high as the attorney general Sean Reyes tried to calm those in support of traditional
marriage.
Reflection
I also wanted to paint a picture for the reader to show that this isnt an issue to be taken
lightly. Its such a heated debate that hundreds of Utah residents traveled to the state capitol to
fight for what they believe in. Additionally, to point out that those in office here in Utah were on
the side of those supporting traditional marriage.
Adams, Brooke. "Poll: Utahns evenly split on same-sex marriage." The Salt Lake Tribune. N.p.,
n.d. Web. 7 May 2014.
Summary
This particular article covers the details of a recent survey conducted by SurveyUSA. It
notes the results which show that opinions of Utahans have shifted to where they are evenly
divided with regard to same-sex marriage. It also covers the demographics to show who exactly
is for or against same-sex marriage.
Reflection
Because so many Utahans (66%) voted to ban same-sex marriage in 2004, I felt it was
very important to show my readers how the view has shifted. It is primarily the younger
generation that is in support of same-sex marriage, so as they reach the voting age things will
continue to shift. I also used the chart from this site to show a clear picture of the recent poll
results.
"CNN.com Election 2004 - Ballot Measures." CNN.com - Breaking News, U.S., World,
Weather, Entertainment & Video News. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 May 2014.
Summary
This particular page provides a simple table showing the ballot results for several states
on same-sex marriage. It provides precise details showing exactly how many voted on the
proposed same-sex marriage ban in 2004; showing the number of votes and what percentage of
the population voted either for or against it.
Reflection
I used this source specifically because while many sources report that 66% of Utahans
approved the same-sex marriage ban, many dont show just how many Utahans voted on the
issue. Again, I wanted to point out to my readers how large of an issue this has been.
Eager, Emilee. "Court of Appeals denies Utah's request to stay gay marriage ruling | KSL.com."
Utah News, Sports, Weather and Classifieds | KSL.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 May 2014.

Summary
This article first notes that the 10
th
Circuit Court of Appeals denied the states request for
a stay on the ruling. It then goes on to discuss the petition created by Bill Duncan, director of the
Marriage Law Foundation, who argues against Shelbys decision to strike down a voter approved
ban. This petition prompted Tim Wagner of MoveOn.org to start a petition in order to obtain
signatures from those in support of same-sex marriage. It notes that Duncan has yet to release the
number of signatures obtained while Wagner continually has.
Reflection
My main reason for using the information about these two petitions was to point out the
suspiciousness. While those behind the primary petition to support same-sex marriage have
continually released their figures, those behind the opposing petition have chosen to be secretive.
This isnt to say that they have more or less, but simply to create a mood of suspicion.
Flores, Andrew R., and Scott Barclay. Williams Institute | A national think tank at UCLA Law
dedicated to conducting rigorous, independent research on sexual orientation and gender
identity law and public policy. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 May 2014.
Summary
The Williams Institute has been tracking public opinion on same-sex marriage for several
years, and this report provides precise figures from 2004 through 2012. It gives the details for
each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia showing that every single part of the U.S. has
seen an increase in support for same-sex marriage.
Reflection
I used this information to show precisely just how much the opinion has continued to
change over time. Precise numbers often aid in credibility. Also, this article includes the analysis
of hundreds of surveys; not just from one particular organization so it removes any biases. I
wanted to make sure that those that might be critical of the information I am providing know that
I attempted to remove potential biases.

Griffin, Steve. "Capitol is arena for dueling rallies over gay marriage :: The Salt Lake Tribune."
The Salt Lake Tribune Mobile. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 May 2014.
Summary
I used 2 photos from The Salt Lake Tribune website that were taken during a gay
marriage rally at the state capitol.
Reflection
I used it primarily to show just how many protestors came to fight against Shelbys
ruling, as well as how many came in support of it.
Hesterman, Billy. "Will LDS bishops be forced to perform same-sex marriages?" Daily Herald.
N.p., n.d. Web. 7 May 2014.
Summary
This article addresses a primary concern here in Utah regarding religious freedom. It
raises the question and then uses information provided by a law professor, Clifford Rosky, to
calm the concern. It notes that the 1
st
amendment already gives them the protection they are
looking for and that churches will not be required to perform same-sex weddings should same-
sex marriage become legal in Utah.
Reflection
I wanted to make sure that my readers concerns are addressed. Because I have seen this
concern raised continually throughout the news, I knew it would be an important one to address
in my news report; to calm the fears and reassure Utahans that churches will not have to perform
same-sex weddings.
"Polling Tracks Growing and Increasingly Diverse Support for the Freedom to Marry." Freedom
to Marry. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 May 2014.
Summary
This site gives percentages of public opinion for each state including support for same-
sex marriage as well as figures regarding support for civil unions. It also provides further details
of opinion throughout different demographics
Reflection
This was one of my main sources when I pointed out in my report the public opinion of
states that have already legalized same-sex marriage. I mainly wanted to mention the one state
(Minnesota) that has a lower rate of approval for same-sex marriage, yet they have already
legalized it.
Romboy, Dennis. "Poll: Majority of Utahns against same-sex marriage and say states have the
right to decide | Deseret News." DeseretNews.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 May 2014.
Summary
This article starts out by arguing that a majority of Utahans are still against same-sex
marriage. It goes over different polls that have been conducted and points out that a large
majority of Utahans want to ensure that they keep their religious freedom. In one poll, 72% said
that if same-sex marriage becomes legal then laws should be enacted so that churches can refuse
to perform same-sex weddings.
Reflection
I used the information in this article to point out that Utahans are very concerned about
their religious freedom. I wanted to make sure my readers know that people are aware of this
concern and that their concerns are being heard.
Thomaston, Scottie. "Supreme Court Puts Same-Sex Marriages in Utah On Hold Pending Tenth
Circuit Appeal | Scottie Thomaston." The Huffington Post. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 May 2014.
Summary
This article essentially provides a timeline from when Shelby first struck down the ban on
gay marriage until the state was granted a stay on the decision by the U.S. Supreme Court. It also
includes details about the two denials the state received from the 10
th
Circuit Court of Appeals
prior to being granted a stay.


Reflection
This was another article I used to simply provide background information to my reader.
To let them know what took place with the initial court decision, the denials from the 10
th
Circuit
Court of Appeals, and the final stay granted by the U.S. Supreme Court.
POSITION ARGUMENT
American Psychological Association. "Lesbian and Gay Parenting." American Psychological
Association (APA). N.p., n.d. Web. 7 May 2014.
Summary
This report covers in detail the research findings of 59 separate studies over the course of
half a century regarding same sex parenting. It discusses several different types of studies that
have been conducted and concludes that there is no evidence to support the notion that same-sex
parenting is harmful for children.
Reflection
I didnt want to use just a single study or two to argue that same-sex parenting is not
harmful for kids. Too many biases can be found that way. So I used the results from a
collaboration of studies by a highly reputable organization to give credibility to my claim.
Gates, Gary J. "LGBT Parenting in the United States." Williams Institute | A national think tank
at UCLA Law dedicated to conducting rigorous, independent research on sexual
orientation and gender identity law and public policy. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 May 2014.
Summary
This report primarily consists of statistics regarding gay parenting in the U.S.. It points
out that there are approximately 3 million LGBT parents in America and nearly 6 million
children with LGBT parents. It discusses both biological and adopted children of LGBT parents,
as well as their demographic characteristics; noting which states have the highest proportions of
same-sex parents.

Reflection
I used this source to point out that whether or not same-sex marriage is legal, same-sex
couples are still going to become parents. Therefore, trying to argue against it on the basis of
child welfare is not a valid argument. Also, I included the states listed that have a high
percentage of same-sex parents because ironically they are all states that dont allow same-sex
marriage.
Regnerus, Mark. "How different are the adult children of parents who have same-sex
relationships? Findings from the New Family Structures Study." Mark Regnerus,
Sociologist and Author - Home. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 May 2014.
Summary
This report summarizes the findings of Sociologist Mark Regnerus who claims that
children of same-sex parents do not fair as well as those of opposite-sex parents. His report states
that children of same-sex couples are more likely to experience emotional and behavioral
problems throughout life.
Reflection
I used this study for two reasons. The first is because it is the only study that claims
same-sex parenting has negative affects on children. The second reason is because it is the main
study that is used in court cases for those fighting against same-sex marriage; Utah has also cited
this study in their appeals to the 10
th
Circuit Court of Appeals.
Romboy, Dennis. "Traditional marriage is the best place to rear children, Utah appeal says |
Deseret News." DeseretNews.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 May 2014.
Summary
This article discusses the primary arguments that the state of Utah included in their brief
filed with the 10
th
Circuit Court of Appeals. Their main argument is that children fair better
being raised in a traditional family. Their secondary argument surrounds religious freedom. The
article then includes several quotes from the state attorneys about the reasons they believe that
traditional marriage is best for children.
Reflection
I used the information in this article to show my clear understanding of the reasons why
so many Utahans are opposed to same-sex marriage; because of their concern for the children. I
wanted to make sure my readers know that I do understand the states primary concerns.
Wetzstein, Cheryl. "Gay parenting studies disputed by association - Washington Times." The
Washingtion Times. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 May 2014.
Summary
This article discusses the American Sociological Associations response to Mark
Regneruss study. The ASA stated that there is no scientific evidence to support his claims. The
article goes on to explain in detail all of the flaws that Regneruss study contained.
Reflection
This was one of the most important resources that I had in writing my position argument.
It was invaluable to let my readers know that the only study that has claimed negative affects of
same-sex parenting (which was done by a sociologist) was refuted by the American Sociological
Association. This helped me to conclude that there is no real evidence that supports the claim
that same-sex parenting is harmful for children.
MEMOIR
"25 Romantic Wedding Aisle Petals Decor Ideas | Weddingomania." Wedding Ideas, DIY
Projects And Photo Inspirations - Weddingomania. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 May 2014.
Summary
This site shows several images of ways to design a wedding aisle.
Reflection
I wanted to draw my readers in with this image because every woman dreams of one day
walking down the aisle way. Its one thing all women have in common; gay or straight.
Home Page for Auburn Pentecostal Church. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 May 2014.
Summary
This site contains a picture of a Pentecostal church.
Reflection
I wasnt able to get a photo of the original Pentecostal church that I used to attend, but
this one looks very similar. A big part of my coming out experience when I was growing up
did involve the church I attended, and because Utah is so religious, I thought it would be a good
piece to use. Also, using a picture of a church that is clearly not a Mormon church assisted in
making sure that my readers do not assume Im trying to attack their church in any way.
"Laura & Simone | Garden Luncheon Wedding in Italy." Snippet & Ink. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 May
2014.
Summary
This site contains a picture of a young woman in her white wedding gown standing with
her mother as they smile at each other.
Reflection
I strategically placed this photo at the end of the story because as same-sex marriage
becomes a reality, this image and feeling of pure joy is something that more women will be able
to experience. I think that it will be hard for some to look at this picture and still wish to deny
someone that special day.