Same Sex Marriage Debate Summary

In the video, “Republican chokes up at Gay Marriage Debate in Washington”, Republican State Representative Maureen Walsh speaks in support of same-sex marriages in front of her colleagues during the debate on the legalization of same-sex marriage which took place in Washington D.C., on February, 8, 2012. During her speech, Maureen Walsh delivers three intimate and moralizing stories to impress upon her colleagues the idea that denying marriage because of sexual orientation is against human rights and against the Constitution of the United States. “I don’t wax as eloquently as most of the people on the floor here, but I have allowed my heart and mind to guide me on a lot of different decisions I’ve made in the legislature. I think sometimes that’s what we have to do. “Appealing to the emotions, character, and intellect of her audience, Maureen Walsh uses these informal and humble words, at the beginning of her speech, to communicate her honesty and humility. She continues her speech describing the type of emotions and values she gained from her relationship with her late …show more content…
“There were a whole group of kids picking on another kid, and you know, my daughter stuck up for that kid" the author says and continues,’ “even though it wasn’t the popular thing to do it was the right thing to do. I was never more proud of my kid than knowing she was speaking against the vocal majority on behalf of the rights of the minority.” Maureen uses the episode from her daughter’s childhood to introduce the concepts of minority and equality and to demonstrate her daughter ethical character and values. As she continues her story, “And to me, it is incumbent upon us as legislators in this state to do that. That is why we are here,” she uses the speech to appeals to her colleagues common values—respect for the U.S. Constitution, protection of human rights, and respect for the institution of