The Meaning of Freedom

Running Head : Meaning of Freedom

Comparison between the struggle of Free Slaves and the Gay Community in the Army

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The story of the African American struggle after the Emancipation Declaration is quite significant in the current occurrences in the United States . One issue that has mirrored the struggle of the freed slaves has been the struggle of the gay community for acceptance in the military and to enjoy marriage rights just as the heterosexual couples While there are similarities between these two

historical happenings as both sought to have equal rights , privileges and treatment just like other citizens of the land , there are also some quite significant differences between the two

While the gay community has been struggling to have protection rights and recognition in the military , the freed slaves were happily recruited in the military but were never extended the privileges of having legal marriages (Berlin , Reidy Rowland , 1982 . Policies that have been adopted by the military over the years have been quite discriminating against the gay community and those serving in its ranks . At some point the homosexuals were entirely banned from joining the military . And although the gay rights movement has struggled to have their members join the military , the war is far from over . Just as was experienced by the freed slaves in the military who were never extended the rights to vote and legally marry , the gay community still suffers discrimination and lack recognition in the military . This is coupled...