Special interest groups refer to a segment of individuals with a similar opinion and goal aimed at influencing public policy in their favor. In the United States, special interest groups play vital roles in fighting for the rights of their group members. For instance, there has been heated debate on whether gay marriages should be legalized or illegalized in the country. The battle on whether to legalize gay marriages or not has drawn international attention where special interest groups advocate for it while most legislators and members of the public oppose it. The major role played by special interest groups concerning gay marriages is lobbying (Mills, 2016). Special interest groups have waged battles through different media platforms to call for the legalization of gay marriages. In most cases, the special interest groups organize for peaceful demonstrations, where they get a chance to channel their views and interests as a group to the government.
Besides, special interest groups file cases in the court of law to battle with individuals who oppose gay marriages. After filing a case in a court of law, the special interest groups collaborate with particular legislatures who are in their opinion to represent them in the court. In 2015, the supreme court ruled in favor of gay marriage in the Obergefell v. Hodges case (Mills, 2016). The supreme court ruled that same-sex couples have a fundamental right to marry just like their opposite-sex couple counterparts. The decision made by the Supreme Court in the Obergefell v. Hodges case was largely influenced by the activism of special interest groups. Special interest groups made numerous attempts to convince the Supreme Court on legalizing gay marriages, with the help of legislators and individuals who volunteered to participate in the hearings. Their efforts finally yielded positive results after the case was ruled in their favor.
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Special interest groups in support of gay marriages take an active role in the politics of the United States (Baylor, 2020). The groups have established themselves in a manner that attracts national attention in the political arena. Their influence in the politics of the country compels politicians to consider them in their campaigns and national debates to evade opposition from the groups. Through taking an active role in politics, it becomes easy for the special interest groups to convince legislators to support their interest in the country (Baylor, 2020). When they gain support from politicians, then it becomes easier for them to channel their views and interests in the court system. For instance, in May 2012 President Barack Obama endorsed marriage equality in the country. This endorsement by President Obama played a key role among the special interest groups in the 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges case.
According to Baylor (2020), special interest groups organize and participate in public debates through national televisions and other media platforms. Through the public debates, the special interest groups get a chance to interact with members of the public, as well as airing their views on why gay marriage should be legalized and supported by all regardless of religion and personal beliefs. Also, these public debates attract international interest, where similar special interest groups from other countries encourage them to continue pushing for their rights. Special interest groups ensure that there is an active union within the country which accommodates all interests and needs for gays. The special interest groups form the unions and ensure their members are fully registered to avoid any form of discrimination and intimidation from the state or individuals who oppose their views. The unions enhance their efforts to push for their members’ rights in the national and international scene. Also, through the unions, the special interest groups can channel their views and needs to the government.
References
Baylor, C. (2020). The Politics of Marriage Equality: Confrontational Interest Groups and Nonconfrontational Officeholders. 19(2). https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/perspectives-on-politics/article/politics-of-marriage-equality-confrontational-interest-groups-and-nonconfrontational-officeholders/63136E1DEC65A5FD9074339D404835F3
Mills, H. (2016). The Role and Rhetoric of Interest Groups in Obergefell V. Hodges' Amicus Briefs. pp. 1-126. https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1405&context=honors
