Thesis (M.A.)--Baylor University, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 28-32).

This dissertation examines the effects of issue frames and individual-level mediating factors on attitudes toward same-sex marriage and civil unions. It employs three survey experiments to test both competing and non-competing frame environments, an advance which will clarify the effect of these environments on public opinion. Prior literature on multiple frame environments has failed to reach consensus on the effects of multiple frame environments (MFEs) on public opinion, MFEs may: moderate subject opinion or facilitate stronger connections between subject core values and issue opinions. Results indicate that frame effects vary with framing environment: subjects presented with two persuasive frames advocating the same issue position, or a persuasive frame advocating one position and an unpersuasive frame advocating another, reported opinions closer to the persuasive frames than the control groups. Subjects who received persuasive frames advocating contrary positions reported more moderate positions than the control groups. The magnitude of frame effects also varied by question, with larger effects recorded for the civil unions question than the same-sex marriage question. On balance, these findings support the literature suggesting that multiple frame environments moderate public opinion, although some core value-issue opinion linkages were strengthened by the framed environments. Results for the individual-level political sophistication hypotheses were inconclusive. This thesis extends prior work on MFEs to a salient and divisive issue, with multiple possible solutions. In doing so, it helps resolve a debate in the literature on the effect of MFEs on public opinion. It also provides a first test of individual-level factors, such as respondent political sophistication, which may mediate the reception and processing of these frames by citizens. Finally, this thesis tries to bring both of these literatures into communication with one another to better understand the effects of each in relation to public opinion.

Thesis supervisor: Michael S. Lewis-Beck. Thesis supervisor: David Redlawsk. Includes bibliographic references (p. 187-195).

Thesis (doctoral)--La Salle University, 2005. / ProQuest dissertations and theses ; AAT 3227735. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 64-76)

This paper analyzes the legal arguments that have been used toallow the gradual introduction of same-sex marriage and civil unions in some Latin American countries. The author makes a critical account of the contentious cases and legislative responses to claims for recognition and protection of human rights of people with a particular sexual orientation. The most representative Latin American countries are analyzed from the point of view of its relevance in comparative terms. / En el presente trabajo se exponen los argumentos jurídicos que han servido para permitir la introducción paulatina del matrimonio entre personas del mismo sexo y las uniones civiles en algunos países de Latinoamérica. El autor hace una descripción crítica de los casos contenciosos, así como las respuestas legislativas a las demandas de reconocimiento y protección de los derechos humanos de las personas con una orientación sexual determinada. Se analizan los países de Latinoamérica más representativos desde el punto de vista de relevancia comparada para efectos de extraer observaciones y argumentos que puedan servir para explicar la realidad en otros tantos países del mismo entorno geográfico.

Thesis (doctoral)--Albert-Ludwigs-Universität, Freiburg (Breisgau), 2001/2002.

With the abolition of apartheid and the introduction of a new constitutional dispensation, the state’s totalitarian exclusion of homosexuals from legal recognition was relegated to a past era. The constitutional commitment to human dignity and equality and the inclusion of sexual orientation as a prohibited ground of discrimination led to the recognition of same-sex life partnerships and, inevitably, same-sex marriage by means of a civil union regime. The object of this study is to investigate the scope of the legal consequences provided to same-sex couples by the Civil Union Act 17 of 2006 and to determine the legal standing of same-sex couples who fall outside the ambit of the Act. The study includes constitutional arguments pertaining to the continued recognition of same-sex life partnerships and a critical analysis of the constitutionality of the Civil Union Act as a separate measure to govern same-sex marriage. This investigation is conducted with reference to relevant legislation and case law. / Private Law / LL.M. (Private Law)

With the abolition of apartheid and the introduction of a new constitutional dispensation, the state’s totalitarian exclusion of homosexuals from legal recognition was relegated to a past era. The constitutional commitment to human dignity and equality and the inclusion of sexual orientation as a prohibited ground of discrimination led to the recognition of same-sex life partnerships and, inevitably, same-sex marriage by means of a civil union regime. The object of this study is to investigate the scope of the legal consequences provided to same-sex couples by the Civil Union Act 17 of 2006 and to determine the legal standing of same-sex couples who fall outside the ambit of the Act. The study includes constitutional arguments pertaining to the continued recognition of same-sex life partnerships and a critical analysis of the constitutionality of the Civil Union Act as a separate measure to govern same-sex marriage. This investigation is conducted with reference to relevant legislation and case law. / Private Law / LL.M. (Private Law)