Currently, one of the biggest issues surrounding discrimination is whether sexual orientation should be a protected characteristic, along with age, race, color, gender, national origin, religion, and pregnancy. Proponents of this legislation often present the issue as one of fairness. All of these other groups get protection, so we also deserve protection, they plead. Supporters point out that gay people can be legally fired for being gay in more than 30 states, suggesting that being legally fired for a characteristic is inherently unfair.

1. How would you frame the issue and the conclusion of this essay?

2. The writer gives several reasons to support her conclusion. Identify the reasons and describe the reasoning.

Clue: The reasoning is the logic that ties the reasons to the conclusion-ask yourself: "How does saying 'I like cake' lead to 'Let's go get cake'"?

3. How appropriate are the analogies used in this argument?

4. Write a short essay approaching the issue from a viewpoint different from the author's.

Clue: What analogies could you use in making your case?