Same Sex Marriages

Thesis Statement

Many opposed to same-sex marriage and there is much debate politically and socially regarding the legal status of same-sex marriages. But people who love each other, and want to be committed should be allowed to be together.

Introduction

Marriage is found in virtually all societies, and the majority (some 90%) of people in every society gets married at least once in their lifetime. Cultures vary with regard to what is considered appropriate premarital behavior, whom one marries, how one marries, a perfect marriage ceremony, and length and purpose of marriage. Each culture also defines marriage differently although there are some common criteria across many societies.

Discussion

Some societies recognize various kinds of same-sex marriages. “Same sex couples are capable of forming long lasting, loving and intimate relationship” (Sean 2004, 1). Same-sex marriages are legal in Denmark; Norway; Holland; South Africa; Ontario, Canada; and Massachusetts, in the United States. There is much debate politically and socially regarding the legal status of same-sex marriages. Depending on the historical and cultural setting, same-sex marriages have been accepted. In some African cultures, for instance, women may marry other women in order to strengthen their social and economic status among society. Among the Nandi of Kenya, approximately 3% of marriages are female-female marriages (Brewer, 599). Near of U.S is also reported having woman-woman marriage. In this marriage, a woman with economical means gives gifts to obtain a “wife” and brings her into the residential compound just as a man would do if he married a woman. The wife in a Nuer woman-woman marriage performs productive labor by having sexual relations with a man, as the two women do not have a sexual relationship with each other. Her children, however, will belong to the two women who are married. In olden times, the Cheyenne Indians allowed married men to take breaches (two-spirits/male transvestites) as second wives. Same-sex marriage differs from civil unions and domestic partnerships. Domestic partnership refers to policies passed by private businesses, local or state governments, and universities that provide legal protections such as health insurance benefits for same-sex couples and unmarried heterosexual couples. However, it does not provide constitutional rights such as a guarantee to due process, marriage as a fundamental right, freedom of association, and the legal to equal protection. Some domestic partner benefits require that the employed partner pay taxes on the dependent partner's benefits. (Cahill, 190)

The Controversy of Legalization

Just as, discussion about same-sex marriages are premised upon people's beliefs, attitudes, values, and experiences with homosexuality, so too are the discussions premised upon people's cultural definitions of marriage. What distinguishes the same-sex marriage controversy from other gay rights issues is the idea of marriage, both in its literal definition and its different connotations. For some participants, the meaning of marriage is central to discussions about same-sex marriage. “Today`s opinion dismantles the structure of constitution Law that has permitted a distinction to be made between heterosexual and Homosexual unions” (Sean, 2004, 3). Many opposed to same-sex marriage. They are opposed to them calling it ...