Celebrating same-sex marriage in the UK, but what's taken so long?

For many, same-sex marriage is an issue, and some believe that it should not be allowed for whatever beliefs or reasons that they hold. But after a long battle, the marriage (same sex couples) act will be put into force in England and Wales as of March 2014. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people have been fighting this battle for equality for many years and this is a starting step for same-sex couples. If they wish to make this choice then this will change the way same-sex couples can be together. The question is why has it taken so long?

In recent years same-sex marriage has made a progressive achievement in changing legislation, the civil partnership act (2004) was used and became the route for many same-sex couples. Although the wait was long, the time has come for England and Wales to celebrate same-sex couples and the rights of equality. However, this achievement for many will go unnoticed or even worse; will become a target to abuse LGBT people for trying to make a positive change in legislation. Is it right to abuse or judge someone; not only because of their sexuality choice but because of their decision to want to marry someone that they love? How is it ethically and morally right that the choice has been taken away for so long? Questions like these are asked every day in order to understand why people are against equality.  

My main question when writing this blog was what is and has been stopping same-sex couples from marrying their partners for so long?

There are many aspects that can affect people’s opinion on same-sex marriage. The first being religion as it comes up frequently in news articles regarding same-sex marriage. Many religious beliefs follow that marriage is primarily for a man and a woman. The idea of this sacred ceremony changing has caused uproar in certain places. Recently in America, debates are under-go to change the terminology of the word ‘marriage’. This is because the federal government currently define it as “a legal union between one man and one woman”. This definition is clearly outdated and scrutinises same-sex relationships. Religion has changed and adapted with current life, yet, same-sex marriage and relationships are still a no-no in some religious eyes. Religion and equality go hand in hand; however, LGBT people seem to not be involved within that. Another aspect which has been highly discussed is representation within Governments. As far as the public knows, there is not an equal split in representation of straight, lesbians, bisexuals, gay or transgender members of many parliaments. A paper written for the American Political Science Review shows statistics that where the more ‘out’ members of parliament were, the more change had happened in order to benefit LGBT people. This point is really interesting and makes us wonder that if people are more open and ‘out’ within governments, then there could be a change with encouraging legislation.

Moreover, this current situation within England and Wales is the step needed to give same-sex couples recognition for all the hard work they’ve been doing in order for this to happen. This will not be a choice that everyone will choose to make; there are many same-sex couples out there who do not wish to marry, as there are many other couples with the same belief. But this legislation gives them the choice like everyone else. It’s a right that they have always deserved but have never been given until now. This legislation will hopefully set an example for other countries and governments who have similar legislation pending or are considering change. The law will change lives for same-sex couples, with practical benefits such as mortgages, insurance and visas. The things that are taken for granted in marriages. But of course, the most rewarding benefit is being able to marry the person that you love.

My main aim of writing this blog was to find out what people’s opinions were on why same sex marriage is a problem for some and why isn't everyone accepting in 2014?  I want to see what your views are on the ever expanding subject.

I’ve asked many questions throughout so please feel free to express your opinion!

Thank you for reading, J. 

When in Rome

Fellow bloggers, I'd like to ask you how far is too far when the practice of religion is concerned? Britain is an individualist country which allows people to have freedom of religion, this means that individuals are able to practice, teach, worship, change religion or not follow any religion freely. 

It has been an ongoing political debate in parliament whether the burka, which is a full body cloak worn by some Muslim women, should be banned because of the fact it covers the woman’s whole face except the eyes.

Conservative MP Philip Hollobone proposes a bill that states “a person wearing a garment or other object intended by the wearer as its primary purpose to obscure the face in a public place shall be guilty of an offence". It adds that "a person providing a public service in person to a member of the public or receiving a public service in person from a public official shall remove any garment or other object intended by the wearer as its primary purpose to obscure the face unless such garment or other object is reasonably required for reasons of health or safety". It allows for exceptions on the basis of health and safety or "for the purposes of art, leisure or entertainment".

Although this may seem like a valid request some people argue that British citizens should be allowed to wear what they want as long as they are not harming anyone else. MP Vince Cable argues "People must have the right to choose how they want to dress and express their religion," Nick Clegg agrees commenting: "I think it is very un-British to start telling people what pieces of clothing they should wear." 

Are these MPs fighting for human rights or is it just fear of being perceived as culturally insensitive? People who are in support for the burka being banned are often labelled as racist towards ethnic minorities such as Muslims, however, when it is reserved and Muslims are attacking British culture they are not regarded as racists. Is it fair that in a British society we are not entitled to our own opinion towards other cultures without being labelled as racist?

This clip shows an example of extremist Muslim protesters opinion of British citizens. This does not represent all Muslims but is an example of racism towards British women.  

It is argued that the burka can make people feel uncomfortable as it is part of human understanding to read people from their facial expressions. When working with the public it is out of courtesy to show your face; having a hidden face, like Muslims, is another way that makes people feel uneasy towards the religion.

It has been recently reported that Mohammed Ahmed Mohammed, a terror suspect who was facing 20 different terrorism prevention orders, escaped surveillance by dressing in disguise in a burka while removing his electronic tag to free him-self from criminal convictions. Actions like this can make people un-safe as you can never be sure who is underneath the burka. If individuals began wearing other forms of facial clothing, for example balaclavas which also cover the face the government would restrict this. So this leaves me to ask you, do you think the burka should be banned in the UK? Please vote. 

Should the burka be banned?

N