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 This definition is clearly outdated and scrutinises same-sex relationships.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.
