Same sex marriage

Same sex marriage Same sex marriage is also referred to as the gay marriage or homosexual marriage. These kinds of marriages occur between two people who have similar gender characteristics. They are not as popular as the heterosexual form of marriage though their popularity has grown tremendously in the recent past. Again, the widely accepted definition of marriage does not exclude these marriages. According to the definition, marriage is a union of two individuals who are in love with each other. In some countries, they are legal but in other countries they are taken as immoral and should be punished or wiped from the society. For example many African countries are against this form of marriage due to their strict traditions. In countries like Kenya, Muslims who practice this form of marriage are likely to be subjected to mob violence. In the past, gay marriages where not recognized but due to the social changes in the society today some countries (states) have constitutionally recognized them. This essay focuses on the major reasons as to why some countries support this form of marriages while at the same time other countries demonize and reject them. There are both social and legal reasons as to why some countries like Canada, Sweden, Norway, Netherlands and some states in U.S among other countries support same sex marriages (Belgie 1). One of these legal reasons is the constitution which advocates every individuals right to marry whether gay or not. Again, denying same sex partners the right to marry may be interpreted to be discrimination against the minority. This is considering that they are not hurting anyone of the larger society. Studies have also continually indicated that people who get married are better off (emotionally, financially, psychologically and mentally). Based on this fact, same sex marriages will ultimately benefit the partners along the specified lines. From another perspective, they play a very vital role in helping individuals drop sexual lifestyle characterized by high risks. They are also allowed because they generally help in stabilizing the society. This is because stable families are believed to be t he cornerstone to a stable society. There are numerous reasons as to why gay marriages are still considered illegal in many countries. Firstly it is believed that the main objective in marriage is procreation and it is true that same sex couples cannot make babies. They are prohibited because many feel that they threaten the marriage institution. This is because some people are likely leave their partners and engage into the gay practices. Another reason is that gay marriages offend everything that religion stands for. This is because most of the biblical studies advocate for heterosexual form of marriages. Many also feel that the legalization of gay marriages would legitimize homosexuality in the society which spell a new locus in regard to family and society. Many people also feel that the legalization of gay marriages would promote homosexuality in the public schools. This is because marriage is one of the basics taught in school and it legalization would not only inform the children about homosexuality but also enc ourage them into practicing it. The legalizing of the homosexual marriages is highly discouraged by some societies because they fear that it will erode its heterosexual cultural beliefs in the society. Many gay individuals have been pushing for the legalization of this behavior however many governments have rejected them. In U.S, states like California, New York, Rhode Island, Washington D.C, Massachusetts and New Mexico have legalized same sex marriages (Vestal 1). Others are expected to follow suit as the trend gains popularity. This has been heightened by the fact that some of renowned public figures have stood out in their support. Many should however note that gay marriages have both merits and demerits. It may be the countries which have legalized find it advantageous to the society. Works cited Vestal, Christine. Gay marriage legal in six states, April 08, 2009. Retrieved on 15th February, 2010, from http://www.stateline.org/live/details/story?contentId=347390