Same Sex Marriages

Same-sex marriage is marriage or an alliance between two persons of the same biological sex or gender identity. Supporters of legal recognition of same-sex marriage, typically refer to such recognition as marriage equality. The introduction of same-sex marriage has varied by jurisdiction, resulting from legislative changes to marriage laws or a combination of the two. The recognition of such marriages is a civil rights, political, social, moral and religious issue in many nations. Conflicts arise over whether same-sex couples should be allowed to enter into marriage, be required to use a different status or not have any of these rights. Denying same-sex couples legal access to marriage and all its attendant benefits represents discrimination based on sexual orientation. The assertion that financial, psychological and physical well being are enhanced by marriage and children of same sex couples benefit from being raised by two parents within a legally recognized union supported by society’s institutions. Same-sex marriages are regarded as a universal human rights issue, mental and physical health concerns, equality before the law and the goal of normalizing LGBT relationships. Several authors attribute opposition to same-sex marriage as coming from homophobia or heterosexism and liken prohibitions on same-sex marriages to past prohibitions on inter-racial marriages.