Transformational changes in society and new theoretical concepts on marriage and family have contributed to the changing contours of marriage and family institutions. They have resulted in sex and gender issues that spur important debates in contemporary society. Some of the issues include the rise in feminism, increased efforts to address gender-based violence, the emergence of LGBT movements and same-sex marriages, discussions about reducing the wage gap, and women’s health movements. This discussion focuses on the issue of same-sex marriages by providing a description of this matter and examining historical events that contributed to its rise. Since it is a controversial issue, this discourse will offer the two sides of the current argument and provide possible resolutions.
Identified Issue
Same-sex marriage describes the marriage between two individuals of the same gender. It is a new social issue, and it became common when various countries began allowing same-sex couples to get married. Conventional society believed that marriage was between a man and a woman. The idea of same-sex marriages is among the most debated and divisive issues in the modern legal, political and social sphere (Hunter, 2012). While gays and lesbians want the establishment, maintenance, and dissolution of their unions to be consistent with public policy, opponents of this new family arrangement argue that it will disrupt the traditional family structure. This aspect results in unending discussions between the two opposing sides.
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Historical Context
In the 20th century, most Americans considered marriage to be an institution that involved different-sex partners. The law also reflected the cultural considerations by allowing the unity between a man and a woman only. LGBT movements emerged in the 20th century. These movements argued that marriage should be extended to couples of the same sex since marriage is a basic human right. Although the movements fought for same-sex couples' rights, most gays and lesbians were unwilling to come out since the society still believed that the idea of same-sex marriages was weird.
Later, legal challenges, social, and policy developments in most countries encouraged same-sex marriages. By 2011, about 3.5% of Americans self-identified as gay, lesbian, or bisexual (Hunter, 2012). Currently, same-sex marriage seems to gain increasing societal and legal approval. Media attention to this issue has also increased in the recent past, suggesting an increase in their validation and visibility. Besides, the last decade has witnessed a rise in same-sex cohabitation, with almost 7% of individuals identifying themselves as lesbians, gays, transgender, or bisexual in 2016 (Joyner et al., 2017). Furthermore, in 2015, Supreme Court ruling declared same-sex marriage a constitutional right. This move indicates that the legal environment is shifting to support same-sex union.
Objective Review
Proponents of same-sex marriages argue that these couples are akin to heterosexual partners, implying that they also want to express their love to one another. They also argue that failure to recognize same-sex marriages has adverse effects on these couples. This failure denies them rights covered under the domestic relations laws. The privileges include the right to spousal maintenance after union dissolution and fair distribution. Moreover, they lack access to some income tax advantages and pension rights (Tebbe et al., 2018). For instance, in some states, a non-legal spouse's death implies that the relationship never existed. Furthermore, they argue that recognizing same-sex marriages is a response to realities and changes in the family organization. They claim that since almost 10 million American children are under the care of same-sex couples, the parents have a responsibility to grant these children their legal rights. In this case, they argue that recognizing same-sex marriages does not signify the government's preference for homosexuality. These advocates also argue that recognizing this union will improve the stability of this marriage. Research shows that same-sex relationships have a higher separation rate than different-sex relationships. This aspect is related to difficulties experienced by same-sex couples due to failure by society to recognize them.
Opponents of same-sex marriage argue that the same-sex marriage concept is contradictory. They mention that marriage must involve a man and a woman and anything beyond this description cannot be a marriage. Furthermore, they argue that opposite-sex marriages are meant to uphold family values, suggesting that same-sex marriages will result in ethical issues. They also use anti-homosexual community values and the traditional Judeo-Christian teachings to defend their arguments.
Opponents of same-sex marriages also argue that permitting this union will promote social issues and corruption of morals. They attribute same-sex marriage to disaster. These challengers contend that same-sex union has detrimental effects on social order and ethical practices. They also assert that gays and lesbians exaggerate their number (Wang et al., 2016). The opponents claim that the LGBT society constitutes a very small number of the total population, suggesting that permitting these unions requires a referendum. They also believe that since the differences between different-sex and same-sex marriages are huge, rules governing the marriage institution cannot be applied to same-sex unions.
Challengers of same-sex marriages maintain that such unions are unjustified under the social cost-benefit analysis. They argue that allowing such unions in the society corresponds to approving homosexuality. State bodies and employers would have to perform more cost-benefit analyses to consider healthcare benefits and other benefits afforded to individuals in marriage (Quam et al., 2010). The social value of recognizing that one is married will reduce since the concept is broadened. They also claim that it will have a collateral effect because marriage has several privileges.
Possible Resolutions
Same-sex marriage is an ongoing debate with supporters and opponents maintaining their stands. Society should come up with resolutions to help break the impasse and allow the two sides to accommodate each other. First, society and government should support advocacy programs to promote informed public debate. This resolution should involve policymakers, politicians, and the public to help build a political will for legal changes. This aspect will benefit both the supporters and opponents of same-sex marriages. Policymakers should also work with professionals, including psychologists and scientists, to understand the formation of a new family and sexual orientation. This aspect will make both groups understand the arguments of their opponents. Second, professionals and policymakers should strengthen the knowledge base on sexuality and linking research with action. This aspect will help both groups embrace interventions that promote all individuals' wellbeing in society regardless of gender identity and sexual orientation. It will enable them to use scientific information when making their arguments. Third, the government should support research and measures to improve the wellbeing of all individuals of minority status (APA, 2011). This move will help reduce discrimination and educate the public to engage in informed debates regarding same-sex marriage.
Gender and sex-based issues have become common in recent years, increasing unending debates. The issue of same-sex marriages has opposing sides since the society is split between those supporting and those opposing such unions. Although gay and lesbian movements emerged in the 20th century, countries started legalizing same-sex marriages in the 21st century. While supporters argue that same-sex couples have a right to marriage, challengers claim that such unions will promote social ills and moral corruption. Society should consider advocacy programs and strengthening the knowledge base to understand sexuality and new family structures to resolve the issue. This aspect will help promote the well-being of all individuals in society.
References
APA. (2011). Resolution on marriage equality for same-sex couples. American Psychological Association.
Hunter, N. (2012). The Future Impact of Same-Sex Marriage: More Questions Than Answers Answers. The Georgetown Law Journal, 100 , 1855-1879.
Joyner, K., Manning , W., & Bogle, R. (2017). Gender and the stability of same-sex and different-sex relationshps among young adults. Bowling Green State Universit.
Quam, J., Whitford, G., Dziengel, L., & Knochel, A. (2010). Exploring the Nature of Same-Sex Relationships. Journal of Gerontological Social Work , 702-722. https://doi.org/10.1080/01634372.2010.518664
Tebbe, N., Widiss, D., & Gilreath, S. (2018). The Argument for Same-Sex Marriage. University of Pennyslavania Law Review, 159 (21), 21-42.
Wang, T., Wu, Y., & Shih, H. (2016). Themes of arguments against same-sex marriage in Taiwan: A discourse analysis. 31st International Congress of Psychology , 1-5.
