Same-sex relationship - Essay Example

Lecturer Controversial issue here is same-sex relationship that is widely opposed by many countries worldwide. Should same-sex marriages be allowed in the society or should these kinds of marriages be frowned upon? The research will focus on the challenges facing same sex relationships and further dig on reasons behind refusal of the law in most countries globally. The most common and legal marriage was heterosexual relationship. The issue of same-sex marriage has been made legal in various democratic or liberal countries mostly in the Western countries. The matter of child bearing is greatly left behind when it comes to same sex marriage, as there is availability of artificially produced babies. Babies could be produced artificially for same sex couples while those who prefer different methods can adopt children and call them their own. Despite the desire to raise children, the gay couples often face objections when they present themselves as candidates who want to adopt children. The legal offices that deal with the issues of adoption often feel reluctant to hand over adoption agreement to these couples with the belief that they may lack the knowledge of raising the children well. Same-sex marriage may be defined as the union among two individuals of the same gender. Ever since the year 2001, different countries have allowed gay or lesbian unions and the recognition of such law has sparked worldwide debate from the proposers as well as those who oppose this discussion. Definition of marriage has been adjusted by different entities to include homosexual marriages while some cultures believe that a marriage happens between a woman and a man. Since the year 2000, Oxford dictionary has majorly acknowledged the homosexual marriages in their definition while many publications have not included the same alterations in the documents within the public domain. Some publications such as the Associated Press apply the phrase ‘gay marriage’ to mean a marriage between lesbian couples as well as between gay men in the same light. These different publications have also faced much discussion from the supporters of same sex marriages and the ones who believe that publications for the consumption of the public should not embrace certain beliefs about human sexuality. The argument: Gay or lesbian couples cannot biologically produce children and their marriage, they claim that is based on immense kindheartedness, openhandedness and tenderness. However, the parties are denied of some benefits enjoyed by the heterosexual partners such as sick leave to care for the partner. The modern society believes that legalizing gays and lesbianism is one of the fundamental rights of the parties involved thus very essential in maintaining stability in marriage. Many natives in diverse parts of the world understand that homosexuality is an act that is not common to the society making gays and lesbians feel uneasy to disclose their sexual orientation. Sexual orientations is one of the social issues discriminated against in the place of work, social events and homes because of its unpopular nature in the society. The issues that have been raised about sexual orientation have made many couples in same-sex relationships to steer clear of public display of their affection because of the kind of treatment that they may get from different sections or individuals from the society in which they live. The issue of same-sex relationship provides many distinguishing perspectives on the world, breeding new ideas and criticizing old thoughts by tackling the most current taxing issues thus making it a speedily intensifying field increasingly tapped by policy makers and those who build programs. The research study will investigate the truth behind many countries and their policy makers such as Uganda who do not bother understanding the social processes that have brought the society of humans from their origins to where the society stands currently in terms of sexual orientation. Societal beliefs, religious beliefs, and political influences have triggered anxiety in the issue of same-sex marriage. Same-sex marriage and relationships pauses major controversies in many countries who think that the law is an abuse or degradation of their values. Reasons for argument: The ethos created from this argument is split into two conflicting sides with those in support of or against the idea of same-sex marriage. The debate about same-sex marriage has attracted heated discussions from those in support and against the issue that has drawn so much controversy. The support gotten from social workers often plays a major role especially when an individual knows of a lesbian in their surrounding environment; they would be expected to support the civil rights as advocated for by the gay people. Communication, education and advocacy about the rights of same sex couples could be facilitated by knowledge on ethical values and this would make the same sex couples feel at ease within the society. The groups that support the nuptials between same-sex marriage suppose that love can be considered as enough ground to base a marriage with little or no regard to sexual choices of a couple. These people believe that all individual have the rights to articulate their love however they like it and to whomever they choose without paying attention to the challenges that could come as a result of being a same-sex couple in a state that could be distinctively against it. The opponents to the idea of same-sex marriage believe that no same-sex couples can be able to bear offspring and rear them with religious beliefs and family values. This argument is valid, especially for the religious members of the society who believe in family values and the religious book that do not document an instance that allowed same-sex marriages in the past. The dispute between the opponents and the proponents of this kind of marriage has been involved in a conflict that involves many different cultural, family, legislative and religious issues within the contemporary society. Religion has often been a major contributor to the discussion while some different sectors of religious institutions have either supported or disapproved of same-sex marriages with either side providing strong points for or against same-sex relationships. Some of the institutions that offer religious services often refuse to offer employment or services to individuals involved in the same-sex marriages while some members of other religious associations present a belief that gays and lesbians were created as such by God and hence they should be presented with similar rights as every other person within the same society. The Jewish church, for example, has varied the approach on same-sex marriages because a section of the religion supports the relationships while another section remains adamant that the instances of same-sex marriages should be sustained within the society because this would subvert the main goal that should be upheld with the highest esteem and that is human sexuality and production of children to make the family complete. Islamic faith has often openly made rejections to the ideas of homosexuality basing their arguments in the Sodom and Gomorrah whereby Lot got condemned for homosexuality that was practiced at that time. Different religions and states have different beliefs about the public display of homosexuality whereby many countries and states have shown no objection towards the display of homosexuality. This happens differently in some parts of the world whereby some countries allow the couples to get married in public while some countries do not exactly prohibit the relationship but many issues may rise when they have to get married in public. The sanctity of family is often fronted by the opponents to same sex marriage with the argument that children deserve to grow up under the care of a mother and a father thereby making the whole idea of raising a child in a same-sex marriage setup would deny the child this right. This comes in the light of scientific study that shows that a child that has been raised in a homosexual household by same sex parents has the capability of giving similar heterosexual parenting in the future to their children as any other child raised in heterosexual households. By the year 2000, a census that was carried out proved that same-sex couples were raising close to one million children in their different households and that no significant differences were observed in the way the children raised in homosexual families behaved socially as compared to any other child from heterosexual relationships. With many states and countries coming up with Legislations for or against same-sex marriages with many of the Western countries issuing marriage licenses allowing lesbian and gay couples to associate freely and to even engage in marriages. Countries like Uganda in East Africa have recently signed into law a bill that prohibits same-sex relationships and marriages with stiff penalties for the couples involved and the ones who are aware of these secret affairs. In Uganda, the slight knowledge about a couple engaging in homosexual relationship and not reporting it could lead to a jail sentence of 7 years or more. In America, there have been suggestions recommending the amendment of the marriage act that was signed into law by Bill Clinton that defined the marriage institution as the unification of a female and a male. Restricting marriage to heterosexual couples has been considered as an outdated affair with new instances of homosexuality coming out in the light to profess their sexual preferences. Activists have taken a stand that implores the state to legalize same sex marriages across the world and not just in the West. With many different parts of the world seeing public demonstrations in solidarity to support gay marriages while in other territories the same public demonstrations are carried out with outrage for governments signing bills to support gay marriages. Social services and the sectors involved should consider altering the previous definitions of marriage to appreciate the fact that the marriage institution is a rapidly changing one. When talking about pathos that saddens the proponents of the same-sex marriages, the implications that come from engaging in same-sex marriages are far reaching. This is due to the fact that these families may often be denied legal protection on the important factors and financial benefits that are enjoyed by heterosexual couples. An example is child custody, whereby in case such a couple would split up then the court may have difficulties in deciding child custody if indeed the couple raised a child together. Medical leave comes in as the other implication that may rise as an obstacle to same-sex relationship whereby some benefits may not be enjoyed by same-sex couples such as maternity or paternity leave. When accessing healthcare services, gays and lesbians may end up being treated with indifference when seeking medical assistance in hospitals. The access to other state and federal benefits such as inheritance, taxes, social security, and many other benefits have remained unavailable to homosexual couples in most parts of the world. The moment an individual fails to access any public services because of sexual orientation then much more has to be completed to enable the society step towards different freedoms of individuals that lay basic guidelines on access to public services. In conclusion, same-sex marriages have generally received varied reactions from the public from which they operate. Different Legislations have been implemented in different parts of the world to support or to prohibit homosexual relationships and their public display of affection for each other as that could attract heavy penalties in some countries such as Uganda in East Africa. The number of homosexual couples coming out in public to declare their sexual orientation has significantly increased as compared to the past when this could be considered quite unacceptable by the state, the church and in most social settings. Some of the people who have come out across the world to express their homosexuality have been public figures and celebrities thereby making a few more people to change their minds on how they view the idea, or the way they view these public figures. Signing up to a specific sexual orientation is generally up to an individual especially in democratic states where the rights to choose are not inhibited in any way. Annotated Bibliography Takács, Judit, and Ivett Szalma."Homophobia and Same-Sex Partnership Legislation in Europe."Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: An International Journal 30.5 (2011): 356-78. ProQuest. Web. 25 Mar. 2014. Following discrimination of same sex relationship, this article addresses some of the legal emancipation of the same –sex group in Europe and tries to provide recommendation how the issues of discrimination may be solved. This article intends to respond to the practical question whether the institutionalized level of same sex relationship may impact social acceptance of lesbian women and gays in Europe as well as highlighting some aspects that may influence the issue of homophobia in some European nations. The paper further entails the significance of including same sex marriage in the legal framework to create a more inclusive society. Schacter, Jane S. "Making Sense of the Marriage Debate." Texas Law Review 91.5 (2013): 1185-202. ProQuest.Web. 25 Mar. 2014.. The author discusses the impact of same-sex marriage in the courtroom and the role of courts in justifying counter-majoritan decisions. Klarman highlights the long struggle of same sex marriage debate and gives an interpretation of the law regarding the issue. He explains the constitutional interpretation of same sex marriage and the fact that arguments for and against marriage have never changed since initiation of the matter. Lutwak, Nancy, M.D., Curt Dill M.D., and Antonio Saliba M.D. "THE IMPACT OF NOT LEGALIZING SAME-SEX MARRIAGE ON THE LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER COMMUNITY." American Journal of Public Health 103.5 (2013): 1. ProQuest.Web. 25 Mar. 2014.. Lutwak et al. explain how people engaged in same sex relationship face high level of psychological distress arising from social isolation and challenges they face in acquiring an authenticated relationship. The article further highlights the dire need of improving health care of the sexual minority group who constantly face discrimination in the health care sector. Bannerman, Sara. "Same-Sex Marriage, Social Cohesion, and Canadian Values: A Media Analysis." Canadian Journal of Communication 36.4 (2011): 599-617. ProQuest.Web. 25 Mar. 2014.. The author explains how same sex marriage issues have affected the social cohesion, national identity and national values of Canada. The article provides mix feeling provided by different groups of people that include supporters of same sex marriage and opposers of same sex marriage. Bannerman explains how opposers feel that same sex marriage is a symbol of fracture over core Canadian values while proponents feel that it is a high value Canadians place on equality and diversity. Barry, Peter Brian. "The Liberal Case Against Same-Sex Marriage Prohibitions." Journal of Politics and Law 6.4 (2013): 129-40. ProQuest.Web. 25 Mar. 2014.. Barry explains how liberal states have found it defenseless to oppose same sex marriage on liberal grounds. He feels that the notion of liberty tends to commit liberal societies into allowing same sex marriage because the principle is rooted in their constitutional law. Chandler, Matthew. "Moral Mandate Or Personal Preference? Possible Avenues for Accommodation of Civil Servants Morally Opposed to Facilitating Same-Sex Marriage." Brigham Young University Law Review 2011.5 (2011): 1625-58. ProQuest.Web. 25 Mar. 2014.http://search.proquest.com/business/docview/913582081/680860706FE4B8BPQ/5?accountid=45049>. Chandler gives an account on how allowing same sex marriage has put civil servants into dilemma. He argues that loyalty to certain religious beliefs face challenges of choosing between concise which is their morale mandate and livelihood based on personal preference. The author discusses how civil servants’ beliefs may be accommodated and addressed appropriately by the legislatures to ensure equal and effective service to the public. HILDEBRANDT, TIMOTHY. "Same-Sex Marriage in China? The Strategic Promulgation of a Progressive Policy and its Impact on LGBT Activism." Review of International Studies 37.3 (2011): 1313-33. ProQuest.Web. 25 Mar. 2014.. Hildebrandt highlights how a non-democratic state such as China may improve its human rights standard in the international context by legitimating same sex marriage. He explains some of the reasons that may make a non-democratic state adopt and promulgate progressive human rights policy and the impact to its residents and the international community. Read More