Civil Partnerships in English Law - Essay Example

Civil partnerships in English law have evolved somewhat in recent years, but there is still much to be done if England is to catch up to many other countries as far as civil rights go for people in same sex partnerships. This because while English law does grant these couples a civil partnership, they are still not permitted to be recognized as a married couple. Parliament argues that the Civil Partnership Act is a parallel to marriage because it gives the individuals the same benefits as a marriage, but it falls under a different category because it is also meant to hold up the Biblical definition of what it means to be married. Basically, the Civil Partnership Act prevents same-sex couples from ever getting married, or from being recognized as a married couple, but assures these people of having the same rights as a married couple. What this has done is created a two-tiered environment in the English legal system, which has been done for social reasons, rather than legal ones. The theoretical approach that a marriage should be between a man and a woman has led to a large number of court battles in the country, especially because same-sex couples can now enter a another country and marry. The socio-legal discourse that this has brought about is something that will continue, as those who wish to change what constituted a marriage will continue to battle until their end goal is met. Since much of the discourse surrounding what makes a marriage comes from the Christian Bible, it is important to examine this theoretical approach the marriage. The passage Ephesians 5:21-33 is significant because it is all about the relationship between a husband and a wife. This is one of the most vivid passages of how a Christian marriage is supposed function and it is a constant source of varying interpretations. At first glance, this passage seems to state that a wife should be entirely subservient to serve husband because he is the head of the household, much like a Christian should be subservient to the Church. In recent times, however, this has become an issue because it seems to suggest that the husband is always in control of his wife. By comparing this relationship to the relationship that Christ has with the Church, this passage almost seems to give the husband God-like power over his wife because she is expected to do everything that is asked of her. New literature, however, has re-analyzed this issue and has discovered that the wording in this passage could mean differently than originally thought. This means that this passage means different things than it did in the past, because it suggests a partnership between husband and wife. Historically, this passage is important because it lays the groundwork for the relationship between husband and wife. This passage states that both husband and wife should be equally subordinate to the Church, but that wives should also be subordinate to their husbands. What this does is create a gender based hierarchy within each and every family with the husband being in control at all times. What this passage does it go with the assumption that all human beings are inherently different from each other and that men’s and women’s difference are not accidental, but rather are necessary in order for there to be order in the world. If there was not a power structure in place, life would be much more difficult for everyone and, therefore, more problems within the family unit would exist. Since these differences do exist, it is impossible for both men and women to be subordinate to each other and so a decision must be made about who should be subordinate to whom. It would be impossible for each and every Christian to be subordinate to each other at the same time because nothing would ever get accomplished. That is why this hierarchy is necessary in Christianity. This passage does not say that either husbands or wives are superior to each other, it simply outlines the role that each of them must inhabit. Wives are supposed to be subordinate to their husbands, but husbands are not required to be subordinate to their wives. This relationship is justified by comparing it to the relationship between Christians and the Church. Wives are subordinate to their husbands much like Christians are subordinate to the Church. This passage can be interpreted as number of different ways, as “When this passage is explained in traditional terms, its too often seen as applying only to crisis situations. The husband is told to prepare himself to die for his wife if ever her physical life might be endangered. Many Christian women think the commandment to submit applies only during times of marital conflict. When its time for a family decision, the wife is to submit by deferring to her husbands final judgment”. 1 Sumner, Sarah. “Bridging the Ephesians 5 Divide: A fresh look at what this controversial marriage passage says—and doesnt say”. Christianity Today. November 2005. P. 59. Read More