Same Sex Marriage in Canada - Term Paper Example

Same Sex Marriage in Canada Introduction Same-sex marriages have been a hot public issue in Canada for some last decades. Gay rights include ceremonial marriages, child adoption, domestic partnership registration on public record, domestic partnership affidavit given by employers to gay employees that defines the couple’s economic relationship, health care, insurance, lawsuits, property, and the like. The topic of same-sex marriages becomes important when it comes to parenting and discrimination. The topic is of high sociological importance since it cannot be said that same sex couples are not able to raise children having normal sex orientation. There is no proof that children who are parented by same sex couples turn out to be homosexuals in future. However, Canadian people hold different views regarding this. This topic is also of great importance in understanding the discrimination against same sex couples. This paper sheds light upon different concepts of same-sex marriages, and describes the concepts under social conflict theory. Important Concepts 1. One concept that Canadian people have conceived over the last years is that same-sex marriages should not be legalized because these will tend to destroy the concept of straight marriages. According to Robert George (n.d.), it is only the man and woman who can unite into a marriage. There is no other form of marriage that is acceptable. He states that “marriage is inexorably linked to our natures as men and women” (p.647). He asserts that it is the sexual activity that results in the reproduction of the child and that defines the concept of marriage. This cannot be achieved through a same-sex marriage despite sexual activity. When couples of same sex marry, their physical makeup does not enable them to reproduce and thus their marriage is more like fun than a serious lifetime commitment. People need to understand that even if the couples are not able to reproduce due to conditions like infertility, still they carry on their marriage in a fashion which is very successful as compared to same-sex marriage. In Canada, since law is considered as a teacher, if it remains silent or neutral regarding marriages, then people would misunderstand the true meaning and essence of marriage. 2. However, there are contrary beliefs prevalent in Canada. For example, gay couples prove to be as efficient parents as straight couples. Since nurture part of the nature vs. nurture debate holds a great importance, it cannot be said that same sex couples are not able to raise children having normal sex orientation. Family instability may take its toll on normal psychological development of children of both straight and same-sex couples, and so, it is not true that only gay parents prove to be bad parents by any means. They may prove to be better parents, as is suggested by Judith Stacey and Timothy Biblarz (as cited in Cooke, 2012, para.2), that two men or women can raise kids better in terms of sexual growth, than a man or a woman in a traditional home setting. Kids of gay couples do not have to see one of their parents involved in extra-marital affairs. They do not have to see their moms and dads fighting with each other every day. Kids pay little attention to what the relationship between their parents is, or whether or not their relationship relates to societal norms or not. All they want is love, of parents towards them and also towards each other. So, the relationship between parents has nothing to do with children becoming homo-sexual or hetero-sexual. 3. Since we are talking about contrary beliefs here, Canadian people also believe, in the context of parenting that, since gay spouses unite in marital sexual activity not for the goal of reproducing children, hence this unity does not bring longevity to their spiritual happiness nor does it strengthen their bonding for the rest of their lives. It is the goal of having children that unites the two parents into such a bond that they find peace in being with each other which is necessary to motivate them to make efforts for their children’s well-being. Also, the absence of one of the two sexes as parents is very detrimental for healthy mental and physical growth of children. In case of lesbian marriage, the absence of a biological father results in early sexual activity and adolescent misbehavior in children, since the role of father in children’s activities and mental and social health cannot be denied. Social Conflict Theory in Context of Same Sex Marriages Same sex marriage can very well be studied from the sociological point of view, as it is generally considered as socially deviant from norm. We need to understand that debates, for or against gay marriages, should set such sociological boundaries that ethical consideration and morality is satisfied and is not compromised. Social conflict theory argues upon the division and role of power and resources among individuals in a society, which results into social order or conflict among social classes (Crossman, 2014). Social conflict theory, in the context of same sex marriages, ponders upon the fact whether gay couples enjoy the same kinds of rights (social, economic, political, and cultural) as straight couples, or they have to face discrimination. In Canada, although many laws and regulations have been passed to legalize and protect gay rights, still homosexuals have to face trouble in making themselves acceptable as normal citizens in society because people have stereotyped them. Brotman, Ryan and Cormier (2003) conducted a qualitative exploratory design study on Canadian gay and lesbian seniors and their families, and found that they had to face discrimination in accessing health care services. Same sex couples find it hard to celebrate ceremonial marriages in public and also face discrimination in employment; however, they do not face problems in adoption, marriage registration and property transfer issues thanks to laws. How this theory helps understand the topic? The social conflict theory helps understand that although there are many laws that go in the favor of same sex marriages and same sex couples, still such couples have to face a lot of discrimination in society due to their out-of-norm sexual orientation. The main discrimination arises from the stereotyping that prevails in the minds of the people of the society. People do not understand, and this is the main problem. No matter how many laws there may be, the problem will not be solved if people do not become liberal enough to give same sex couples space to live and survive. Social conflict theory helps explain the discrimination against same sex couples, and awakens the need for deeper understanding of gay rights. Also, when it comes to parenting, people need to understand the capabilities of same sex couples, and they must accept them as responsible citizens of the nation. Conclusion Putting it all together, the topic of same sex marriage is of great sociological importance as it contains in it controversies and contradictory beliefs. In Canadian society, both kinds of perspectives prevail- one that supports the validity of same sex marriages and the efficiency of same sex couples in parenting skills, and the other that rejects the idea of same sex marriages and focuses on the idea that only opposite sex couples can prove to be better couples. Canadian law supports same sex marriages, but still gay couples have to face a lot of stereotyping and discrimination in the society. This calls for the need to create awareness among the people of the Canadian society to become liberal enough to accept people of different sexual orientations, and provide them the same kinds of opportunities and rights as normal citizens. References Brotman, S., Ryan, B., & Cormier, R. (2002). The health and social service needs of gay and lesbian elders and their families in Canada. The Gerontologist, 43(2), pp. 192-202. Cooke, C.C.W. (2012). Is gay parenting bad for the kids? National Review Online. Retrieved February 4, 2012, from http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/302319/gay-parenting-bad-kids-charles-c-w-cooke# Crossman, A. (2014). Conflict Theory. About.com: Sociology. Retrieved February 4, 2014, from http://sociology.about.com/od/Sociological-Theory/a/Conflict-Theory.htm George, R. (n.d.). The Debate Over Same-sex Marriage. Retrieved February 3, 2014, from http://leonardooh.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/george-same-sex_marriage_and_moral_neutrality.pdf Read More