Legalization of Same-Sex Marriage

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It has been a long time since the argument of “If same-sex marriage should be legalized” appeared. Same-sex marriage refers to the right of two partners who are of the same sex to enter legally into the civil institution of marriage. To date, there are fifteen countries around the world that have passed the law of same-sex marriage, including Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Norway, Sweden, etc. Also, various forms of same-sex civil unions were recognized worldwide. To decide whether same-sex marriage should be legalized or not, the natural definition of marriage, children, and health issues are several factors to take into consideration. I will argue that same-sex marriage should be legalized and be treated fairly and equally, even it evokes very powerful traditions and religious beliefs. To start with, the natural definition of marriage is one important factor that affects the legalization of same-sex marriage. The recognition of the right to legalize same-sex marriage often involves amending a government's legal definition of marriage, which was traditionally defined as a union between a man and a woman. Supporters of same-sex marriage believe it is a discrimination to treat same-sex relationships any differently from opposite-sex relationships, because marriage is a sign of commitment and love between two people, when it comes, love should be the only factor that matters. Similarly, it is stated by Becker (2012) that the purpose of marriage is to form a lifetime union between two people that can give them happiness and gratification, regardless of sexual orientation (p.1019). However, opponents say only marriages between men and women can be called “marriage”, any relationship between two men or... ... middle of paper ... ...2, January 12). INFOGRAPHIC | Same-sex marriages by the numbers - A statistical snapshot of gay and lesbian unions in Canada. Retrieved from http://www.cbc.ca/news2/interactives/same-sex-marriage/ Murphy, T. F. (2010). Same-Sex Marriage: Not a Treat to Marriage or Children. Journal of Social Philosophy, 42(3), 288-304. Portrait of Families and Living Arrangements in Canada. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www12.statcan.ca/census-recensement/2011/as-sa/98-312-x/98-312-x2011001- eng.cfm Study: Health care use among gay, lesbian and bisexual Canadians. (n.d.) Retrieved from http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/080319/dq080319b-eng.htm#cont Willian, M., & Jonathan, R. (2005). Gay Marriage, Same-Sex Parenting, and America's Children. Future of Children, 15(2), 97-115.

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