When two people find true love, marriage is the one thing that can exceed their passion or desire to stay committed. However, if these individuals are of the same biological sex or gender identity, most people tend to oppose such recognition. Since 2001, more than ten countries have embraced the concept of same-sex couples marrying nationwide, even more, in 2012, there are proposals that exist to introduce same-sex marriages in an additional ten countries. Although it is a freedom of choice to love and care for whomever one please (as long as they are of legal age), the recognition of same-sex marriage provoke numerous issue within the political, moral and religious areas.
Although various types of same-sex marriages have existed since the early Roman Empire, the actual acceptance of these marriages is legally recognized nationwide in Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Iceland, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, and Sweden. However, recognition of same-sex marriage is not accepted in the United States. Although marrying the same biological sex or gender is not federally recognized in the U.S., there are a few states (Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, and New York, Vermont) and one district (Columbia) that will allow couples to marry and receive state-level benefits.
Even though several states do offer civil unions or domestic partnerships, state-level rights (all or part) and responsibilities of marriage, there are thirty-one states that have constitutionally placed restrictions on same-sex marriage limiting such acts to one woman and one man. (WWW.pewforum.org)
Although many same-sex marriages have taken place over the past decade, the ceremony accompanying same-sex couples are not legally seen as constitutional in the federal courts eyesight. For instance, in 1996, the U.S. congress passed the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) which define marriage solely as a union between a man and a woman for all federal purposes, this, however, enforced the non-recognition amongst the states. In 2005, the federal district court ruled in favor of gays (Citizens for Equal Protection v. Bruning) holding that it is un constitutional to prohibit same-sex marriages, yet the ruling was overturned on an appeal issued by the United States Court of Appeals for the Eight Circuit in 2006. In this ruling, the court ruled that “laws limiting the state-recognized institution of marriage to heterosexual couples… do not violate the Constitution of the United States.” In 2010, the federal court held key provisions of DOMA to be unconstitutional; in addition, the Department of justice entered an appeal on October 12, 2010. Even though the same-sex laws have yet to be established, the latest polls conducted in 2011 have indicated that over half of Americans support same biological sex or gender identity. One interesting fact that has created a major division in the geographical area is the beliefs of the individuals within the different age subdivisions. Although many people would believe that there are few individuals that care about the issues taking place within the legal system, research has proven different. According to PEW RESEARCH CENTER, there are substantial age and generational differences in the opinions being made about same-sex marriage. In fact, the millennials, that was born after 1980 seem to favor allowing gays and lesbians to marry legally by 53% to 39% margin. Research also found that the support for gay marriage amongst millennials have made little changes on recent years, yet, the percentage has risen since 2004 when so called opinion was more divided.(WWW.pewforum.org)
PRC also revealed that among Gen Exrs (born 1965 to 1980), 48% now actually favor gay s and lesbians to marry legally while 43% are opposed. Research has also shown less support for same-sex marriage among Baby Boomers (those born 1946 to 1964), as oppose to younger age groups. Currently, 38% seem to favor allowing gays and lesbians
