essay about sex marriage

Same-sex marriage: What you need to know

• Marriage and Relationships

Are same-sex marriages different from heterosexual marriages?

Like heterosexuals, many lesbian, gay, and bisexual people want to form stable, long-lasting relationships and many of them do. In fact, researchers have found that the majority of lesbian, and gay, adults are in committed relationships and many couples have been together 10 or more years.

Scientists have found that the psychological and social aspects of committed relationships between same-sex partners largely resemble those of heterosexual partnerships . Like heterosexual couples, same-sex couples form deep emotional attachments and commitments. Same-sex and heterosexual couples alike face similar issues concerning intimacy, love, loyalty, and stability, and they go through similar processes to address those issues. Empirical research also shows that lesbian and gay couples have levels of relationship satisfaction similar to or higher than those of heterosexual couples.

How do laws that limit marriage to heterosexuals affect gay and lesbian people?

Being denied the right to marry reinforces the stigma associated with a minority sexual identity. Researchers have found that living in a state where same-sex marriage is outlawed can lead to chronic social stress and mental health problems . Psychologists are particularly concerned that such stigma may undermine the healthy development of adolescents and young adults.

The families and friends of lesbian and gay couples who are denied marriage rights may also experience negative physical and mental health consequences similar to those experienced by their loved ones.

Do same-sex couples make fit parents?

The vast majority of scientific studies that have directly compared lesbian and gay parents with heterosexual parents have consistently shown that the same-sex couples are as fit and capable parents as heterosexual couples , and that their children are just as psychologically healthy and well adjusted. For instance, one recent study found that children of same-sex couples do just as well in school as children of heterosexual couples, and these children are equally popular among their peers.

Why is marriage so important?

Marriage bestows economic and social support to couples in committed relationships, which can result in substantial health benefits . Researchers have found that married men and women generally experience better physical and mental health than comparable cohabiting couples. Additionally, same-sex couples in legal unions are more likely to remain in a committed relationship than those denied marriage rights.

Taken together, the research shows that there’s no scientific basis for denying marriage rights to same-sex couples, and doing so can adversely affect them as well as their family and friends.

For more information, visit APA’s marriage and family issues for LGBT people page.

This fact sheet is based on APA’s amicus brief in the case of Hollingsworth v. Perry and APA’s Public Interest Government Relations Office fact sheet on Marriage Equality and LGBT Health.

Related reading

• Marriage and Family Issues for LGBT People
• Understanding transgender people, gender identity and gender expression
• Sexual Orientation and Youth: A Primer for Principals, Educators and School Personnel
• Insufficient Evidence that Sexual Orientation Change Efforts Work, Says APA
• Sexual orientation and gender diversity

You may also like

Talk to our experts

1800-120-456-456

• Same Sex Marriage Essay for Students

Introduction

The same-sex marriage has sparked both emotional and political clashes between supporters and opponents for years. Although it has been regulated through law and religion in many countries around the world, legal and social responses often range from celebration to criminalisation of the pair.

Essay No - 1

Marriage equality – importance of same sex union.

Back in 2018, the Supreme Court of India passed a watershed judgement that was ordained to go down the archives of the country’s history. In spite of the majoritarian prejudices prevalent in India directed towards the LGBT community, the apex court revoked the draconian and out-dated Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code. 

This Section, in typically vague and diplomatic terms, belittled homosexuality and criminalised intercourse that goes against the “laws of nature”. It was incorporated into the Indian Penal Code under the British Raj in 1861, and it took the Indian judiciary system 70 years since independence, to abrogate the law and decriminalise homosexuality. 

Nonetheless, the landmark decision was met with euphoria from its proponents, especially the activists who fought for the cause for more than a decade, wrangling with society and courts to attain equality in the eyes of the law. Even though a marriage equality essay is far from sight in a time when it is legal to marry the person one loves irrespective of their gender identity or sex, the decision by Supreme Court portends its occurrence. 

Equality in Marriage

Equality in marriage is an idea, which propagates that all marriages notwithstanding whether it is a Sapphic marriage or gay marriage or heterogeneous matrimony are equal and should enjoy similar rights and status in society.

Unfortunately, our society’s construct is such that we grow up with the idea that only a man and woman can be bound in matrimony. And while doing so, we overlook the multitudes of individuals that associate with different sexual preferences and gender identities. 

While the western world marches toward inclusive societies, where individuals are treated as equals irrespective of their sexuality or gender, we still are in the embryonic stages towards such acceptance. 

If one searches for same-sex marriage essay or statistics, one will find that support for marriage equality in countries like the USA hovers above 60%, a data presented by Pew Research Center. And if one were to rummage through the same statistics for India, it is a dismal 18%, according to a poll by Mood of the Nation (MOTN) in 2019.

Importance of Same-Sex Marriage

Because no change is appreciated until it contributes to the betterment of society in one way or another, proponents of an inclusive society have long contested its importance in same-gender marriage essays and discourses.

We are an overpopulated country and encouragement of marriage equality and an increase in same-sex matrimonies would lead to lower population growth. At the same time, it might witness a growth in adoptions of orphans, which is a significant move towards a holistic society. 

And last but not the least it would be an encouraging shift towards adherence to the laws of human rights, which dictates that no human should live under discrimination, fear, or oppression. 

The seeds of prejudice prevalent in our society, however, will not change overnight. Our traditions and social construct are vastly different from those of western societies. A change in mindset is a process that might take decades and even centuries. 

Nonetheless, the change should begin somewhere. And awareness that every human is equal and their preferences and choices about who they love and marry should not be a ground for discrimination is quintessential to that change. 

Essay No - 2

Same-gender marriage: a threat or blessing for the reunion of two people.

Marriage or wedlock is the cultural union of two people for a lifetime. Considered an integral part of one’s life, it involves both legal and social formalities performed by the two families in concern. Besides, it also comprises regulations and obligations to be followed by the spouses and their children as well as their immediate family members.

However, there have been instances where marriage equality essays have been spoken of by many. These are instances where marriage between couples of the same gender is considered inappropriate. Nevertheless, the global society is evolving and people are coming out of the closet more often than ever before.

How Does the World Perceive?

Most communities are becoming liberal in terms of being more accepting in nature. People by and large are taking a stand to abide by their sexuality. It is no more a matter of shame that has to be kept hidden or shut behind the doors.

Multiple same sex marriage essay has come up sighting the incidents where the couple were accepted by their respective families. In addition, the act of legalization of same-sex marriage has been going on since the past two decades with great vigour.

Countries like the Netherlands, Spain, and Belgium had legalised it in the wake of the 2000s, while other countries such as Canada, South Africa, and Norway followed suit in the upcoming years.

The marriage equality essay has been in the limelight because more people are opening up about the benefits and importance of such marriages in today’s world. The reasons that have fuelled such a dramatic change can be listed below as -

People can be themselves and do not have to try hard to get accepted for who they are.

They are proud of both their individuality as well as sexuality and do not have to wear a mask.

They can plan for the future instead of having to succumb to societal pressure.

Same-sex couples now have the opportunity to live with their loved ones happily, without having to take cover. 

The spread of the same gender marriage essay has been a saviour for many who were not aware of the changes that are taking place all around the world. It has not only made the LGBTQ community aware but also encouraged them to evaluate themselves and take the plunge to raise their voices too. They can now take a stand for themselves and feel relieved that they are not discriminated against anymore.

What is the Scope in the Future?

Although a significant part of the world including countries like Taiwan, Germany, USA, etc. have been able to match the steps with the advancing surrounding; there is still a section who has not. Even now, marriage equality essays and other online content create backlash.

Therefore, it is essential that more people come forward and join hands to the cause of being united in terms of accepting the bond between people. 

Essay No – 3

Same-sex marriage - the changing attitude of modern society.

Most religions and cultures accept that marriage is not a trivial matter but is a key to the pursuit of happiness. However, they still openly criticise the practice of same-sex weddings. Fortunately, the stigma related to homophobia and LGBTQ community is slowly but surely lessening. Better education, introduction to different cultures, and an open mindset played a critical role in this development. 

Let’s discuss the changing attitude of today’s society and the benefits a culture might enjoy in this same-sex marriage essay.

The History of Same-Sex Marriage

During the mid-20 th century, historian Johann Jakob Bachofen and Lewis Henry Morgan made systematic analyses of the marriage and kinship habits in different cultures. They noted that most cultures expressed support towards a heteronormative form of marriage that revolves around union between opposite-sex partners. However, all these cultures practised some form of flexibility while following these ideals. 

Scholars like historian John Boswell often declared that same-sex unions were recognised in medieval Europe, but the most notable changes were introduced during the late 20 th century. 

An Accepting Society

A more stable society was created over the years, with a better understanding of each other and acceptance for the different. As the culture opened its arms to learn about others, it also learned about minority groups such as the LGBT community. Similar to racial equality, or the equality movement for women, growing acceptance of that community ultimately made the commune much more stable. 

Many consider that same-sex unity will only benefit the homosexual community. However, it leaves a much more profound impact on the overall society. To begin with, it will reduce homophobia by a significant margin. Acknowledging a homosexual relationship will also reduce hate crimes in countries like India. There are many research papers and marriage equality essays available that show how communities that allow an individual to choose their partner to enjoy a significantly less rate of crime. 

The Economic Boost

An unlikely benefit of same-sex marriage and a compassionate society towards homosexuals is the economic boost. For one, the wedding and marriage industry is the biggest beneficiary of same-sex marriage, as it increases their customer base by a significant margin. It also allows several business providers to service them, and helps the travel and tourism industry by boosting the number of honeymoon goers.

For example, businesses in New York enjoyed almost 260 million dollars boost within a year when same-sex marriage was legalised. Similar effects were also found in other countries.

Even though India still hasn’t shaken the stigma attached to a same-sex relationship, somewhat modern society is slowly learning to accept the diversity of human nature. With the help of the government, activists, and hundreds of individuals creating and posting blogs, same-gender marriage essays on the internet, society is gradually becoming an understanding and nurturing entity for everyone.

FAQs on Same Sex Marriage Essay for Students

1. Which countries have legalized same-sex marriage and when?

With the advancement in the thought process of people, many countries have passed laws in favor of same-sex marriage, thereby legalizing it in their countries. The first countries to legalize same-sex marriage before 2010 were the Netherlands who legalized it in 2001, Belgium legalized it in 2003, Canada and Spain legalized it in 2005, South Africa in 2006, Sweden and Norway in 2009 and Iceland, Argentina, and Portugal legalized same-sex marriage in 2010. Later on, Denmark legalised it in 2012, and countries like Uruguay, New Zealand, France, and Brazil in 2013, Ireland, Luxembourg, and the United States in 2015, Colombia in 2016,  Malta, Germany, and Finland in 2017, Australia in 2018 and Ecuador and Austria in 2019. The recent country to legalize same-sex marriage is the United Kingdom. Thus, now people have started accepting the idea of same-sex marriages across the world.

2. What is the importance of same-sex marriage and why should it be legalized?

As the world is progressing we all must understand that each one of us is a human being and before labelling us with our caste and love preference, we must learn to respect each other. In this progressing era as more people with same-sex preference are coming up it has become more important to accept and legalize same-sex marriage because of the following reasons:

It will give people a chance to be themselves and enjoy their own individuality.

It will make people understand that loving a person of the same sex is not wrong or abnormal.

It will teach people that it is better for people to spend their lives with someone they love and not with the person whom they don’t even like.

This will make this place a much happier space to be in.

It gives people with homosexuality a hope of a happy life.

3. What is the status of same-sex marriage in India?

Same-sex marriage in India is still not encouraged. In India, neither the laws are lenient nor the people are broad-minded to accept it happening around them. The legal and community barriers never give these people a chance to prove themselves. Indian society is not very welcoming to changes that are different from the customs and culture they have practised till now. Thus, any change in these cultural laws gives rise to an outburst of anger in the country which makes legalising these issues even more sensitive and challenging for the law. India still needs time to get accustomed to the concept of same-sex marriage. However, not knowing about the concept is a different thing, and completely opposing it is different, therefore, awareness about such issues is very necessary for the developing countries so that people can first understand the pros and cons of it and then either accept it or reject it. Not only in India, but in other countries also, the idea of same-sex marriage is not accepted because they think it is against their religion. People opposing the LGBTQ community to get the right to marry their lovers take away the very basic human right of such people. There has been a long-lasting war for the members of the LGBTQ community for their rights. Although there have been some positive results in recent years, for example, the end of Section 377, which criminalizes homosexuality. However, India still has a long way to go in terms of the LGBTQ community and their rights.

4. What approaches can be used to legalize same-sex marriage?

Same-sex marriage is currently not taken in kind words by the people but slowly and steadily the things are changing and people are able to change their perspective with respect to the LGBT community. Legalizing same-sex marriage in a country like India where a number of religions and customs are practiced is really difficult. Therefore, few approach switch can help legalize same-sex marriage without hurting any religion are that the existing laws are interpreted in such a way that they legalize same-sex marriage, LGBT can be regarded as a different community which has customs of its own that permits same-sex marriage, making amendments in the Act itself or all the religions can individually interpret their marriage laws in such a way that same-sex marriage becomes in accordance with their religion.

5. Briefly discuss your view on same-sex marriages?

Same-sex marriage refers to the marriage of the same sex which is similar to heterosexual marriages in terms of rituals and proceedings. Same-sex marriages should not be ashamed of and are justified because after all love knows no boundaries. The community must be made aware of this concept so that they can appreciate and celebrate the union of two loving souls without considering their gender. The community as a whole must attempt to legalize and accept same-sex marriage with respect to the laws, religion, and customs of the country. In the coming years, there is a ray of hope that same-sex marriages will also be celebrated just like normal marriages in India.

• History & Society
• Science & Tech
• Biographies
• Animals & Nature
• Geography & Travel
• Arts & Culture
• Games & Quizzes
• On This Day
• One Good Fact
• New Articles
• Lifestyles & Social Issues
• Philosophy & Religion
• Politics, Law & Government
• World History
• Health & Medicine
• Browse Biographies
• Birds, Reptiles & Other Vertebrates
• Bugs, Mollusks & Other Invertebrates
• Environment
• Fossils & Geologic Time
• Entertainment & Pop Culture
• Sports & Recreation
• Visual Arts
• Demystified
• Image Galleries
• Infographics
• Top Questions
• Britannica Kids
• Saving Earth
• Space Next 50
• Student Center
• Introduction

Cultural ideals of marriage and sexual partnership

Religious and secular expectations of marriage and sexuality.

• International
• United States
• The future of same-sex marriage
• Same-sex marriage around the world

same-sex marriage

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

• Pew Research Center - How people around the world view same-sex marriage
• Council on Foreign Relations - Marriage Equality: Global Comparisons
• LiveScience - Same sex marriage
• same-sex marriage - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)
• Table Of Contents

same-sex marriage , the practice of marriage between two men or between two women. Although same-sex marriage has been regulated through law, religion, and custom in most countries of the world, the legal and social responses have ranged from celebration on the one hand to criminalization on the other.

Some scholars, most notably the Yale professor and historian John Boswell (1947–94), have argued that same-sex unions were recognized by the Roman Catholic Church in medieval Europe, although others have disputed this claim. Scholars and the general public became increasingly interested in the issue during the late 20th century, a period when attitudes toward homosexuality and laws regulating homosexual behaviour were liberalized, particularly in western Europe and the United States.

The issue of same-sex marriage frequently sparked emotional and political clashes between supporters and opponents. By the early 21st century, several jurisdictions, both at the national and subnational levels, had legalized same-sex marriage; in other jurisdictions, constitutional measures were adopted to prevent same-sex marriages from being sanctioned, or laws were enacted that refused to recognize such marriages performed elsewhere. That the same act was evaluated so differently by various groups indicates its importance as a social issue in the early 21st century; it also demonstrates the extent to which cultural diversity persisted both within and among countries. For tables on same-sex marriage around the world, in the United States, and in Australia, see below .

Perhaps the earliest systematic analyses of marriage and kinship were conducted by the Swiss legal historian Johann Jakob Bachofen (1861) and the American ethnologist Lewis Henry Morgan (1871); by the mid-20th century an enormous variety of marriage and sexual customs across cultures had been documented by such scholars. Notably, they found that most cultures expressed an ideal form of marriage and an ideal set of marriage partners, while also practicing flexibility in the application of those ideals.

Among the more common forms so documented were common-law marriage ; morganatic marriage , in which titles and property do not pass to children; exchange marriage , in which a sister and a brother from one family marry a brother and a sister from another; and group marriages based on polygyny (co-wives) or polyandry (co-husbands). Ideal matches have included those between cross-cousins , between parallel cousins, to a group of sisters (in polygyny) or brothers (in polyandry), or between different age sets . In many cultures the exchange of some form of surety, such as bride service, bridewealth , or dowry , has been a traditional part of the marriage contract.

Cultures that openly accepted homosexuality, of which there were many, generally had nonmarital categories of partnership through which such bonds could be expressed and socially regulated. Conversely, other cultures essentially denied the existence of same-sex intimacy, or at least deemed it an unseemly topic for discussion of any sort.

Over time the historical and traditional cultures originally recorded by the likes of Bachofen and Morgan slowly succumbed to the homogenization imposed by colonialism. Although a multiplicity of marriage practices once existed, conquering nations typically forced local cultures to conform to colonial belief and administrative systems. Whether Egyptian, Vijayanagaran, Roman, Ottoman, Mongol, Chinese, European, or other, empires have long fostered (or, in some cases, imposed) the widespread adoption of a relatively small number of religious and legal systems. By the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the perspectives of one or more of the world religions— Buddhism , Hinduism , Judaism , Islam , and Christianity —and their associated civil practices were often invoked during national discussions of same-sex marriage.

Perhaps because systems of religion and systems of civil authority often reflect and support each other, the countries that had reached consensus on the issue by the early 2000s tended to have a single dominant religious affiliation across the population; many such places had a single, state-sponsored religion. This was the case in both Iran, where a strong Muslim theocracy had criminalized same-sex intimacy, and Denmark , where the findings of a conference of Evangelical Lutheran bishops (representing the state religion) had helped smooth the way for the first national recognition of same-sex relationships through registered partnerships. In other cases, the cultural homogeneity supported by the dominant religion did not result in the application of doctrine to the civic realm but may nonetheless have fostered a smoother series of discussions among the citizenry: Belgium and Spain had legalized same-sex marriage, for instance, despite official opposition from their predominant religious institution, the Roman Catholic Church.

The existence of religious pluralities within a country seems to have had a less determinate effect on the outcome of same-sex marriage debates. In some such countries, including the United States , consensus on this issue was difficult to reach. On the other hand, the Netherlands —the first country to grant equal marriage rights to same-sex couples (2001)—was religiously diverse , as was Canada , which did so in 2005.

Most of the world religions have at some points in their histories opposed same-sex marriage for one or more of the following stated reasons: homosexual acts violate natural law or divine intentions and are therefore immoral; passages in sacred texts condemn homosexual acts; and religious tradition recognizes only the marriage of one man and one woman as valid. In the early 21st century, however, Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism all spoke with more than one voice on this issue. Orthodox Judaism opposed same-sex marriage, while the Reform, Reconstructionist, and Conservative traditions allowed for it. Most Christian denominations opposed it, while the United Church of Christ , the United Church of Canada , and the Religious Society of Friends ( Quakers ) took a more favourable stand or allowed individual churches autonomy in the matter. The Unitarian Universalist churches and the gay-oriented Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches fully accepted same-sex marriage. Hinduism , without a sole leader or hierarchy , allowed some Hindus to accept the practice while others were virulently opposed. The three major schools of Buddhism —Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana—stressed the attainment of enlightenment as a basic theme; most Buddhist literature therefore viewed all marriage as a choice between the two individuals involved.

Sexuality is but one of many areas where religious and civic authority interact; definitions of the purpose of marriage is another. In one view, the purpose of marriage is to ensure successful procreation and child rearing. In another, marriage provides a—and perhaps “the”—fundamental building block of stable communities , with procreation as an incidental by-product. A third perspective holds that marriage is an instrument of societal domination and so is not desirable. A fourth is that relationships between consenting adults should not be regulated by the government. Although most religions subscribe to just one of these beliefs, it is not uncommon for two or more viewpoints to coexist within a given society.

Proponents of the first view believe that the primary goal of marriage is to provide a relatively uniform social institution through which to produce and raise children. In their view, because male and female are both necessary for procreation, the privileges of marriage should be available only to opposite-sex couples. In other words, partnerships involving sexual intimacy should have at least a notional potential for procreation. From this perspective, the movement to legally recognize same-sex marriage is a misguided attempt to deny the social, moral , and biological distinctions that foster the continued existence of society and so should be discouraged.

Because this view considers biological reproduction a sort of social obligation, its advocates tended to frame individuals’ legal and moral commitment to one another as a matter of genetic relatedness. In cases of inheritance or custody, for instance, they generally defined the parents’ legal duties to their biological children differently than those to their stepchildren. Among groups who feel strongly that same-sex marriage is problematic , there is also a tendency for the legal relationships of spouses, parents, and children to converge. Typically, these societies provide for the automatic inheritance of property between spouses, and between parents and children, and allow these close kin to co-own property without joint ownership contracts. In addition, such societies often allow close kin a variety of automatic privileges such as sponsoring immigration visas or making medical decisions for one another; for those with whom one shares no close kin relationship, these privileges typically require legal interventions. Such legal circumventions are usually more difficult for, and in some cases even prohibited to, same-sex couples.

In contrast to the procreative model of marriage, advocates of the legalization of same-sex marriage generally believed that committed partnerships involving sexual intimacy are valuable because they draw people together to a singular degree and in singular ways. In this view, such relationships are intrinsically worthy while also quite distinct from (though not incompatible with) activities associated with the bearing or raising of children. Sexual partnerships are one of a number of factors that bond adults together into stable household units. These households, in turn, form the foundation of a productive society—a society in which, albeit incidentally, children, elders, and others who may be relatively powerless are likely to be protected.

From this perspective, the devaluation of same-sex intimacy is immoral because it constitutes arbitrary and irrational discrimination , thereby damaging the community . Most same-sex marriage advocates further held that international human rights legislation provided a universal franchise to equal treatment under the law. Thus, prohibiting a specific group from the full rights of marriage was illegally discriminatory. For advocates of the community-benefit perspective, all the legal perquisites associated with heterosexual marriage should be available to any committed couple.

In contrast to these positions, self-identified “queer” theorists and activists sought to deconstruct the paired oppositional categories common in discussions of biology, gender, and sexuality (e.g., male-female, man-woman, gay-straight) and to replace these with categories or continua that they believed better reflect the actual practices of humanity. Queer advocates contended that marriage is an institution of “hetero-normality” that forces individuals into ill-fitting cultural categories and demonizes those who refuse to accept those categories. For these reasons, they maintained that consensual intimacy between adults should not be regulated and that marriage should be disestablished as a cultural institution.

A fourth view, libertarianism , had different premises from queer theory but somewhat similar ramifications; it proposed that government powers should be strictly limited, generally to the tasks of maintaining civil order, infrastructure , and defense. For libertarians, marriage legislation of any sort—either the legalization or the prohibition of same-sex marriage—fell outside of the role of government and was unacceptable. As a result, many libertarians believed that marriage should be “privatized” (i.e., removed from government regulation) and that citizens should be able to form partnerships of their choosing.

Evidence is clear on the benefits of legalising same-sex  marriage

PhD Candidate, School of Arts and Social Sciences, James Cook University

Disclosure statement

Ryan Anderson does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

James Cook University provides funding as a member of The Conversation AU.

View all partners

Emotive arguments and questionable rhetoric often characterise debates over same-sex marriage. But few attempts have been made to dispassionately dissect the issue from an academic, science-based perspective.

Regardless of which side of the fence you fall on, the more robust, rigorous and reliable information that is publicly available, the better.

There are considerable mental health and wellbeing benefits conferred on those in the fortunate position of being able to marry legally. And there are associated deleterious impacts of being denied this opportunity.

Although it would be irresponsible to suggest the research is unanimous, the majority is either noncommittal (unclear conclusions) or demonstrates the benefits of same-sex marriage.

Further reading: Conservatives prevail to hold back the tide on same-sex marriage

What does the research say?

Widescale research suggests that members of the LGBTQ community generally experience worse mental health outcomes than their heterosexual counterparts. This is possibly due to the stigmatisation they receive.

The mental health benefits of marriage generally are well-documented . In 2009, the American Medical Association officially recognised that excluding sexual minorities from marriage was significantly contributing to the overall poor health among same-sex households compared to heterosexual households.

Converging lines of evidence also suggest that sexual orientation stigma and discrimination are at least associated with increased psychological distress and a generally decreased quality of life among lesbians and gay men.

A US study that surveyed more than 36,000 people aged 18-70 found lesbian, gay and bisexual individuals were far less psychologically distressed if they were in a legally recognised same-sex marriage than if they were not. Married heterosexuals were less distressed than either of these groups.

So, it would seem that being in a legally recognised same-sex marriage can at least partly overcome the substantial health disparity between heterosexual and lesbian, gay, and bisexual persons.

The authors concluded by urging other researchers to consider same-sex marriage as a public health issue.

A review of the research examining the impact of marriage denial on the health and wellbeing of gay men and lesbians conceded that marriage equality is a profoundly complex and nuanced issue. But, it argued that depriving lesbians and gay men the tangible (and intangible) benefits of marriage is not only an act of discrimination – it also:

disadvantages them by restricting their citizenship;

hinders their mental health, wellbeing, and social mobility; and

generally disenfranchises them from various cultural, legal, economic and political aspects of their lives.

Of further concern is research finding that in comparison to lesbian, gay and bisexual respondents living in areas where gay marriage was allowed, living in areas where it was banned was associated with significantly higher rates of:

mood disorders (36% higher);

psychiatric comorbidity – that is, multiple mental health conditions (36% higher); and

anxiety disorders (248% higher).

But what about the kids?

Opponents of same-sex marriage often argue that children raised in same-sex households perform worse on a variety of life outcome measures when compared to those raised in a heterosexual household. There is some merit to this argument.

In terms of education and general measures of success, the literature isn’t entirely unanimous. However, most studies have found that on these metrics there is no difference between children raised by same-sex or opposite-sex parents.

In 2005, the American Psychological Association released a brief reviewing research on same-sex parenting. It unambiguously summed up its stance on the issue of whether or not same-sex parenting negatively impacts children:

Not a single study has found children of lesbian or gay parents to be disadvantaged in any significant respect relative to children of heterosexual parents.

Further reading: Same-sex couples and their children: what does the evidence tell us?

Drawing conclusions

Same-sex marriage has already been legalised in 23 countries around the world , inhabited by more than 760 million people.

Despite the above studies positively linking marriage with wellbeing, it may be premature to definitively assert causality .

But overall, the evidence is fairly clear. Same-sex marriage leads to a host of social and even public health benefits, including a range of advantages for mental health and wellbeing. The benefits accrue to society as a whole, whether you are in a same-sex relationship or not.

As the body of research in support of same-sex marriage continues to grow, the case in favour of it becomes stronger.

• Human rights
• Same-sex marriage
• Same-sex marriage plebiscite

Project Manager SSTP

Head of Evidence to Action

Supply Chain - Assistant/Associate Professor (Tenure-Track)

OzGrav Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Casual Facilitator: GERRIC Student Programs - Arts, Design and Architecture

Essay on Same Sex Marriage

Students are often asked to write an essay on Same Sex Marriage in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Same Sex Marriage

Introduction.

Same-sex marriage is when two people of the same gender get married. It’s a topic of much debate globally.

Historical Context

Historically, marriage was between a man and a woman. But, societies evolve and views on marriage have changed.

Legal Status

Many countries now legally recognize same-sex marriage. It’s seen as a matter of equality and human rights.

Society’s View

Society’s views are mixed. Some support it as a step towards equality. Others oppose it due to religious or personal beliefs.

250 Words Essay on Same Sex Marriage

Same-sex marriage, also known as gay marriage, is the marriage between two people of the same sex. This topic has been the epicenter of numerous debates worldwide due to its legal, social, and human rights implications.

Legal Perspective

Legally speaking, same-sex marriage is a civil right that should be accorded to all individuals regardless of their sexual orientation. It is crucial to remember that marriage is not just a religious institution but also a legal one, conferring rights and responsibilities upon the couple. Denying same-sex couples this right is a violation of equal protection under the law.

Social Perspective

From a social standpoint, acceptance of same-sex marriage signifies progress towards a more inclusive society. It challenges traditional norms and paves the way for a broader definition of love and family. It also provides societal recognition and validation to same-sex relationships, thereby reducing stigma and discrimination.

Human Rights Perspective

From a human rights perspective, same-sex marriage is fundamentally about the freedom to love and be loved. It is about the right to form a family, to enjoy companionship, and to partake in the joys and challenges of married life. Denying these rights based on sexual orientation is contrary to the principles of freedom, dignity, and equality.

In conclusion, same-sex marriage is not just about legal rights, but also about social acceptance and human dignity. It is a step towards a more inclusive, diverse, and equal society. As we move forward, it is crucial to continue advocating for the rights of all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation.

500 Words Essay on Same Sex Marriage

Historical perspective.

Historically, same-sex marriage was largely taboo and illegal. However, the late 20th and early 21st centuries saw a shift in societal attitudes. The Netherlands became the first country to legalize same-sex marriage in 2001. Since then, numerous countries including Canada, Spain, South Africa, and the United States have followed suit, reflecting changing societal norms and growing acceptance of diverse sexual orientations.

The Argument for Same-Sex Marriage

Advocates for same-sex marriage argue that it is a matter of civil rights and equality. They posit that denying individuals the right to marry based on their sexual orientation is discriminatory. Moreover, legal recognition of same-sex marriage provides couples with legal protections and benefits, such as inheritance rights and access to healthcare benefits, which heterosexual couples take for granted.

The Counter Argument

Impact on society.

The legalization of same-sex marriage has had significant societal implications. It has challenged traditional norms and values, leading to a broader discussion about the nature of marriage, family, and love. It has also been a catalyst for increased visibility and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals, although this varies significantly across different cultures and societies.

In conclusion, same-sex marriage represents a significant shift in societal norms and values. As society continues to evolve, it is essential to continue this discourse with respect and understanding, acknowledging the diverse experiences and perspectives that exist. Regardless of personal beliefs, the recognition of same-sex marriage in law is fundamentally about equality and human rights. It is a testament to how far we have come as a society in recognizing and respecting diversity, but it also underscores the ongoing challenges that remain in achieving true equality for all.

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Guest Essay

Same-Sex Marriage Is a Religious Freedom

By Steven Paulikas

Mr. Paulikas is an Episcopal priest.

As an Episcopal priest at a parish in Brooklyn, I’ve officiated at scores of weddings. At each one, I stand in wonder at the divine presence that envelops couples as they make solemn vows to each other. At my own wedding, though, I learned that there is a difference between seeing and doing. Now it was me standing across from another human being, making unthinkably difficult promises, holding his hand as we committed to walking into the vast, unknown cloud of the future together.

That day, my husband and I called upon the ancient rites of our religion to sanctify our union. The 300 or so guests gathered at our church sang a 14th-century hymn as we walked down the aisle. Loving friends read from the Bible, a dear colleague preached an unforgettable sermon, and the bishop graciously administered the vows. Finally, after kneeling at the altar for a blessing, we stood and shared a holy kiss. It was one of the most profoundly spiritual experiences of my life.

Our wedding was an exercise of the freedom not only to be married under equal protection of the law but also to practice our religion. And yet a powerful political, legal and social movement is poised to prevail in its mission to relegate the marriages of L.G.B.T.Q. people to second-class status in the name of “religious freedom.” It seems its true goal is not to advance its advocates’ religious freedom but to restrict ours.

Marriage, perhaps the most personal public institution, uncomfortably straddles the divide between religion and state. At the conclusion of every wedding I officiate, I sign both the church register and the state-issued marriage license. The Supreme Court’s 2015 ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges, which required states to perform and recognize same-sex marriages, reflected an affirmation of marriage equality that was already taking place in religious institutions. Today, same-sex marriage is a fully integrated part of some 15 religious traditions , including most mainline Protestant churches and three prominent Jewish movements, claiming millions of members throughout the country.

But groups such as the Alliance Defending Freedom claim that the existence of same-sex marriage places sexual rights above the rights of their supporters to worship, express opinions and run businesses as they choose. Tellingly, this strategy has focused on defending the supposed religious rights of private businesses rather than churches or even individuals. The Supreme Court endorsed religious freedoms for privately held for-profit corporations in the 2014 Burwell v. Hobby Lobby decision. Four years later, in Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission , the court sided with a baker who refused service to a same-sex couple, albeit on narrow procedural grounds that the court will soon revisit.

This term, the court plans to hear 303 Creative v. Elenis , the case of a Colorado-based web designer who wants to refuse business from same-sex couples as a matter of policy based on her religious beliefs. An amicus brief filed by a cohort of Christian and Jewish religious groups argues that the designer’s petition would harm people of faith and “lead many to perceive ‘religion’ as being opposed to L.G.B.T. equality and pluralism more generally.” The court agreed to consider the case within the scope of the business owner’s right to free speech rather than religious rights, but legal watchdogs point out that protecting the free speech of a company is most likely just a more palatable proxy argument for defending the owner’s “religious freedom” to turn away same-sex couples. The legal strategy behind 303 Creative v. Elenis was crafted by the Alliance Defending Freedom.

We are having trouble retrieving the article content.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and  log into  your Times account, or  subscribe  for all of The Times.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access.

Already a subscriber?  Log in .

Want all of The Times?  Subscribe .

Same-Sex Marriage: Sociopolitical Essay

• To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
• As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
• As a template for you assignment

Introduction

Perspectives on same sex marriages.

Homosexuality or the gay culture has been a controversial topic of discussion in virtually every community in the world. Different people subscribe to various traditions rooted in religion or community customs that have varied views on gaysim. Religion condemns and does not all accommodate people who have sexual relation with people of the same gender (Wardle, 2003, p106).

Islam, Christianity and even the traditional religions in Africa or elsewhere in the world have perennially had consensus on homosexual relations. Though some Christian denominations in the UK have relaxed a bit and consecrated gay bishops as church leaders, conservatism still remains in the church as far as gaysim is concerned.

Even contemporary communities like that of the US where people have embraced liberal tendencies and freedom of people to do what they like is prevalent, homosexuality and same sex unions are frowned upon (Pinello, 2006, p 69). Religion plays an important role in such popular views but again, it shows how deeply rooted the notion that only heterosexual relationships are normal is.

According to the Lesbian and Gay Movement, Same sex marriages have become political pet subjects alongside other ethical issues like abortion (1989, p. 35). In Europe and the United States, it is one of the campaign perspectives that voters carefully consider before voting for a candidate to elective office.

Same sex marriages or unions elicit strong emotions and the perspectives through which it can be looked at are numerous (Staver, 2004, p 278). Personal opinion which shapes popular opinion is one of them. Homosexuality and the constitution is another one as is the rights of individuals to choose what suits then so long as no one is directly affected. Religion too forms one of the major platforms on which same sex marriages can be discussed.

Throughout history, attempts have been made to make it legal for same sex couples to be recognized by the law and live a normal life like that of heterosexual couples (David & Caroline, 2009, p. 96). The campaigns have gained momentum in the 21 st century and a number of countries have succumbed to the pressure to legalize or are seriously considering relaxing the stringent laws that bar same sex unions.

Popular opinion on same sex marriage

Views about same sex marriages are closely linked to the question of if homosexuality is a choice or innate driven feeling (Wilcox & Rimmerman, 2007, p. 11). A majority of populations in virtually all countries of the world have an unfavorable view about same sex marriages. However many people are warming up to the idea that two people of the same gender can be married and can raise a family together.

According to Wilcox & Rimmerman, vies about same sex marriages have thawed same way the inferiority attitude towards black people changed over time. In the case of racism, it is a matter of choice for a white person to discriminate a black person for example (Alderson & Lahey, 2002, p. 55). There was absolutely no biological evidence supporting that. However, there is biological evidence nowadays supporting homosexual behavior in human beings; because of that, the public has started to accommodate the idea of same sex marriages.

Same sex marriages and the constitution

The constitution recognizes people’s universal and fundamental right to marry (Gerstmann, 2004 p. 3). Same sex marriage is a constitutional issue whose debate has not reached any logical conclusion. There is debate if same sex coupled should also enjoy the right to adopt children as heterosexual couples.

Whether they should be treated as minority groups same as those based on race, gender, ethnicity or national origin (Fuchs & Boele, 2003). Questions are also abounding if the gay activists are asking too much and if they are asking the government to endorse homosexuality (Bardes & Shelley, 2008, p 28).

Netherlands was the first country to legalize same sex marriages in April 2001. Many other countries have so far allowed quasi-marital same sex, like South Africa, Norway, Sweden and Iceland (Nocotera, 1993, p 75). In the United States, the constitutionality of same sex marriages as said earlier has created a confusion that has provided little direction. The issue is characterized by court rulings which partially advocate for same sex marriages while technically there is no law enacted to that effect (Brewer, 2008, p. 87).

For instance, in 1993, the Supreme Court of Hawaii ruled that the ban on same sex marriages violated the equality that the same constitution sought to protect. Similarly, the Supreme Court of Vermont rule that same sex coupled were entitled to all the constitutional rights that heterosexual couples enjoyed if not marriage itself (Gerstmann, 2004, p. 5). Such court decisions add to the complexity and unclear direction surrounding the issue of same sex marriages.

Religion and same sex marriages

Christians, Muslims and all other religious people like any other people in the constitution have their own individual views about what the society should be. Many religious Americans believe that there is only one side of the debate about same sex marriage (Saucier & Cawman, 2004 as quoted in Wilcox & Rimmerman, 2007, p. 106).

For Christians who avidly follow bible teachings, it is immoral beyond words to condone gaysim leave alone same sex marriages. According to Wilcox and Rimmerman, the bible has not always been definitive on a numerous issues in the society.

However when it comes to gaysim the book minces no words. The Bibles is absolutely clear about the immorality posed by allowing same sex marriages. Both practicing and believing Christians can never accommodate the view that marriage between two people of the same gender is sanctioned by traditional beliefs (Wilcox & Rimmerman, 2007, p. 105). Gay activists have always countered that the right to be gay is a civil right as well as a religious right (Andryszewski, p. 10).

There are many more numerous views about same sex marriages in the United States and world over (Pinello, 2006, p 86). Homosexuals have a point when they argue that they have rights as individuals and couples under the constitution to do whatever they feel is right for them.

At the same time, constitution that protects these individuals is rooted in strong religious traditions that it will be hard to go against (Cahill, 2004, p. 209). Lack of political will has also derailed any progress that gay people could have made due to fear of political backlash.

Gay people have however managed to piece together different sections of legislations and court rulings in many countries and the US that help them live a near normal life. They can jointly own property, adopt children and live together without fear of attack (Stockland, 2007, p 47). For the time being, they have to contend with the reality that most people are against their instance that they be recognized under the law.

Alderson, K. & Lahey, A. K. (2002). Same-sex marriage: the personal and the political. London: Greewood Publishing Group

Andryszewski, T. (2008). Same-Sex Marriage: Moral Wrong Or Civil Right?. Minneapolis: Twenty-First Books.

Bardes, A.B., Shelley, C. M. & Schmidt, W. S. (2008). American Government & Politics Today . London: Cengage Learning.

Brewer, P. (2008). Value war: public opinion and the politics of gay rights . London: Rowman Littlefield.

Cahill, R. S., (2004). Same-sex marriage in the United States: focus on the facts . Oxford: Lexington Books

David, K. & Caroline, S. (2009). Choices in Relationships: An Introduction to Marriage and the Family . New York: Cengage Learning

Fuchs, A & Boele, W. (2003). Legal recognition of same-sex couples in Europe . New York: Intersentia nv.

Gerstmann, E. (2004) . Same-sex marriage and the Constitution. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement (1989) . Same-sex relationships: a Christian contribution for discussion . NY: LGCM.

Nocotera, M. A. (1993). Interpersonal communication in friend and mate relationships . New York: Suny Press.

Pinello, R. D. (2006). America’s struggle for same-sex marriage . Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Staver, D. M. (2004). Same-sex marriage: putting every household at risk . Nashville: B&H Publishing Group.

Stockland, M. P. (2007). Same-Sex Marriage . Chicago: ABDO A family Educational Publishers.

Wardle, D. L. (2003). Marriage and same-sex unions: a debate . New York: Greenwood Publishing Group.

Wilcox, C. & Rimmerman, A. C. (2007). The politics of same-sex marriage . Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

• Castro Gay Village' Gentrification in San Francisco
• Who is a Latino Woman?
• Should Gay Marriages Be Allowed?
• Same-Sex Marriage as a Positive Tendency Nowadays
• Religious, Governmental and Social Views on Same-Sex Marriage
• Gender Roles in Society
• Men Are Superior to Women
• War and Violence
• Media Analysis: Women and Men in Media
• The Role of Women in Antigone
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2018, September 6). Same-Sex Marriage: Sociopolitical. https://ivypanda.com/essays/same-sex-marriages/

"Same-Sex Marriage: Sociopolitical." IvyPanda , 6 Sept. 2018, ivypanda.com/essays/same-sex-marriages/.

IvyPanda . (2018) 'Same-Sex Marriage: Sociopolitical'. 6 September.

IvyPanda . 2018. "Same-Sex Marriage: Sociopolitical." September 6, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/same-sex-marriages/.

1. IvyPanda . "Same-Sex Marriage: Sociopolitical." September 6, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/same-sex-marriages/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Same-Sex Marriage: Sociopolitical." September 6, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/same-sex-marriages/.

The strongest argument against same-sex marriage: traditional marriage is in the public interest

by German Lopez

Opponents of same-sex marriage argued that individual states are acting in the public interest by encouraging heterosexual relationships through marriage policies, so voters and legislators in each state should be able to set their own laws.

Some groups, such as the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, cited the secular benefits of heterosexual marriages, particularly the ability of heterosexual couples to reproduce, as Daniel Silliman reported at the Washington Post .

”It is a mistake to characterize laws defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman as somehow embodying a purely religious viewpoint over against a purely secular one,” the bishops said in their amicus brief . “Rather, it is a common sense reflection of the fact that [homosexual] relationships do not result in the birth of children, or establish households where a child will be raised by its birth mother and father.”

Other groups, like the conservative Family Research Council, warned that allowing same-sex couples to marry would lead to the breakdown of traditional families. But keeping marriage to heterosexual couples, FRC argued in an amicus brief , allows states to “channel the potential procreative sexual activity of opposite-sex couples into stable relationships in which the children so procreated may be raised by their biological mothers and fathers.”

To defend same-sex marriage bans, opponents had to convince courts that there’s a compelling state interest in encouraging heterosexual relationships that isn’t really about discriminating against same-sex couples.

But a majority of Supreme Court justices and most of the lower courts widely rejected this argument, arguing that same-sex marriage bans are discriminatory and unconstitutional.

Most Popular

• Why I changed my mind about volunteering
• The huge stakes in the Supreme Court’s new abortion case
• The staggering death toll of scientific lies
• Why Democrats aren’t talking much about one of their biggest issues
• Take a mental break with the newest Vox crossword

Today, Explained

Understand the world with a daily explainer plus the most compelling stories of the day.

This is the title for the native ad

More in archives

Given the Court’s Republican supermajority, this case is unlikely to end well for trans people.

Learn about saving, spending, investing, and more in a monthly personal finance advice column written by Nicole Dieker.

The latest news, analysis, and explainers coming out of the GOP Iowa caucuses.

The economy’s stacked against us.

A Texas judge issued a national ruling against medication abortion. Here’s what you need to know.

Essay on Same-Sex Marriage

Marriage, also known as wedlock or matrimony, is a culturally and biblically recognized union between individuals, spouses of the opposite gender. Through marriage, rights and obligations are established between the spouses, spouses, and children and between the spouses and the in-laws. A widely accepted marriage entails formal union and social and a legal contract between individuals that unite their lives legally, socially, economically, and emotionally. In a marriage, there is legitimacy to sexual relations within the union. However, most marriages entail individuals of the opposite gender. There is another type of marriage where individuals of the same gender come together as a couple, commonly referred to as same-sex marriage.

Same-sex marriage, also known as gay or lesbianism dates back to the first decade with several records of the same. In terms of the legality of marriage, the lawful union has oscillated between a private accord made by two persons and an accord of social importance under State’s control (DiGregorio, 2019). Contemporarily, no interpretation of marriage respectfully serves the diverse global population. However, the narrative of marriage equality has been driven for several centuries, and the Netherlands first adopted first marriage equality in 2001. Marriage equality meant that no individual is to be discriminated against because of sexual orientation. The issue of same-sex marriage is a controversial topic that has been embraced in some regions, even as it is loathed in some regions in the world. As a result, marriage equality has different jurisdictions; for example, it is considered a human right and civil right in the regions where it is embraced. Same-sex marriage is a political, social, and religious issue whose prominent supporters are human rights activists and civil rights organizations. However, most religious groups are the primary opponents to same-sex marriage as they consider it an ungodly and sinful act.

Gay marriage has evolved, and there are tales of records of same-sex marriage globally. Records show that several same-sex marriages have taken place before, stretching from casual to reverent unions. Biblically, the Old Testament of the Holy Bible prohibited same-sex relations. Initially, same-sex marriage was common in Ancient Greece, Rome, ancient Mesopotamia, and some regions of China at some point in European history. Historians revealed that gay relationships existed in Sumeria between young and adult men, even renowned and respected priests practicing homosexuality. Historical research revealed that Ancient Mesopotamia believed that gay relationships were standard and did not need to be condemned.

In Mesopotamian religion, same-sex relationships and religious prostitution were expected and encouraged, like having sex between a man and another man was believed to make one free of misfortune. According to Münnich (2021), homosexuality was sanctified prostitution as part of the Inanna/Ishtar cult. The male temple worker engaged in such a form of worship had a lower status than free men. However, ancient homosexuality in Mesopotamia differed from contemporary homosexuality in ancient times. It was an assertion of the superiority of one individual male to the other and a disgrace to the other person. There is equality in marriage in the modern case of homosexuality, just like in the male-female marriage. Also, in ancient Mesopotamia, if homosexuality took place in relation to an equal person, it was punished, and one could be wished to be a male prostitute. Over time, same-sex marriage spread over the world. History also records that some previous Rome emperors were in a same-sex union, with thirteen of the first fourteen Roman sovereign rulers being bisexual or generally homosexual. The first Roman emperor to have wedded a fellow man was Nero, who also wedded two more men on different occasions.

Same-sex marriage evolved through different scenarios to the contemporary where several countries accept it fully since they believe marriage is a fundamental right that no one should be denied. Same-sex marriage is currently embraced by the United States (US) that officially enacted and legitimized same-sex marriage in 2015 when the Supreme Court of the US pronounced itself by legalizing same-sex marriage. Obergefell vs. Hodges case of 2015 granted same-sex couples the freedom to the civilian marital union, thus repealing contemporary state constitutions and constitutional modifications that illegalized same-sex marriage (Ogolsky et al., 2019). Today, there is an escalation in championing of gay marriage in the US. According to Twenge & Blake (2020), there is a considerable escalation in support for gay marriage in the US, with studies showing that Americans of any age changed their conviction about same-sex marriage with time.

Several milestones have characterized the development of social movements involving same-sex marriage. The marital union has not been a fixed social institution. Still, it has deviated over the trajectory of history due to rotating religious faiths, social beliefs and behaviors, technology, and even population. Federalism, the separation of powers, and the roles of courts in modifying the institutional composition of political moments for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT), marriage movements have been necessary for the US and Canada (Smith, 2018). Ideology, religious intensity, contact with gays and lesbians, and millennial generation thoughts affected opinion about same-sex marriage (Daniels, 2019). Differences by religious affiliations reduced influence while differences by religious and political values increased between 1988 and 2014. This clearly shows that opinion on gays and lesbians, same-sex marriage has changed across all groups, although the increased difference in opinion promotes continuing conflict.

Based on analysis of stories from tolerant and conventional US newspapers, the newspapers framed the same-sex marriage issue from 2004 to 2016. For the liberals, newspapers used attributes like human rights, access to benefits, and public support to promote same-sex marriage. For the conservatives, they argued about protecting the traditional marriage union between man and woman, public objection to homosexuality, and securing conservative votes as the basis of objecting to same-sex marriage (Zheng & Chan, 2020). As a result, a policy theme was employed to organize stories reporting same-sex marriage; morality and economic themes followed. Same-sex supporters improved the general tone over the years despite minor differences. This clearly shows that social movements touch on marriage, especially same-sex marriage in the US.

Further, another study reported that American society had undergone unprecedented changes in the 21 st  century. The transformation began in the 1960s by civil rights movements, and as the US became more diverse, equal access to certain institutions became more challenging. Concerning opposite-sex marriage and same-sex marriage, mainstream media continually reported blurring boundaries between ethnic and racial groups. Before the judiciary, experts provided particular weight to political movements that social movements and decision-makers solicited (Stambolis-Ruhstorfer, 2020). There has been a substantial increase in interracial dating and matrimony for several decades in the US. As well, assimilation contributed to the spread of same-sex marriage among individuals in the United States. Some states were skeptical about same-sex marriage in the US, for example, Georgia, a state that was so religious. However, due to the supremacy of the federal constitution over the states’ constitutions, Georgia finally embraced same-sex marriage in 2015 after the declaration by the Supreme Court that same-sex marriage is legal and no individual should be discriminated against because of sexual orientation. Other states like California were among the first states in the US to legalize same-sex marriage. Generally, many social movements came in handy in the US to promote same-sex marriage and fight against discrimination of the minority same-sex community.

Over the past decade, there has been an evolution of federal legislation on gay marriage. The first twenty years of the 21 st  century saw same-sex union acquire backing from prominent personalities like John Lewis and Julian Bond of the civil rights movements. By 2011, national public support for the same-sex shot to more than 50%. That means half of the American population or half of the states supported same-sex marriage. At the same time, then-President Obama proclaimed that the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) was unlawful, and New York legalized same-sex marriage. In 2013, the Supreme Court of the United States also beat down DOMA for being insensitive to the fifth amendment of the US constitution leading to federal recognition of same-sex marriage. By 2015, support for same-sex marriage was at 60% as people had changed their opinions about the issue. Same-sex marriage became more acceptable almost in all the states in the United States. In 2015, the Supreme Court of the United States made a landmark ruling on same-sex marriage. In the civil case of Obergefell vs. Hodges of 2015, the Supreme Court ruled that the fundamental right of same-sex to marry with same terms as opposite-sex couples is guaranteed by the due process and equal protection clause of the fourteenth amendment to the constitution of the United States (Ogolsky et al. (2019). Therefore, 2015 is the year that same-sex was officially legalized and enacted in all the states of the United States. This means that the states whose constitutions had not allowed same-sex marriage had to change and adopt the new amendment; because the federal constitution of the United States is supreme to the state laws, the state laws must be consistent with the supreme law of the land.

Since 2015, all the states in the US have allowed and embraced same-sex union. The 2015 Supreme Court ruling demonstrated the impact of national-level judicial decision-making. In 2016, Alabama’s Chief Justice illegalizing state officials from issuing marriage licenses to same-sex partners. However, due to the supremacy of the federal constitution, the ruling did not affect, and the counties of Alabama continued to issue marriage licenses to all couples without discrimination. During this time, more than 80% of Americans aged 18-29 years supported same-sex marriage. Due to the error in the ruling going against the federal law, Alabama’s Chief Justice was charged by the state Judicial Inquiry Commission for ethics violation and eventually suspended from the bench for the rest of his remaining term that was to end in September 2016. Alabama legislature proceeded and moved a bill in substituting marriage license with marriage certificate in 2019. An annual poll between 2017-2020 revealed support for gay marriage, with the majority of Americans opening that same-sex marriage is to be acknowledged as justifiable under the law.

The issue of same-sex marriage is equally an emotive political issue. There have been a lot of political debates on the issue. The issue of legal recognition of same-sex marriage became prominent in the 2004 United States elections. The then-president George W. Bush used the State of the Union address to call for the federal constitutional amendment prohibiting same-sex marriage, making San Francisco Mayor issue a marriage license from the City Hall; 11 states approved a state ban on same-sex marriage in November 2004 (Hull, 2016). Subsequent polls showed that the majority opposed legalizing same-sex marriage. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) political and legitimate convocation has integrated dictates for accepting same-sex unions. The debate accelerated following the passage of civil union in Vermont, the Goodridge decision, which resulted in same-sex marriage in Massachusetts. Outside LGBT communities and in national political debates, same-sex marriage adversaries aspire to preserve a differentiation between same-sex and heterosexual unions. The Christian Right resists recognition of same-sex marriage while others argue for limited recognition on principal grounds. Reports show that three-quarters of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents and fewer than half of Republicans support gay marriage. Support for gay marriage recently stands at 88% among the self-described liberal Democrats, and fewer conservative Republicans of about 36% support same-sex marriage. This shows that more Democrats and fewer Republicans support same-sex unions in America.

Important political players in the national debate over same-sex marriage include legislators and the executive. There have been several amendments to the constitution to take care of the LGBT community in the US. The legislators of the bicameral parliament of the United States are bestowed with the responsibility of making laws and amending the existing governing policies of same-sex relationships. The executive is bestowed with the implementation of the policies passed. As a result, they are leading vital political players. Similarly, same-sex marriage is also permitted through legislative and judicial means in the US. Many vital politicians in the United States waded into the debate of same-sex marriage. In 2012 during election times, President Barack Obama was forced to share his thoughts on the gay marriage issue. Obama went ahead and opined that same-sex couples should be able to get married. In his cabinet, Eric Holder, John Kerry, and Chuck Hagel publicly agreed with the opinion of same-sex marriage. Most public individuals submitted to the Supreme Court of the United States that DOMA violated equal protection of the fourteenth amendment.

Further, Hillary Clinton was pro-LGBT throughout her career. Additionally, one of her children, a Republican, is transgender and has consistently broken ranks with the party on LGBT issues. According to The Washington Post, the current president of the United States (POTUS) Joe Bidden and his deputy President Kamala Harris both worked for gay marriage in opposite ways. Before President Obama publicly gave his sentiments on gay marriage, his then deputy president and now POTUS Joe Bidden had endorsed equality marriage in May 2012 interview (Issenberg, 2020). In-office as California’s attorney general, Kamala Harris made herself a barrier to laws that illegalized same-sex marriage. Therefore it is evident that national political personalities and leading political parties in the United States waded into the politics of same-sex marriage with more democrats than Republicans supporting same-sex marriage. Today, same-sex marriage is fully recognized and even part of the current cabinet secretaries and influential government employees have publicly declared gays.

Some sociological theories can understand why some players are more powerful than others in the same-sex debate. For example, conflict theory can be applied. Conflict theory states that tensions and conflict arise when resources, status, and power are not equally distributed between different groups in the society. As such, conflict becomes essential for social change (Crossman, 2019). This means that power is understood as control of resources and control of politics and institutions that make up the society and is determined by gender and sexuality, among other things. Through the conflict theory, we find same-sex couples as a minority in the United States social, political, and economic arena. The majority of the citizens in the US, although they have no issues with same-sex marriage, are actually in an opposite-sex marriage. As such same-sex marriage, individuals wield less power than opposite-sex married couples.

However, continued uncertainty in political and legal environments affects the stakeholders that seek to expand their rights and challenge existing policies. For example, in Georgia, individuals are pessimistic about same-sex marriage and are reluctant to accept new diverse ways of life (Gelashvili, 2020). As a result, same-sex couples or crusaders would find it hard to reside or advance their campaigns in Georgia due to the unwelcome environment. Activists on the side of same-sex marriage and activists on opposite-sex marriage have used different tactics to further their debates on the issue. Same-sex activists campaigned based on equality as enshrined in the constitution. They argue that marriage is an absolute right enshrined in the constitution, and as such, no one should be alienated from the right. The opposite-sex activists, primarily religious groups, base their argument that it is against the holy books and equally interfere with the traditionally accepted culture of opposite-sex marriage.

In conclusion, same-sex marriage is an issue that has existed since time immemorial. It is an issue that has brought forth a lot of debate since proponents talk about equality. In contrast, opponents talk of dignity and the traditionally accepted type of marriage that was allowed even in the holy books. The first nations with records of same-sex marriage are Mesopotamia and Greece. However, with time, same-sex marriage spread, and currently, it is practiced all over the world. There have been several debates on the issue, especially in the United States. It is recorded that the United States finally enacted same-sex marriage in 2015 when the Supreme Court pronounced itself on the issue and legalized it. It is a political issue in the US, and both political divides in the US have their stand on the issue. Most supporters are Democrats, even as some individuals of the Conservative Republican Party also support it. However, the US constitution is the supreme law of the land, and therefore even opponents are bound by it.

Questions to be asked and the answers for each:

1. “I heard 75 percent of people are against gay marriage. Who are they?”

There are individuals opposed to gay marriage. However, the number does not reach 75% of the population. Studies show that today, 61% of the United States population supports same-sex marriage and has no issues with same-sex couples (Ogolsky et al. (, 2019). The percentage of support for same-sex marriage increased exponentially from 31% to 61% from the onset of the 21 st  century to 2020. Most people who support same-sex marriage are civil society groups and human rights, activists. Most opponents of same-sex marriage are religious groups that view homosexuality as a sin and erode the acceptable traditional social fabric.

2. “If we allow gays to marry, won’t it destroy our social fabric?”

If we allow gays to marry, it will not destroy the social fabric. Gay marriage has been in existence for a very long time since the first decade. Individuals are already aware of it and can make robust decisions before deciding on sexual orientation. Further, the most robust constitution globally, the United States Constitution, declared that same-sex marriage (Carpenter, 2020) is legal, and as such, we are all bound by it. It is a prerogative of parents and guardians to sensitize their children on the issue, after which they can make robust decisions.

References:

Ashley Crossman (2019). Understanding Conflict Theory.

Carpenter, C. S. (2020). The Direct Effects of Legal Same-Sex Marriage in the United States: Evidence From Massachusetts.  Demography ,  57 (5), 1787-1808

Daniels, R. S. (2019). The Evolution of Attitudes on Same‐Sex Marriage in the United States, 1988–2014.  Social Science Quarterly ,  100 (5), 1651-1663.

DiGregorio N. (2019). Same-Sex Marriage and Language Appropriation Practices of Lesbians.  Journal of homosexuality ,  66 (9), 1198–1218.  https://doi.org/10.1080/00918369.2018.1500777

Gelashvili, T. (2020). Political opportunities for the extreme right in Georgia.  Terrorism and Political Violence ,  30 (5), 772-792

Hull, K. E. (2016). The evolution of same-sex marriage politics in the US. In  Introducing the new sexuality studies  (pp. 567-574). Routledge.

Münnich, M. (2021). Homosexuality in Ancient Mesopotamia. Survey of Sources.  Verbum Vitae ,  39 (1), 27–48.  https://doi.org/10.31743/vv.11079

Sasha Issenberg (2020). The Washington Post. Joe Bidden and Kamala Harris both worked for gay marriage- in opposite ways.

Smith, M. (2018). Historical institutionalism and same-sex marriage: A comparative analysis of the USA and Canada. In  Global Perspectives on Same-Sex Marriage  (pp. 61-79). Palgrave Macmillan, Cham.

Stambolis-Ruhstorfer, M. (2020). Producing expert capital: How opposing same-sex marriage experts dominate fields in the United States and France.  Social Movement Studies ,  19 (1), 38-62.

Twenge, J. M., & Blake, A. B. (2020). Increased Support for Same-sex Marriage in the US: Disentangling Age, Period, and Cohort Effects.  Journal of homosexuality , 1–11. Advance online publication.  https://doi.org/10.1080/00918369.2019.1705672

Zheng, Y., & Chan, L. S. (2020). Framing same-sex marriage in US liberal and conservative newspapers from 2004 to 2016: Changes in issue attributes, organizing themes, and story tones.  The Social Science Journal , 1-13.

Cite this page

Similar essay samples.

• The role of perceptual and conceptual similarity in early word –...
• Essay on the Industrial Revolution
• DUAL IN CONFIDENTIALITY – ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES IN ARBITRAL P...
• Is a rigorous definition of organised crime necessary?
• Does mock-heroic poetry debase its subjects?
• Title: Study of Emotions and Meta-cognitive skills of entrepreneurs in...

• Skip to main content
• Keyboard shortcuts for audio player

The story of marriage equality is more complicated — and costly — than you remember

Danielle Kurtzleben

Same-sex marriage supporters wear "Just married" shirts while celebrating the U.S Supreme Court ruling regarding same-sex marriage on June 26, 2015 in San Francisco. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images hide caption

Same-sex marriage supporters wear "Just married" shirts while celebrating the U.S Supreme Court ruling regarding same-sex marriage on June 26, 2015 in San Francisco.

Americans' views on same-sex marriage have undergone a revolution in a few short decades.

Public opinion on the issue swung so swiftly and decisively — and so little uproar resulted once it was legal nationwide — that one might easily assume the march toward marriage equality was a neat, steady progression.

But it was in fact a decades-long project that moved in fits and starts. As with pretty much any other political movement, there was disorganization and internal squabbling — many in the LGBTQ+ community didn't even see marriage equality as a priority (or even a worthy goal at all) a couple of decades ago.

And, as with other political movements, copious amounts of money provided a lot of the momentum.

All of that is recounted in The Engagement , journalist Sasha Issenberg's exhaustive, engrossing account of the decades-long fight for marriage equality. The NPR Politics Podcast 's Danielle Kurtzleben spoke with him for the show's regular book club feature. Their conversation is transcribed below and is edited for length and clarity.

Danielle Kurtzleben: Let's start with a very basic question: Why was this book important to write for you? Was the goal just to lay out the history of same-sex marriage, or was it something bigger?

Sasha Issenberg: I came to realize as I was working on it, that this was a kind of history of the American culture wars over the last generation — basically over my lifetime.

You know, I'm 41 years old. I started work on this 10 years ago, and it was the point when we were starting to talk about this as the defining civil rights movement of my generation, and I realized I'd been alive for the whole life of this as an issue. And I did not understand how it had emerged, and in many ways eclipsed not only other concerns to the LGBT community, but lots of other points of conflict or tension within our politics. It came in many ways to dominate American social policy debates for much of my adult life.

More same-sex couples eligible for Social Security survivors benefits

DK: This book also gets at how many of the people fighting for marriage equality were in the same boat, but rowing in different directions, is maybe a way of putting it. What are some good examples of how strategy got so messy?

SI: One thing that I think we as political journalists do terribly, and are often unaware of how terribly we do it, is write about conflicts within movements. You'll read or hear stories that say, 'the labor movement is doing X' or 'evangelicals are doing Y,' and anybody who has spent any time talking to labor leaders or evangelical clergy will realize that they spend much more time often bickering among themselves than they do necessarily thinking about how to work in a unified way.

As I dug into this history, that really became clear. What we would call the "gay rights movement" or the "LGBT community," that's a very big coalition, and there are a whole lot of different constituencies: gay men and lesbians who are invested in marriage, [as well as] bisexual and transgender people who often could marry the people that they love, regardless of what state law was about marriage.

And within the LGBT community, there are a lot of different policy concerns. You go back to the 1990s when this debate emerged, and there were people whose top priority was desegregating military and government service so openly gay people could serve, or who wanted just basic nondiscrimination protections, [like] writing sexual orientation into hate crimes laws.

And one of the sort of remarkable parts of the story is not just how ultimately gay marriage campaigners triumphed over opponents of same-sex marriage, but how within their own LGBT community and political movement, they raised the issue of marriage so that it went higher and higher on the list of priorities.

More Republican leaders try to ban books on race, LGBTQ issues

Frankly, a lot of that was driven by money. I told the story of a circle of very wealthy donors led by Tim Gill, who had been a software pioneer. And [he] decides that a lot of his philanthropy is going to be about gay rights. And marriage is the issue that resonates most with him.

Tim Gill attends a charity event to support LGBTQ youth in New York City on June 1, 2015. Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for GLSEN hide caption

And he ends up bringing together a circle of like-minded donors, almost all of whom are men who have either made their money through founding companies or through inheritance, who are very concerned about marriage — I think in part because very wealthy people spend a lot of time worrying about estate planning.

They build an infrastructure that is focused on marriage above — and maybe at the expense of — some of these other priorities and help bring together some of the leading lawyers and strategists in the movement.

I write about a meeting that they had in the spring of 2005, when a lot of gay rights activists saw this cause at a low point, and they set out a path to get a winning case before the Supreme Court within 20 years.

That forced other, established gay rights groups like the Human Rights Campaign or the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force to adjust their priorities, because they realized that the major money within their community cared about marriage. And if they weren't doing marriage work, they were going to lose out on some of that funding.

The U.S. Navy has christened a ship named after slain gay rights leader Harvey Milk

DK: Let's talk about the Supreme Court, which of course is a huge part of this book. You really get at the complex relationship between the Supreme Court and public opinion, and this is the thing that I'm always curious about: is it something justices pay attention to, and how does it affect them?

SI: We have a tough time figuring out what justices pay attention to because they're often not in real time public about their thoughts. But all the folks who are working on this issue operated from the assumption that the justices were not operating in some sort of vacuum — purposeful or inadvertent — in which they were oblivious to what was going on in the world around them.

And so in that 2005 strategy meeting I mentioned, they map out a 20-year path to a successful Supreme Court decision. What is seen as wildly optimistic at that point is getting before the Supreme Court in 2025. What they assumed was that the court would be willing to take bold stands for civil rights, as it has in its history, but that they did not want to be seen as working from a minority position — that the court wanted to be in a position where they were happy sort of reining in outlier states, as they did when they struck down school segregation, for example.

Plaintiff Jim Obergefell holds a photo of his late husband John Arthur as he speaks to members of the media after the U.S. Supreme Court handed down a ruling in favor of same-sex marriage rights on June 26, 2015 outside the court in Washington, D.C. Alex Wong/Getty Images hide caption

Plaintiff Jim Obergefell holds a photo of his late husband John Arthur as he speaks to members of the media after the U.S. Supreme Court handed down a ruling in favor of same-sex marriage rights on June 26, 2015 outside the court in Washington, D.C.

DK: But why would the court be worried about public opinion if they're ruling on constitutionality?

As people have said, the court gets its legitimacy from the other branches of government, from state and local governments, and thus from the public. And so, whatever the joke was that the Supreme Court doesn't have any army — they have no ability to enforce their decisions with anything other than both the public and governments that will go along and accept them.

One of the things I certainly expected after the Supreme Court ruled in 2015, that there would be more examples of local resistance in conservative states, mostly in the South and the rural West, where I thought there would be county clerks, county executives, governors, state attorneys general who said, "We will not enforce this order." And ultimately almost all of them dropped their opposition pretty quickly. I think that is a sign of a legitimacy that the court has earned over years by not taking decisions that public opinion and local politicians would not be willing to sustain. I think that's the big deal that we've had since the founding of the republic that gives court decisions their force.

DK: Another big question that I think a lot of us have continually had is, how exactly did opinion on same-sex marriage change? It has swung so decisively towards marriage equality during our lifetimes.

SI: Yeah, this is one of the things that drew me into this mystery 10 years ago. I was having a lot of conversations with pollsters who would tell me they had not seen opinion on a single issue move as quickly as it moved on marriage. And at that point, attitudes were moving 4 or 5 percentage points a year, only in one direction.

People now, in part, I think because of pop culture or general cultural acceptance, feel more comfortable coming out than they did a generation ago. People are realizing that they know people who are gay. Social scientists call this "contact theory" — the idea that we become more sympathetic or friendly due to the concerns of people once we've had personal contact with them. And it becomes a lot easier to be open, I think, to the arguments for same-sex marriage and more resistant to the arguments that were made against it when you know somebody in your life who is gay or lesbian and see the fundamental humanity of them, and in a certain way, the fundamental modesty of the demand for them to share their life with somebody they love.

Latin America

Chile's congress approves same-sex marriage by an overwhelming majority.

DK: There's one question that we got from various listeners, including Vidya Ravella. She asked, "What's the action plan for all the legal challenges that are expected? If there's a concerted effort to overturn this right, as is expected, this is the next fight, particularly if Roe is overturned this summer."

So before we even get to this question, maybe let's back up and ask how likely do you think it is that Obergefell could be overturned?

I do not think that there is any serious likelihood that the core holding of Obergefell , that the fundamental right to marry should extend to same-sex couples, is in doubt. And I think a large part of that is that it is politically unappealing. There's not a political demand for it the way there is a political demand for a change in abortion laws around the country.

I certainly understand why the fear is there for folks. But I think it's worth looking at the intersection of law and politics. Since the Obergefell decision, there were three Supreme Court justices appointed by a Republican president. Many people wanted to know their positions on Roe v. Wade . Nobody cared [about] their positions on Obergefell . Groups are focused on other issues now. Once you get to a point where these justices see 70% of the country looking the other way, regardless of what their sort of personal preferences might be, I think that that becomes a really significant impediment to them taking up this cause.

DK: Does that make marriage equality a unique issue, in that it's much harder to make the case that a same-sex marriage infringes upon your personal rights if you are in a heterosexual marriage? It's harder to make that case than, for example, to make the case that abortion opponents do, that an abortion hurts someone, or as another example, that affirmative action takes something away from someone. Is marriage equality just in its own class?

SI: You can look back at the history of social movements in the United States as on one hand, as these sort of contests over public values, over justice, liberty, freedom, privacy, fairness. You can also often read them very clearly as competitions for scarce resources.

So when women demanded property rights, husbands and fathers saw that as a challenge to their wealth. When women and African Americans demanded the vote, white men saw it as a threat to their political power, and the effort to expand rights or opportunities for immigrants has been seen by native-born people as a threat to their jobs and public benefits. Desegregation of schools set up this rivalry for places in neighborhood institutions on which people saw their property values implicated.

As you say, affirmative action, maybe in the purest sense, sets up a rivalry for jobs or places in academic institutions. Even the Americans with Disabilities Act may force landlords or developers to shift some of their budgets to paying for things that they might not have wanted to pay for. In every case, the majority had to give something up, something tangible to the demands of justice by a minority, right? And I think that that is a really important difference here, and I think made it very difficult to sustain opposition to this, because there weren't really stakeholders on the other side.

Same Sex Marriage Essay for Students and Children

Table of Contents

Essay On Same Sex Marriage: Same-sex marriage, a topic that has gained increasing prominence in recent years, signifies the union of two individuals who share a deep love and commitment regardless of their gender. In this blog, we will explore the concept of same-sex marriage, and its significance, and provide sample essays of various lengths (100, 300, 400, and 500 words) to help you better understand this important issue.

Fill Out the Form for Expert Academic Guidance!

Please indicate your interest Live Classes Books Test Series Self Learning

Verify OTP Code (required)

I agree to the terms and conditions and privacy policy .

Fill complete details

Target Exam ---

Long and Short Essays on Same Sex Marriage

Short essay on same sex marriage for students in 100 words.

Title: Same Sex Marriage: A Step Towards Equality

Same-sex marriage is a significant social and legal development that has gained momentum in many countries. It represents the idea that love and commitment are not limited by gender. Allowing same-sex couples to marry provides them with the same legal rights and responsibilities as opposite-sex couples, ensuring fairness and equality under the law.

Beyond legal aspects, same-sex marriage carries immense emotional and social importance. It acknowledges the love and commitment between two individuals, fostering inclusivity and acceptance in society. It sends a powerful message that discrimination based on sexual orientation has no place in modern society.

Despite progress, same-sex marriage remains a topic of debate in some regions. However, the tide is shifting as more countries recognize the fundamental human right to love and marry whomever one chooses.

Same Sex Marriage Essay for Students in 300 Words

Title: Same-Sex Marriage: A Journey Towards Equality and Acceptance

Same-sex marriage, often referred to as marriage equality, is the legal and social recognition of marriage between individuals of the same gender. It represents a significant step towards achieving equality and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community.

One of the primary reasons why same-sex marriage is important is the legal and financial benefits it offers. It grants same-sex couples the same legal rights and protections as heterosexual couples, including inheritance rights, access to healthcare, and the ability to make medical decisions for their partners. This legal recognition is essential for securing the well-being and future of same-sex couples and their families.

Beyond the legal aspects, same-sex marriage carries profound social and emotional significance. It acknowledges and validates the love and commitment between two individuals, regardless of their gender. This recognition fosters a more inclusive and accepting society where diversity is celebrated rather than discriminated against. It sends a powerful message that love is universal and should be celebrated in all its forms.

Despite the progress made in recent years, the issue of same-sex marriage remains a topic of debate in some parts of the world. However, the trend is clear: more countries are recognizing same-sex marriage as a fundamental human right. This progress reflects a growing understanding that love and commitment are not limited by gender and that all individuals should have the opportunity to marry the person they love.

In conclusion, same-sex marriage represents a journey towards equality and acceptance. It provides same-sex couples with legal rights and protections while sending a powerful message about love and inclusivity. As society continues to evolve, the recognition of same-sex marriage is a significant step towards building a more just and compassionate world.

Essay on Same Sex Marriage for Students in 400 Words

Title: Same-Sex Marriage: Love, Equality, and Human Rights

Same-sex marriage is a profound social and legal development that signifies the union of two individuals of the same gender who wish to commit to each other in matrimony. It represents a significant milestone in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and equality.

At its core, same-sex marriage is about love and commitment. It is the recognition that love knows no boundaries, and that two people, regardless of their gender, can share a deep and enduring bond. Allowing same-sex couples to marry is not just a matter of legal recognition; it is a statement of acceptance and validation of their love and commitment.

From a legal perspective, same-sex marriage offers numerous benefits and protections to couples. It grants them the same rights and responsibilities as heterosexual couples, including the right to inheritance, access to healthcare, and the ability to make medical decisions for their partners. These legal protections are essential for the well-being and security of same-sex couples and their families.

Furthermore, same-sex marriage plays a crucial role in promoting equality and social acceptance. It sends a powerful message that discrimination based on sexual orientation has no place in a modern, inclusive society. It challenges stereotypes and prejudices and encourages a more compassionate and understanding community.

Despite significant progress in recent years, the issue of same-sex marriage remains a topic of debate in some regions. However, the global trend is clear: more and more countries are recognizing same-sex marriage as a fundamental human right. This recognition reflects a growing understanding that love is universal and should not be restricted by gender.

In conclusion, same-sex marriage is a testament to love, equality, and human rights. It acknowledges the love and commitment between individuals of the same gender, granting them legal protections and sending a message of acceptance to society. As the world continues to evolve, the recognition of same-sex marriage is a significant step towards creating a more just and inclusive world for all.

Long Essay on Same Sex Marriage in 500 Words

Title: The Pursuit of Equality: Same-Sex Marriage

Same-sex marriage is a contentious topic that has sparked intense debate and divided societies across the globe. With the fight for LGBTQ+ rights gaining momentum over the years, same-sex marriage has become a focal point of the movement. This essay aims to delve into the issue by examining the arguments for and against same-sex marriage, acknowledging the progress made in recent years, and highlighting the importance of equality and acceptance within our society.

Supporting Arguments

On one hand, proponents argue that same-sex marriage promotes equality and acknowledges the fundamental human rights of all individuals. Denying same-sex couples the right to marry is seen as a form of discrimination and a violation of their freedom to love and establish a family. Supporting this view are the numerous studies indicating that same-sex couples have similar relationship qualities and parenting abilities compared to their heterosexual counterparts. Thus, granting them the right to marry would not only uphold their dignity but also provide them with legal protections and benefits.

On the other hand, opponents often cite religious and traditional values in their argument against same-sex marriage. They argue that marriage should be strictly defined as a union between a man and a woman, and that same-sex unions undermine the institution of marriage. However, it is essential to recognize that marriage has evolved throughout history, shifting away from its purely religious connotations to include legal, financial, and emotional aspects. Therefore, denying same-sex couples access to marriage based solely on religious grounds raises concerns about the separation of church and state.

Progress and Global Perspectives

The journey towards recognizing same-sex marriage has been arduous but significant progress has been made worldwide. Countries like the Netherlands, Canada, and several others have fully legalized same-sex marriage, embracing the principle of equality. Meanwhile, other nations still cling to traditional values and prohibit same-sex marriage, repressing the rights and freedoms of their LGBTQ+ citizens. The global stance on the issue highlights the ongoing battle for acceptance, revealing a need for greater education, empathy, and understanding.

Importance of Equality and Acceptance

Beyond the legal arguments, the broader value of equality and acceptance cannot be understated. By recognizing same-sex marriage, societies send a powerful message of inclusivity and affirmation to LGBTQ+ individuals, fostering a sense of belonging and reducing stigmatization. Moreover, it encourages a more tolerant and compassionate society, where love and commitment are valued regardless of sexual orientation.

In conclusion, same-sex marriage continues to be a topic of heated debate, with arguments for and against highlighting both opposing ideological perspectives and evolving societal norms. Nevertheless, the progress made in recent years reveals a shift towards recognition, acceptance, and equality. Providing same-sex couples with the right to marry not only upholds their basic human rights but also strengthens the fabric of our diverse society. As we strive for a fairer and more inclusive world, it is crucial to value love, respect, and acceptance, prioritizing unity over division.

FAQs on Essay On Same Sex Marriage

What is same-sex marriage.

Same-sex marriage is the legal union between two individuals of the same gender who wish to commit to each other in matrimony.

Why is same-sex marriage important?

Same-sex marriage is important because it grants legal rights and protections to same-sex couples, promotes equality, and sends a message of acceptance and validation of their love.

What legal benefits do same-sex couples gain from marriage?

Same-sex couples gain legal benefits such as inheritance rights, access to healthcare, and the ability to make medical decisions for their partners through marriage.

Is same-sex marriage recognized globally?

The recognition of same-sex marriage varies by country, with an increasing number of nations legalizing it as a fundamental human right.

Why is same-sex marriage considered a human rights issue?

Same-sex marriage is considered a human rights issue because it addresses the equal treatment and recognition of all individuals' love and commitment, regardless of their sexual orientation.

Are there still debates about same-sex marriage in some places?

Yes, debates about same-sex marriage persist in some regions, but the global trend is moving towards greater acceptance and recognition.

Does same-sex marriage challenge traditional marriage?

Same-sex marriage does not challenge traditional marriage but rather extends the institution of marriage to include all loving and committed couples, irrespective of gender.

How does same-sex marriage impact LGBTQ+ rights?

Same-sex marriage is a significant milestone in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, as it grants legal recognition and protection to same-sex couples, contributing to greater equality and acceptance.

What are the social and emotional implications of same-sex marriage?

Same-sex marriage carries profound social and emotional significance by validating the love and commitment of same-sex couples and fostering inclusivity and acceptance in society.

What is same-sex marriage in your own words?

Same-sex marriage is when two people of the same gender come together in a loving and committed partnership and choose to legally marry, just like opposite-sex couples. It's a celebration of love and a recognition of equal rights and responsibilities.

What is same-sex marriage in India?

Same-sex marriage is not legally recognized in India. Indian law does not provide for same-sex marriages, and such unions do not have legal status.

What article is related to same-sex marriage?

In many countries, including the United States, the legality of same-sex marriage is often associated with specific articles or sections of laws. In the U.S., for example, the landmark Supreme Court decision in 2015, Obergefell v. Hodges, recognized same-sex marriage as a constitutional right.

What are the problems in legalizing same-sex marriage?

Some challenges in legalizing same-sex marriage can include societal resistance, cultural and religious beliefs, and political hurdles. Additionally, concerns about the impact on traditional marriage and family structures have been raised by opponents. However, proponents argue for equal rights and benefits for all couples, regardless of their gender.

Related content

Get access to free Mock Test and Master Class

Register to Get Free Mock Test and Study Material

Offer Ends in 5:00

Select your Course

Please select class.

• Skip to main content
• Skip to secondary menu
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

A Plus Topper

Improve your Grades

Same Sex Marriage Essay | Essay on Same Sex Marriage for Students and Children in English

February 13, 2024 by Prasanna

Same Sex Marriage Essay: Sex is a biological term that differentiates between two biologically different human beings- the Male and the Female. When we talk about same sex marriage, we are intending to a sacred union of two people belonging to the same sex. This union can be called when two females get married to each other or when two males get married to each other. It is not the sex or gender that binds two souls together but love and care for each other.

Same sex marriage has been legal in many countries for a very long time. Indian judicial system legalized LGBTQ+ rights on 6 September 2018.

You can also find more  Essay Writing  articles on events, persons, sports, technology and many more.

Long and Short Essays on Same Sex Marriage for Students and Kids in English

We are providing a long essay on same sex marriage of 500 words and a short essay of 150 words on the same topic along with ten lines about the topic to help readers.

Long Essay on Same Sex Marriage 500 Words in English

Long Essay on Same Sex Marriage is usually given to classes 7, 8, 9, and 10.

Love has no boundaries; thus, marriages are no longer limited to heterosexual sted in couples. Same sex marriages have been legalized in several countries that have lead to the initiation of demanding equal rights by the people of the LGBTQ+ Community. With the struggle of these activities, it has now become possible for same sex couples to be free and enjoy equal rights in some countries.

Same sex marriages are not a trend or western influence that is adapted by the society. Same sex attraction has existed from ancient times. It was not openly and vividly talked about due to lack of knowledge and understandings. It is still a taboo in most of the world. It is our responsibility to educate ourselves and the world so that the same sex couples do not face discrimination.

In India, same sex marriages are yet to be legalized. On 6 September 2018, the Supreme court of India decriminalizedecriminalize gay sex marking a historic judgement in the Indian judiciary. The court defined love to be without boundaries. This historical judgement is a result of prolonged protests and sufferings. It was welcomed and celebrated by the country with joy.

Same sex marriages are held like every other marriage. The rituals and traditions are not different for the same sex marriage than a heterosexual marriage. Both kinds of marriage are intended to unite two souls who are in love and care for each other. Discriminating and judging same sex couples in inhuman and wrong. This mindset needs to be changed as we are moving towards a progressive world.

To understand the concept of same sex attraction and the LGBTQ+ community, proper sex education must be introduced in school level. This education is very important so that a person discovers the true soul and desire within oneself. It is always said to be with the person one loves. To find the person one loves, we must educate ourselves about the different aspects of love and desire. Educating oneself of the various aspects of sexual attraction will lead us to be a better person and make others a better person.

You can now access more Essay Writing on this topic and many more.

Same sex marriages are ridiculed at most places by society. It is wrong to discriminate human beings for their sexual preferences. Nor it is our right to devoid them of the fundamental rights as a human being. They are humans who deserve respect in all points of their life irrespective of their sexual preference.

We have come a long way now in protecting gay rights. It is the duty of every individual to support the cause of equality. Same sex marriages must be legalized in all parts of the world, and the same sex couples must be given equal human rights.

Same sex marriages must be welcomed with joy, and the same sex couples must not be subjected to discriminations. Marrying anyone is a basic fundamental right, thus not allowing the same sex couples to get married is devoiding basic human rights. We must take care that the LGBTQ+ community are not devoid of their fundamental rights and are treated with respect like everybody else.

Short Essay on Same Sex Marriage 150 Words in English

Short Essay on Same Sex Marriage is usually given to classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

Marriages are sacred events that unite two people who are in love irrespective of their gender. Same sex marriages are those marriages where humans of the same sex get married to each other. Same sex marriages are somewhat a taboo, that isn’t talked about much. But it is very important to educate the upcoming generations of the concept that same sex marriages are completely natural and humane.

Love is the sacred thread that binds two people in a marriage. Same sex marriages are no different than normal marriages. The rituals are followed and enjoyed by the brides and grooms with their families. The only difference is the presence of two brides or two grooms. Same sex marriages must be celebrated, and same sex couples must not be devoid of equal rights.

Some countries around the world have legal rights for same sex couple just the way heterosexual couples. However, most of the countries have strict rules against same sex marriages on religious and philosophical perspective. LGBTQ+ activists are struggling to gain equality in such countries.

10 Lines on Same Sex Marriage Essay in English

1. Same sex marriages are marriages between human beings of the same sex. 2. In the same sex marriage, two females get married to each other or two males who get married to each other. 3. Same sex marriage is no different than heterosexual marriages in terms of rituals and proceedings. 4. Love sees no boundaries and thus same sex marriages are justified, right, and nothing to be ashamed of. 5. The society needs to be inclusive and appreciate the unity of two loving souls beyond the humanmade paradigms of gender. 6. All must celebrate same sex marriages. 7. The present preachers must educate themselves and prepare future generations on the topic of same sex marriages and the LGBTQ+ community. 8. The upcoming generations must be given sex education and liberty to discover themselves irrespective of judgements. 9. Same sex marriages are absolutely normal and are nothing to be ashamed of. 10. Steps must be taken by everyone to ensure same sex marriage is legal, and the same sex couple enjoys equal rights.

Frequently Asked Questions on Same Sex Marriage

Question 1. Is same sex marriage a disorder?

Answer: No, same sex marriages are not a disorder. It is completely normal and biological.

Question 2. Can anybody marry a person of the same sex?

Answer: Same sex marriages depend on the sexual preferences of an individual. Everybody is not entitled to have the same preferences.

Question 3. Are same sex marriages legal in India?

Answer: Same sex marriages are not yet legal in India.

Question 4. What is the full form of the LGBTQ community?

Answer: The full form of LGBTQ Community is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer community.

• Picture Dictionary
• English Speech
• English Slogans
• English Letter Writing
• English Essay Writing
• English Textbook Answers
• Types of Certificates
• ICSE Solutions
• Selina ICSE Solutions
• ML Aggarwal Solutions
• HSSLive Plus One
• HSSLive Plus Two
• Kerala SSLC
• Distance Education

Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World

Read our research on:

Full Topic List

Regions & Countries

• Publications
• Our Methods
• Short Reads
• Tools & Resources

Read Our Research On:

Table of Contents

Public opinion on same-sex marriage, attitudes on same-sex marriage by political party identification, attitudes on same-sex marriage by religious affiliation, attitudes on same-sex marriage among key demographic groups, attitudes on same-sex marriage.

In Pew Research Center polling in 2004, Americans opposed same-sex marriage by a margin of 60% to 31%.

Support for same-sex marriage has steadily grown over the past 15 years. And today, support for same-sex marriage remains near its highest point since Pew Research Center began polling on this issue. Based on polling in 2019, a majority of Americans (61%) support same-sex marriage, while 31% oppose it.

Three-quarters of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents (75%) and fewer than half of Republicans and Republican leaners (44%) favor same-sex marriage.

More independents who lean toward the Democratic Party (81%) favor gay marriage than Democrats (71%). Similarly, Republican leaners are more supportive (56%) than Republicans (37%).

Support for same-sex marriage now stands at 88% among self-described liberal Democrats and Democratic leaners and 64% among conservative and moderate Democrats. Fewer conservative Republicans and Republican leaners (36%) support same-sex marriage than moderate and liberal Republicans (59%).

• Leaned party
• Detailed party
• Party and ideology

Among people who are religiously unaffiliated, a solid majority have supported same-sex marriage since 2004. Today, 79% of religious “nones” say same-sex couples should be allowed to marry.

About two-thirds of white mainline Protestants (66%) now support same-sex marriage, as do a similar share of Catholics (61%).

Support for same-sex marriage among white evangelical Protestants remains lower than it is among other religious groups. However, the share of white evangelical Protestants who support same-sex marriage has grown from 11% in 2004 to 29% today.

About four-in-ten of those who attend religious services at least once a week (39%) favor same-sex marriage, compared with 66% who attend once or twice a month or a few times a year, and three-quarters who say they seldom or never attend.

• Religious affiliation
• Religious attendance

Support for same-sex marriage has remained largely stable among both men and women since 2017. Today, 66% of women and 57% of men support same-sex marriage.

Support for same-sex marriage also has remained steady among whites, blacks and Hispanics over the past two years. Today, 62% of whites support same-sex marriage, as do 58% of Hispanics and 51% of blacks.

The increase in the share of adults who favor same-sex marriage over the past 15 years is due in part to generational change. Younger generations express higher levels of support for same-sex marriage.

• Race/Ethnicity

901 E St. NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20004 USA (+1) 202-419-4300 | Main (+1) 202-857-8562 | Fax (+1) 202-419-4372 |  Media Inquiries

Research Topics

• Email Newsletters

ABOUT PEW RESEARCH CENTER  Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of  The Pew Charitable Trusts .

© 2024 Pew Research Center

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

UPSC Coaching, Study Materials, and Mock Exams

Enroll in ClearIAS UPSC Coaching Join Now Log In

Call us: +91-9605741000

Same-sex Marriage

Last updated on February 29, 2024 by ClearIAS Team

The legal status of same-sex marriage varies significantly around the world. While progress has been made in recent years, there is no universal standard, and laws continue to evolve. Read here to learn about the legality of same-sex marriage in India in the wake of the latest Supreme Court judgment.

The Supreme Court has delivered its long-awaited verdict rejecting petitions to legalize same-sex marriage.

The SC looked into the provisions of the Special Marriage Act, of 1954 to examine the issue thoroughly, which has convergence and interrelationship with homosexuality.

Table of Contents

Same-sex Marriage in India

In a historic decision, the Supreme Court of India had partially struck down Section 377 in September 2018. This decriminalized consensual same-sex relations between adults.

• While the decriminalization of homosexual acts was a significant step forward for LGBTQ+ rights in India, it did not grant legal recognition to same-sex marriages. India did not have specific legislation that allowed same-sex couples to marry or afforded them the same legal rights and protections as opposite-sex couples.
• Some activists and legal experts had called for the introduction of civil union or domestic partnership laws that could provide legal recognition and rights to same-sex couples. However, no such laws were in place as of my last update.
• Marriage laws in India are primarily governed by personal laws that are specific to different religious communities. Some states, such as Kerala and Goa, had shown support for LGBTQ+ rights and had called for the legal recognition of same-sex marriages, but this remained a state-specific initiative and was not applicable nationwide.

Despite the lack of legal recognition for same-sex marriage, some LGBTQ+ activists and individuals continued to advocate for their rights, and there were legal challenges and petitions seeking equal marriage rights in various Indian courts.

Latest development

A five-judge bench of the Supreme Court that was headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud unanimously ruled against legalizing same-sex marriage in India. The bench also ruled in a 3:2 verdict against civil unions for non-heterosexual couples.

UPSC CSE 2025: Study Plan ⇓

(1) ⇒ UPSC 2025: Prelims cum Mains

(2) ⇒ UPSC 2025: Prelims Test Series

(3) ⇒ UPSC 2025: CSAT

Note: To know more about ClearIAS Courses (Online/Offline) and the most effective study plan, you can call ClearIAS Mentors at +91-9605741000, +91-9656621000, or +91-9656731000.

• The Chief Justice concluded that the court could neither strike down nor read words into the Special Marriage Act (SMA) 1954 to include same-sex members within the ambit of the SMA 1954.
• The top court said it is for Parliament and state Legislature to formulate laws on it.
• However, at the same time, the SC noted that the relationship of marriage is not a static one and that queer persons have an equal right and freedom to enter into a “union”.
• All five judges on the Bench agreed that there is no fundamental right to marry under the Constitution.
• A civil union refers to the legal status that allows same-sex couples specific rights and responsibilities that are normally conferred upon married couples. Even though a civil union resembles a marriage, it does not have the same recognition in personal law as marriage.
• The Special Marriage Act, of 1954, is a legislation in India that provides a legal framework for the registration of marriages that are solemnized between individuals of different religions, castes, or communities. This act allows couples to marry without regard to their individual religious beliefs or customs. The Special Marriage Act is applicable throughout India, except in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, where different laws apply.

Global status of same-sex marriage

Countries Where Same-Sex Marriage is Legal:

North America:

• Canada was one of the first countries to legalize same-sex marriage in 2005.
• The United States legalized same-sex marriage in 2015 following the Supreme Court’s ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges.

South America:

• Several South American countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Uruguay, and Ecuador, have legalized same-sex marriage.
• Many European countries have legalized same-sex marriage, including the Netherlands (2001, the first in the world), Belgium, Spain, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, Portugal, France, the United Kingdom (except Northern Ireland), Ireland, Germany, and others.
• New Zealand and Australia have legalized same-sex marriage.
• South Africa is the only country in Africa where same-sex marriage is legal.
• Taiwan became the first Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage in 2019, following a Constitutional Court ruling.

Countries with Limited Recognition:

• Mexico: Same-sex marriage is legal in some states of Mexico, such as Mexico City and Quintana Roo, while other states may have various forms of recognition.
• Israel: Same-sex marriages conducted outside Israel are recognized, but the country does not perform same-sex marriages.

Countries with No Legal Recognition:

• Most of Asia: Many Asian countries do not recognize same-sex marriage, and it remains illegal in most of the continent.
• Russia: Russia has enacted laws that explicitly ban same-sex marriage.
• Middle East and North Africa: Most countries in the Middle East and North Africa do not recognize same-sex marriage, and it can even be criminalized in some places.
• Eastern Europe: Many Eastern European countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage and have implemented anti-LGBTQ+ policies.
• Caribbean: Several Caribbean nations do not legally recognize same-sex marriage.

It’s important to note that even in countries where same-sex marriage is legal, there can be variations in the level of recognition and acceptance. Some regions may have provisions for civil partnerships or other forms of legal recognition short of full marriage.

Way forward

Ensuring equal rights for the queer community, including the recognition of same-sex marriage, is a significant social and legal challenge in India.

Legal Reform:

• Full decriminalization of Section 377 is still needed, as the remnants of it continue to be used for harassment.
• Comprehensive legislation that explicitly recognizes same-sex marriage and provides legal rights, including property inheritance, adoption, and divorce, is essential. Indian legislature needs to pass a law that affirms the right to marry regardless of gender or sexual orientation.
• Legal advocacy and strategic litigation can help push for equal rights. Legal organizations and NGOs working on LGBTQ+ issues can play a crucial role in advancing legal changes.

Public Awareness and Education:

• Public awareness campaigns and educational programs are vital to challenge stereotypes, reduce discrimination, and create a more inclusive society.
• The inclusion of LGBTQ+ issues in school curricula can help reduce prejudice and ensure that students grow up with a more informed and accepting perspective on diverse sexual orientations and gender identities.

Mental Health and Support:

• The LGBTQ+ community often faces higher rates of mental health issues due to discrimination and stigma. Accessible mental health services and support groups can be beneficial.
• Establishing helplines and crisis intervention services for individuals facing discrimination, harassment, or mental health crises can provide essential support.
• These points were made by the Chief Justice of India during the latest judgment as well.

Corporate Inclusion:

• Encourage companies to adopt inclusive and non-discriminatory workplace policies that protect LGBTQ+ employees from discrimination and harassment.
• Promote training for human resources staff on LGBTQ+ issues and the creation of safe spaces within the workplace.

Community Building:

• LGBTQ+ organizations and community groups play a crucial role in providing support, advocating for rights, and building a sense of community.
• Pride parades and LGBTQ+ visibility events help create a sense of community and raise awareness of LGBTQ+ issues.
• Engaging religious and cultural leaders in dialogues about LGBTQ+ rights can help reduce prejudice and gain support from influential voices.
• Engaging with the international community and organizations that support LGBTQ+ rights can provide moral and diplomatic pressure for change.
• Encourage media representation that portrays LGBTQ+ individuals in a positive and non-stereotypical manner. Accurate and sensitive representation can influence public opinion.
• Collaborate with women’s rights organizations, human rights groups, and other social justice movements. These alliances can provide additional support for LGBTQ+ rights.

The legal status of same-sex marriage continues to evolve globally as societies grapple with issues of equality, human rights, and social acceptance. Laws are subject to change, and ongoing advocacy efforts aim to expand legal recognition in regions where it is not yet recognized.

Related article:  Transgender Rights

-Article written by Swathi Satish

Top 10 Best-Selling ClearIAS Courses

Upsc prelims cum mains (pcm) gs course: unbeatable batch 2025 (online), rs.75000   rs.29000, upsc prelims marks booster + 2025 (online), rs.19999   rs.14999, upsc prelims test series (pts) 2025 (online), rs.9999   rs.4999, csat course 2025 (online), current affairs course 2025 (online), ncert foundation course (online), essay writing course for upsc cse (online), ethics course for upsc cse (online), upsc interview marks booster course (online), rs.9999   rs.4999.

About ClearIAS Team

ClearIAS is one of the most trusted learning platforms in India for UPSC preparation. Around 1 million aspirants learn from the ClearIAS every month.

Our courses and training methods are different from traditional coaching. We give special emphasis on smart work and personal mentorship. Many UPSC toppers thank ClearIAS for our role in their success.

Download the ClearIAS mobile apps now to supplement your self-study efforts with ClearIAS smart-study training.

Reader Interactions

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Don’t lose out without playing the right game!

Follow the ClearIAS Prelims cum Mains (PCM) Integrated Approach.

Join ClearIAS PCM Course Now

UPSC Online Preparation

• Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
• Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
• Indian Police Service (IPS)
• IAS Exam Eligibility
• UPSC Free Study Materials
• UPSC Exam Guidance
• UPSC Prelims Test Series
• UPSC Syllabus
• UPSC Online
• UPSC Prelims
• UPSC Interview
• UPSC Toppers
• UPSC Previous Year Qns
• UPSC Age Calculator
• UPSC Calendar 2024
• About ClearIAS
• ClearIAS Programs
• ClearIAS Fee Structure
• IAS Coaching
• UPSC Coaching
• UPSC Online Coaching
• ClearIAS Blog
• Important Updates
• Announcements
• Book Review
• ClearIAS App
• Work with us
• Advertise with us
• Privacy Policy
• Terms and Conditions
• Talk to Your Mentor

Featured on

and many more...

ClearIAS Programs: Admissions Open

Thank You 🙌

UPSC CSE 2025: Study Plan

Subscribe ClearIAS YouTube Channel

Get free study materials. Don’t miss ClearIAS updates.

Subscribe Now

IAS/IPS/IFS Online Coaching: Target CSE 2025

Cover the entire syllabus of UPSC CSE Prelims and Mains systematically.

Endorsements | Editorial: California voters should protect…

Share this:.

• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
• Dick Spotswood

Endorsements

• Editorial Cartoons
• Marin Voice

Endorsements | Editorial: California voters should protect same-sex marriage from U.S. Supreme Court assault

Proposition 3 would update the state constitution to match the mores of the 21st century.

That might seem like a fundamental and bedrock idea, but for California and the nation, it’s relatively new. And, unfortunately, there is no assurance the U.S. Supreme Court will remain on board.

That’s why voters in California’s Nov. 5 election must pass Proposition 3, which would update the state Constitution to match the mores of the 21st century.

The growth in national public support and legal protections for gay marriage over the past quarter century has been monumental.

Just 24 years ago, 62% of state voters approved Proposition 22, which affirmed in state law that only marriage between a man and a woman would be valid or recognized in California.

That was upended in May 2008 when the California Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples had a fundamental right under the state Constitution to marry.

But later that year, 52% of California voters supported an initiative, Proposition 8, that added a ban on same-sex marriage to the state Constitution.

That was overturned with U.S. Supreme Court rulings in 2013 and 2015 that cleared the way for gay marriage in California and established a federal constitutional right nationwide.

Regrettably, that might not be the final word. The narrow 5-4 ruling in 2015 could be in danger with the conservative shift of the high court. Of the five justices in the majority nine years ago, only two, Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor, remain on the court.

Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., considered one of the moderate members of the court, dissented in the 2015 ruling. And in the court’s 2022 ruling overturning constitutional protections for abortion rights, Justice Clarence Thomas issued a concurring opinion arguing that gay rights should also be subject to state-by-state review.

Thus, there is no guarantee that gay-marriage protections would survive review of the current U.S. Supreme Court any better than abortion rights did. Once again, a key issue of personal liberty could be relegated to each state to decide.

Making matters worse, right now in California the 2008 wording of Proposition 8, even though struck down by the courts, remains in the state Constitution. Proposition 3 would fix that, repealing Proposition 8 and recognizing the fundamental right to marry, regardless of race or sex.

Proposition 3 would ensure California’s Constitution keeps up with changing public sentiment. In 2000, 38% of likely voters surveyed by the Public Policy Institute of California said they supported gay marriage. By last year that support had doubled to 75%.

In polling this year for the Los Angeles Times, 71% of adults nationwide and 72% of Californians said that the 2015 U.S. Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage in all states should be left intact.

There’s no guarantee that will happen. Californians should inoculate the state against a federal reversal of same-sex marriage rights by passing Proposition 3.

Written by the Bay Area News Group editorial board.

More in Endorsements

Endorsements | Editorial: California voters should OK modest minimum-wage increase

Endorsements | Editorial: California voters should reject rent control and ‘Revenge of the Landlords’

9 Marriage Intimacy Exercises For A Deeper Connection

Many married couples find that life's demands create distance, making it difficult to stay connected over the long term. Rebuilding intimacy that has waned in a marriage requires effort and intention, but it is possible—especially with the right tools. If you’re looking to renew or cultivate a strong connection in your marriage, you might consider some of the intimacy exercises shared below.

Defining intimacy in a marriage

Intimacy in a romantic relationship refers to the deep bond that partners build through shared experiences and vulnerability. There are several types of intimacy, including but not limited to the following:

• Emotional intimacy involves sharing your deepest thoughts and feelings with your partner. It builds an emotional connection and strengthens trust.
• Physical intimacy is not just about sex; it includes all kinds of consensual, mutual physical touch that promote a sense of closeness, like holding hands or hugging.
• Sexual intimacy is a type of physical intimacy that involves consensual sexual activities between partners, typically with a focus on mutual satisfaction and open communication about sexual desires.
• Intellectual intimacy can be built when partners share their ideas, opinions, and thoughts and have meaningful conversations that stimulate their minds.

Strengthening each of these types of intimacy may lead to a more fulfilling relationship. Knowing how to build each one may help couples connect on multiple levels.

Intimacy in general, often made up of various types, is typically key for the health of marriages and other relationships . It can help couples form a deeper connection and lays a strong foundation for solving problems together and promoting emotional support and a sense of being there for one another. 

Potential causes of intimacy challenges in relationships

Many couples experience obstacles that can hinder intimacy. These challenges can range from having different intimacy needs to external pressures and more.

Different intimacy needs

Individuals may desire varying levels of emotional and physical closeness. For example, one partner might need more frequent physical touch or emotional reassurance than the other. Sexual drive can also differ widely from person to person. Particularly if they’re not communicated and discussed openly, these differences may lead to misunderstandings and a sense of rejection and distance.

Past trauma

Past traumatic experiences may affect a person's ability to form close connections. Events like childhood abuse or previous toxic relationships can carry forward into current connections. Past trauma—particularly when unaddressed—often manifests as problems with trust, anxiety, or an aversion to physical intimacy. 

If you are experiencing trauma, support is available. Please see our Get Help Now page for more resources.

Emotional unavailability

Emotional unavailability refers to the difficulty some individuals have in expressing or understanding their own emotions. It might stem from upbringing, past experiences, or even certain personality traits. 

Physical distance or separation

Physical separation may strain intimacy. A lack of physical presence can lead to loneliness and detachment, whether due to work commitments, military service, or long-distance relationships. Regular, intentional communication through video calls, text messages, and visits may help bridge this gap.

Fear of vulnerability

Many people struggle with the fear of being vulnerable. Showing one's true self, including flaws and insecurities, can be scary. This fear may prevent individuals from opening up fully to their partner, creating barriers to intimacy. 

Lack of quality time together

Quality time is important for maintaining intimacy in romantic relationships. Busy schedules, work commitments, and household responsibilities can sometimes end up leaving little room for meaningful interactions. Consistently dedicating time to each other may help strengthen the relationship and reinforce intimacy.

Changes in physical attraction

Physical attraction might change over the course of a relationship. Aging, stress, and lifestyle changes can play a part as well. These changes can sometimes impact how partners perceive each other. 

Stress and external pressures

External pressures such as work stress , financial struggles, and family problems may take a toll on a relationship's intimacy level. These external factors may lead to irritability, distraction, and emotional exhaustion, making it harder to connect with a partner.

9 marriage intimacy exercises for couples

Building intimacy in a marriage may involve both emotional and physical exercises. Couples can strengthen their connection through intentional actions that promote emotional closeness and physical touch, such as the following.

1. Practice eye contact to build intimacy

Maintaining eye contact may be a powerful way to build intimacy. Couples can try the soul gaze exercise, which involves facing each other, holding hands, and keeping uninterrupted eye contact for four to five minutes. This activity may improve emotional intimacy and closeness, helping partners feel more connected. 

2. Have regular check-ins

Regular communication is key to emotional intimacy. Couples can set aside time each day or each week to talk about their emotions, discuss their day, and address any concerns. These check-ins should be free from distractions and allow both partners to express themselves openly. This practice may help build a strong emotional bond, facilitate more open communication, and ensure that both partners remain connected.

3. Keep gratitude journals

Expressing gratitude may help improve a relationship . Each partner might keep a journal where they write down things they appreciate about each other. Sharing entries from these journals regularly may help improve emotional closeness and promote a more positive outlook on the relationship. This practice reminds couples of the good qualities in their partner and can help build intimacy by focusing on the positive aspects of their marriage.

4. Write love letters

Writing love letters is a timeless way to express deep feelings and appreciation. Couples can write letters to each other that express their love, admiration, and hopes for the future. These letters can be exchanged on special occasions or as a surprise. This exercise may help in articulating emotions that might be difficult to express verbally.

5. Schedule time for sex 

Physical touch is often important for emotional and physical connection, regardless of the sexual connection a couple may or may not have. Couples may want to schedule regular cuddle time, whether it’s at the end of the day or during a lazy weekend afternoon, and focus on small gestures like a touch on the shoulder or waist when walking by or a hug and a kiss when parting ways or before bed. Close physical contact can help partners feel safe, loved, and valued, increasing the sense of true intimacy in the relationship. 

6. Enjoy unplugged dinner dates

Having dinner without electronic distractions may help couples focus on each other. During these meals, partners can have deep conversations and enjoy each other's company. This practice may help strengthen emotional closeness and allow couples to reconnect on a deeper level. 

7. Exchange massages

Massages are another way to maintain physical touch and relieve stress. Couples can take turns giving each other massages, focusing on different areas of tension. This practice not only helps in relaxation but also promotes physical closeness and trust. 

8. Do couple's yoga

Practicing yoga together may be a positive, fulfilling activity. Couple's yoga involves poses that require cooperation and communication, which may help partners feel more in sync. By doing yoga together, couples may improve their physical health and emotional bond, creating a stronger relationship dynamic.

9. Compliment each other

Regularly complimenting each other may help boost self-esteem and emotional intimacy. Whether it’s praising your partner’s appearance, effort, or qualities, sincere compliments may help promote positive feelings and appreciation within the relationship. It can be a simple yet effective way to show love and increase the emotional closeness between partners.

The role of couples therapy in building intimacy

Couples therapy can be another helpful tool for building intimacy. Through guided exercises, couples can learn to communicate better and connect emotionally. Activities like sharing personal stories, discussing fears, and revealing dreams may help strengthen emotional bonds between partners during therapy. 

Other exercises for couples therapists may recommend

Physical touch exercises are another tool that may be used in therapy. Activities like cuddling, holding hands, or synchronized breathing may help boost physical intimacy. These exercises remind couples of their romantic connection and the importance of physical closeness.

Worksheets and structured tasks assigned by the therapist may also help couples work on their relationship outside of therapy sessions. These tools enable partners to practice what they’ve learned. Popular worksheet topics include communication skills, expressing gratitude, and setting relationship goals.

Finding the couples therapist that’s right for you

For best results, it’s generally important to find a couples therapist that you and your partner both feel comfortable opening up to. It’s one reason many couples choose online therapy instead of traditional in-person sessions. Research suggests that this format may help couples feel less intimidated or judged and safer in opening up . Plus, with a platform like ReGain for couples or BetterHelp for individuals, you can switch therapists at any time, for any reason, at no additional cost until you find the right provider for you. 

Maintaining intimacy and having a fulfilling marriage usually requires consistent effort. Although it may be challenging at times to maintain intimacy, different strategies can be used to build or rebuild it. Intimacy exercises for couples might include things like eye gazing, exchanging massages, and planning “unplugged” dinner dates. These kinds of exercises may help reignite passion and strengthen the relationship between partners. 

• How To Build Intimacy: Strategies To Develop Close Relationships Medically reviewed by Andrea Brant , LMHC
• No Intimacy In Marriage: Why Passion Fades And What To Do About It Medically reviewed by Julie Dodson , MA, LCSW
• Relationships and Relations