Evolution of Same-sex Marriage

Zara Siddiqui
Ms.Nicholls
HSB4U
December 18, 2013

The legalization of same-sex marriage has been an on-going social debate for many
years. The history that lies behind the recognition of same-sex marriage has been found to be
very confidential among homosexuals. Due to this factor the social position of same-sex
marriage in the past is difficult to understand completely, although it is evident that the concept
then was highly unacceptable (Gay History, 2001). The current state of this dispute has
progressed since earlier times in some parts of the world, while in others the change has been
rejected or ignored. The countries that are resisting change make up a majority of third world
countries while countries that are accepting change make up a majority of first world countries. It
has been found that the reason behind the varying response to same-sex marriage may be due to
the diverse cultures and contrasting views (Herrick, 2004). Traditional views seen in
developing countries tend to resist change while modernized views in developed countries
accept change. In the future, it is predicted that countries with a modernized viewpoint will
completely legalize same-sex marriage while countries with traditional viewpoints will continue
to resist change.
The current situation of same-sex marriage worldwide is very diverse. Developing
countries have acted upon this social issue in one of two ways; they have either ignored the issue
or taken action. Meanwhile, many developed countries have begun to legalize same-sex marriage
or at least have brought the issue to light. The diversity seen between the two classes of countries
is due to the cultural differences that have shaped their views. The culture in developing
countries is based around religion. In most cultures seen in developed countries, religion is very
prominent and is followed in a particular manner compared to how those religious views may be
followed in developed countries. The religious aspect of these countries influences a majority of
their society to believe that marriage must always be between a man and a woman. This is the

leading reason behind the traditional views that are seen being practiced in developing countries
which shape their views to be against the legalization of same-sex marriage (Rollins, 2005).
Furthermore, some third world countries, such as Pakistan and India, have recently recriminalized homosexual acts along with 75 other third world countries (Taylor, 2013). In
contrast to third world countries, first world countries have begun to take steps towards
legalizing same-sex marriage. Some of the countries who have legalized same-sex marriage
country wide are Canada, Belgium, and the Netherlands (Herrick, 2004). Meanwhile, other
developed countries such as the United States, Russia, and France have either legislated the law
in some parts of the country or nowhere at all. Currently, France has introduced legislation to ban
same-sex marriage (Herrick, 2004). Although these three countries share similar modernized
outlook as Canada, Belgium, and the Netherlands some parts of their countries have chosen to
resist the change. For the United States, this is a very controversial issue amongst the Christian
community which makes up 78% of the countries inhabitants (Schumm, 2010). Although many
of these religious individuals seem to share modernized views, they also share the belief that
homosexuality is a sin and therefore go towards great lengths to resist this social change.
In the future, it is predicted that countries who still possess traditional views will continue
to dismiss the act of legalizing same-sex marriage. Most third world countries with this
perspective have already proven the future of this social issue because at present they have taken
extreme actions to re-criminalize homosexuality in over 76 countries (Taylor, 2013). Moreover, it
seems as though their views on this social issue do not plan on changing in the future, as they
continue to preserve their traditional views on marriage and homosexuality. This ideology
continues to remain the same over the years due to religion being a large part of their culture and
society. Religion has been widely known to influence traditional views in society when it comes

to homosexuality as in most religions, such as Islam, Judaism and Christianity it is seen as a sin
(Rollins, 2005). Some individuals who share this view will also argue against this social issue
because they believe same-sex unions to be unnatural and a threat to nature. They also align
these unions with abominations such as incest and bestiality, which in many religions are also
seen as sins (Rollins, 2005). Therefore, in the future, as these views develop, developing
countries will continue to dismiss this possibility of legalizing same-sex marriage. Meanwhile,
countries which have reserved or adapted modernized views will take action towards permitting
same-sex marriage. United States at present has 16 states in which same-sex marriage is
legalized while 33 states have it banned (Herrick, 2004). Once again, the reason behind the
response towards this social concern is due to some individuals religious beliefs. The large
Christian community within America insists on enforcing their personal religious views which,
as a result, overpowers the minority and prevents legalization of same-sex marriage. However, it
has also been seen, that over the years, some of these views are changing (Schumm, 2010).
Instead of a decline in legalization of this law, there has been a rise. The progress leading to the
acceptance of same-sex marriage has been a result of the new generation who has, for the most
part, chosen to follow modernized views as oppose to traditional views. Therefore, in the future,
it is anticipated that countries, such as the United States, give civil rights unions if not marriage
per se to same-sex couples (Schumm, 2010).
When discussing this social issue and its future, it is only evident that there will be
consequences following the possible legalization of same-sex marriage. There are many positive
and negative social outcomes to be expected. Some positive effects will consist of the inevitable
freedom of marriage to the homosexual community. The legalization of this law will allow samesex couples to gain the same benefits as heterosexual couples, such as joint responsibility for

children, inheritance rights, the right to be treated as next of kin, etc (Herrick, 2004). Another
positive outcome of this will be an increase in adoption rates. Since same-sex couples cannot
conceive their own children they resort to options such as reproductive technologies, surrogacy,
and adoption. This will benefit not only same-sex couples, but society as a whole because it will
decrease the number of children without families (Rollins, 2005). In contrast, some setbacks with
this social change are believed to occur mostly in countries that have legalized the law.
Discrimination in the form of protests, rallies and some violence may occur from extreme
religious groups. This has already been seen often in the United States, the most common
occurrence being with the Westboro Baptist Church. They are best known for their God Hates
Fags signs boycotting around military funerals. Currently this issue is seen as the worst case
scenario when it comes to hate crimes against homosexuals, and is expected to increase as the
laws are legalized. The White House has already responded to petitions against this group by
saying that they cannot list them as a hate group due to the First Amendment which protects
even hurtful speech on public issues to ensure that we do not stifle public debate (Mitchell,
2013). Seeing this as an example of current response to the homosexuals suggests for these kinds
of actions to only increase in the future as laws are passed, without individuals having to face
consequences due to the First Amendment protecting their rights.
In conclusion, the social issue of same-sex marriage is a very controversial and complex
matter. The present situation globally is very diverse. It is seen that third world countries are
against the legalization of same-sex marriage due to traditional worldviews influenced by
religious beliefs, meanwhile most first world countries with traditional views have, or have
begun to, change the state of this social issue by permitting same-sex marriage. It is predicted
that in the future the circumstances of this social issue change for the better in countries that have

reserved or adapted traditional views. With these predictions also come the positive and negative
consequences that are evident upon legalization of this law. A few positives include the obvious
freedom of marriage between same-sex couples and an increase in adoption rates which will
ultimately provide homes for orphans. Some negative consequences include protests, riots, and
violent crimes against the homosexual community. However, it is evident that change will occur
within the walls of this social issue in the future and will affect society as a whole in more
positive ways than negative. Overall, the fact that homosexuality is seen as sinful behavior and is
a controversial debate among individuals in society today seems to say more about society than
homosexuality itself. This topic should not be viewed in such a light because after all, it is a
personal choice, not a political debate.