| A same-sex marriage is defined as a marriage between two individuals of the same gender. The issue of same-sex marriages is a hotly debated topic. In the most recent election in the United States, more than ten states voted to amend their state constitution's and define a marriage as a union between a man and a woman. Most other nations do not recognize same-sex marriages as legally valid, nor do they allow them to occur.
Opponents of Same-Sex Marriages
Many people oppose same-sex marriages. Opponents of same-sex marriages contend that same-sex marriages are improper based upon religious or moral grounds. People in the United States and in other countries fear that permitting same-sex marriages may open the door to polyamorous marriages, marriages between family members, or marriages for convenience or tax purposes.
Other people object to same-sex marriages on the grounds that the purpose of marriage is a procreative partnership and that a same-sex partnership cannot result in a procreative partnership.
Proponents of Same-Sex Marriages
Homosexual, gay and lesbian organizations are in favor of same-sex marriages. Proponents of same-sex marriages point out that heterosexual marriages have not been all that successful and there is nothing wrong with same-sex marriages. Additionally, proponents argue that people in modern societies no longer subscribe to the religious beliefs, which inform traditional limits upon marriage. Proponents of same-sex marriages argue that there are a plethora of federal rights and benefits that same-sex couples are denied by excluding them from participating in marriage.
Legally Recognized Same-Sex Marriages
There are a few states and countries where same-sex marriages or civil unions are currently legally recognized. Those states and countries include:
- Vermont--- civil unions.
- Massachusetts --- same-sex marriages only for Massachusetts residents.
- Yukon, Manitoba and Nova Scotia, Canada--- same-sex marriages.
- Netherlands--- same-sex marriages.
- France--- civil solidary pact.
- Belgium---same-sex marriages.
- Denmark---same-sex marriages.
- Sweden---same-sex marriages.
- Germany---same-sex marriages
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