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Legalization Of Same Sex-Marriage

Same-sex marriage should be legalized in every country. This paper will examine this viewpoint through is sociological, psychological and political implications. An accepted definition for marriage is that, “Marriage is a unique, legally binding contract (Cott, 2002, p.11) between two people but it is also a pact with the community (Rauch, 2004, p.32)” as cited in Karasu, 2007, p.4. Based on this definition, all citizens, regardless of their sex, must have access to this right. The Netherlands was the first country to permit same-sex marriage in the year 2001 (Patterson, 2001). If marriage is viewed through a traditional perspective, there is a tendency for people to oppose same-sex marriage. However, if marriage is not viewed as a traditional or religious commitment, then same-sex marriage is more likely to be accepted and legalized. People who wish to get married should not be limited by their sexual preference. Based on the evolution of the recognition of homosexuality and its validity and equality to the heterosexual lifestyle, same-sex marriage is a logical step in the coming years (Allen, 2006). As society has evolved, homosexuality has become more acceptable and it is no longer considered as a mental disorder that must be treated (Wong & Tang, 2004). However, back in 1978 this was not the case. Homosexuality was considered to be an illness and/or abnormal behavior (Boer, 1978). There remains a long road ahead. The issue of same-sex marriage will be viewed from three perspectives; psychology, sociology and political science.

The psychological perspective will examine the self-identification and coming-out of homosexuals and the psychological effect of homosexuality on such individuals. Various stages of the coming-out process of homosexuals have been identified. There are many factors that play into the homosexual’s fear of revealing their sexual orientation. Although difficult, coming-out is viewed as being in the best interests of the...