Welcome

This blog will examine the issue of Gay Marriage vs Civil Union


So why have same-sex marriages / relationships raised alarms both nationally and globally ?

This link gives a brief dictionary definition of what same-sex marriage is whilst also mentioning that such marriage could be considered as criminalisation. Whereas the definition of a civil union on this site gives a more complex and detailed description, the difference being the emphasis that although a civil union is a legal contract, it does not contain the same implications or religious meaning associated with the word "marriage".


The only problem with this website is the opinion of the author. They are clearly in support for gay marriage and this could be misconstrued as bias propaganda. Despite this, the information provided highlights the ignorance and inequality homosexuals face through clear, concise and persuasive writing with evidence to support.

Both sides of the Issue are discussed in this website. It provides a brief insight into the larger topic of gay marriage, gives background knowledge for the mentioned controversial cases within the article and is sound. The site also lists links that could be used for more depth and information ino the topic of Lesbian and Gay Marriage.


The review supplied on this site gives substantial evidence for inequality however it is only relevant for the U.S. Also the information rendered is provided by wikipaedia so it can be discredited as a reasonable source for information. However this site could be used as a connection for background info.


This YouTube video on why 'Civil Unions Dont Work' is quite informing. The quality of the clip itself is terrible but the audio is coherent. This clip clearly shows the unfair treatment of a homosexual couple, but the ignorance displayed is more likely to be on the mentioned hospitals fault moreso than hospitals in general.
 
CBS News and New York Times published a poll in Dec 21, 2003 indicating the growing unease within the american population. The polls conducted are based on the opinions and the percentage favouring and opposing the topics listed (legalising homosexual relations, gay marriage; civil union (both male and female views seperated) homosexuality - choice or not?, religion; marriage; law (government values, constitutional amendment), and the morality of a homosexual relation). A good website to use for judgements with proof.

The article published on this link is from the New York Times (June 2007). Discussing 'The Inadequacy of Civil Unions' fight for equality. It shows how the legal system doesnt support gay marriage but are willing to offer the inferior substitution of a civil union. Author of this article can clearly be seen as pro-gaymarriage.


Another video from YouTube, this time from San Francisco Mayer Gavin Newsom. He compares the issue of same-sex marriage to racial discrimination (Plessy vs Ferguson, 1896) and chastises politicians who claim they support equality for all, yet do not support gay marriage. "How can you argue seperate is not equal and then argue that seperate is equal, but only if your gay?". This clip is more involved with being elected than it is with the issue of same-sex marriage but it does provide an adequate analogy through Newsom's quote.


NZ Herald wrote an article in Apr, 2005 celebrating the passing bill of Civil Unions. In this link, the herald attempts to stand for the Civil Union however it pays more attention to the opponents of this new law; in particular Destiny NZ (the political arm of Destiny Church) and a Catholic Church spokeswoman than it does to the Civil Union couples.


Finally, this website focuses on differentiating Civil Union from Gay Marriage. It includes the definition of marriage, partnerships etc .. Belge creates a persuasive argument of why civil union is not enough, the only problem being that is once again another piece of work aimed at American audiences.

Introduction

The topic of Gay Marriage vs Civil Union is one of controversy and debate, depending on which you stand for and for what cause. The arguments for such a topic are wide and opinionated, so three key points will be disscussed in depth exploring the issues of inequality, opposition, motives and how this sort of relation has created polar opposite reactions of celebration for some and anger for many.

Definitions

Frankly, the topic of Gay Marriage and Civil Union brought up thoughts of synonymy. In fact, ignorance of the matter proved me wrong. For those that are unaware there is a distinct difference between the two.


According to Tom Head, the definition of a civil union are legal contracts between partners that are recognised by a state or government as conferring all or some of the rights conferred by marriage, but without the implicit historical and religious meaning associated with the word "marriage". 
Comparing this to the definition of same-sex marriage as 'the practice of marriage between two males or two females. ..' However '... the legal and social responses to same-sex marriage have ranged from celebration on the one hand to criminalization on the other'

Needless to say that out of these options, one can see how a civil union would be the more appropriate choice but at what cost?

Both Sides Of The Issue

In 2005, after the passing of the Civil Union Bill came into effect, Destiny New Zealand leader Richard Lewis said "It really changes the face and nature of that dynamic of marriage which is a tragedy for the future generations who we want to enjoy marriage for what it is" (Destiny New Zealand is the political arm for Destiny Church). Clearly Lewis' ignorance of the difference between a Civil Union and Gay Marriage is highlighted through his statement. A New Zealand Catholic Church spokeswoman also emphasised priests would not conduct the ceremonies.

Now if you ask just about anyone, the majority will tell you they're all in favour for equal rights for homosexuals. In housing, jobs, equal benefits etc. With regards to the definitions earlier, a Civil Union is valid to a point. They still remain to be inferior to a marriage. 
 

So homosexuals want to get married, this shouldnt be so bad right? Funnily enough, bring up legalising gay marriage and you face opposition.

Gay rights groups, such as GLAD (Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders) argue that excluding gay and lesbian couples from the institution of marriage cannot be justified. They argue that only marriage provides a legal safety net protecting couples emotional bonds and economic safety. Some could even argue this to be a matter of Human Rights.

Arguments and Motives

The Arguments and Motives against same-sex marriage are vast and variate as Scott Bidstrup
explains. The most common in his summary are as follows:


- marriage is between a man and a woman
who has the right to define this ? shouldnt the basis of ones happiness and wanton love be the focal point for a marriage ?

- marriage is traditionally a heterosexual institution.
so was slavery until it was abolished in the 19th Century.

- same-sex couples are not capable of raising kids.
As expected, opponents of gay marriage fear that the allowance of same-sex couples to marry will lessen the validity of a heterosexual marriage. They say marriage is union with the purpose of procreation and argue that children fare better in a household headed with a man and a woman than a homosexual household. First of all, there is no basis in fact to support this. Children do well in any sort of household so long as they are nutured and loved. Gender is irrelevant. Secondly, many heterosexual couples choose not to have children. or unable to yet their marriages are still valid.

The list and examples continue but are far too many to mention, along with CBS News/NYT poll.

In Conclusion, Equality Matters

Essentially, the above evidence leads to one primary reason - Equality.

Should marriage really be defined as a relationship solely between a man and woman ? There have been no concrete facts as to why same-sex marriage shouldnt be legalised. Those opposing such an act are basing their assumptions on opinion and stereo-types.


Yes, there are Civil Unions, but they are not adequate. In the U.S, plaintiffs back up their case of fighting for gay marriage by referring to the Plessy vs Ferguson case of 1896, which justified racial segregation under a deplorable standard of "Seperate but Equal". One could argue that this is a prime analogy for gay couples to use as a form for both gender segregation and sex discrimination. Not only this, but a civil union is neither universally recognised nor understood, clearly holding an inferior status to that of a marriage. To say that a Civil Union is equal to a marriage would be a lie.

APA Referencing

Head, T. (n.d). Civil Unions. Retrieved April 20, 2010, from: http://civilliberty.about.com/od/gendersexuality/g/civil_unions.htm

Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2008) Same-Sex Marriage. Retrieved April 27, 2010, from: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/same-sex+marriage

NZPA, NEWSTALK ZB (2005, April 26). First couples sign up for Civil Unions. Retrieved April 20, 2010, from: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10122375

YouTube (2006, December 04) Civil Unions don't work [Video File]. Retrieved from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46jccPGRmIg

Belge, K. (n.d) Lesbian and Gay Marriage: both sides of the issue. Retrieved April 21, 2010 from: http://lesbianlife.about.com/cs/wedding/a/marriage.htm

Bidstrup, S. (n.d) Gay Marriage: the Arguments and the Motives. Retrieved April 21, 2010 from: http://www.bidstrup.com/marriage.htm

 

Wikipaedia (n.d) 1138 Reasons Equality Matters. Retrieved April 20, 2010 from: http://www.equalitymatters.org/equality_matters/static/full_reasons

CBS News (2003, December 21). Opposition to Gay Marriage Grows (poll). Retrieved April 20, 2010 from:  http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/12/19/opinion/polls/main589551.shtml

New York Times (2007, June 07). The Inadequacy of Civil Unions. Retrieved April 20, 2010 from: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/07/opinion/7thu3.html