Why Homosexual Mariages Should Be Legalised

University of Namibia
ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC PURPOSEs
Name: Sara PN Nashidengo
201306064
Course: LLb
Law Faculty
Lecturer: E Mudabeti
TOPIC: the discussion on why homosexual marriages should be legalised in a society

Table of Contents

A discussion on why homosexual marriage should be legalised in the society 2 Abstract 3 Introduction 3 History of homosexuals 3 Human rights and freedom 3 Homosexuality and Religion 4 Discrimination against homosexuals 4 Social benefits 5 Increase in child adoption 5 Increase in social stability 5 Conclusion 5 Reference List 6

A discussion on why homosexual marriages should be legalised in a society

Abstract
In order to fully discuss the following topic, “why homosexual marriages should be legalised in the society” the author of this paper have segmented it into different topics of discussion and have provided a linking conclusion that not only joins the different topics of discussion but also highlights the main causes, effects and benefits relating to homosexuality which are supporting the topic by making reference to different legal concepts and books.
Introduction
Homosexual marriage is one of the most controversial issues in the modern world. For the past couple of years, marriage has been recognized as the social union between a man and a woman. In most cultures across the globe, homosexuality was viewed with disdain, and marriages between same-sex couples were forbidden. Having emotional, romantic, or sexual attractions to members of the other sex defines homosexuality, gay for guys and lesbian for girls.
However, homosexual relationships are slowly gaining acceptance, as homosexuals have become vocal in fighting their right to marry now. With an increased in tolerance for homosexuality in the society, the controversy over the legalization of gay marriage has been disputed among people in many nations. While the majority of the population believes that the legalization of gay marriage will have negative impact on the society, gay activists claim that it is against basic civil rights to prohibit them from marrying.

History of homosexuals
Same sex marriage is not a new thing at all. It existed from back then; it was just a more hidden thing because of people’s point of view. (Tulchin, 2007) Since early 1960’s, gay activists have been striving for the right to marry. (Johnson, 2009) In 2004, the state of Massachusetts had made an unprecedented move to allow same-sex marriage, being the first state in US to legalize gay marriage. The court ruled that it is illegal not to allow same-sex couples to marry.

Human rights and freedom
According to the United Nation of Human rights, human rights are rights inherent to all human beings, regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic origin and religious view etc. Everyone has the same right and freedom to do what they want, as long as it does not cause harm to the society, and decision made by others should be respected. (Messerli, 2009) Gay marriage is the matter of civil and equal rights, and the decision to get married should belong to the couple in love, and this should not be regulated by the government. Why is it fair to treat others wrong because of something they don't have any choice over? Sometimes we never chose to be straight and honestly why would a gay person CHOOSE to have all that hate in their life? Honestly, you think they want to be bullied to the point where they contemplate suicide? Of course not. The younger generations a lot more understand now. Overall, homosexuals should have the exact same rights as any other legal personality. Gay men and lesbians are not as different from the rest of society as you may assume they are. They have been labelled, they have had to fight for acceptance, and for equal treatment under the law, such as the right to express their selves in whatsoever way.
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In Namibia, homosexuals are protected by the law. According to the Namibian constitution, chapter 3(10) states that all persons shall be equal before the law and no persons may be discriminated against on the grounds of sex, race, colour, ethnic origin, creed or social or economic status. This protects them from discrimination because their also legal beings. Although their marriage is not yet legalized in Namibia, there is still no law that prohibits them from practising homosexuality. Learn that gay men and lesbians are no different from any other group of people. They have dreams and goals, and want to be happy and lead productive lives. The more time you spent around gay and lesbian people, the more you realize that they are just people, the same as you. Gay marriage should be legalized worldwide. Gay couples have just as much of a right to marry as heterosexual couples. Not letting gay couples get married is a form of discrimination. We live in the land of equality.
Homosexuality and Religion

Most Christians are against same-sex relationship because of what they believe. Conservative Christians are failing to convince enough people that homosexuality is abhorrent enough to justify restricting gays' civil liberties. Their new tactic is to argue that substantively recognizing the equality of gays would require violating the First Amendment. Christians' belief in God's condemnation of homosexuality is claimed to be so important that forcing them to treat gays equally means forcing them to violate their religious beliefs. Gay marriage should be legal because in the Bible, God never mentioned that homosexual marriage should be restricted. Only God can judge them and God and Jesus love all their children. Philippians 2:3 says, "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than him."There is also an important distinction we should make between judging a person and judging their sinful behavior. Some have said that the most frequently quoted Bible verse is no longer John 3:16 but Matthew 7:1. It is where Jesus says, "Do not judge, or you too will be judged." People misuse this verse all the time to say you should not judge anything another person does. Marriage is not even a fully religion affair.
Discrimination against homosexuals
Lesbian, gay, and bisexual people in the United States encounter extensive prejudice, discrimination, and violence because of their sexual orientation. Negative attitudes about homosexuality can lead to rejection by friends and family, discriminatory acts and violence that harm specific individuals, and laws and policies that adversely affect the lives of many people; this can have damaging effects on the health most sexual minorities. Prejudice and discrimination have social and personal impact. On the social level, prejudice and discrimination against lesbian, gay, and bisexual people are reflected in the everyday stereotypes of members of these groups. These stereotypes persist even though they are not supported by evidence, and they are often used to excuse unequal treatment of lesbian, gay, and bisexual people. For example, limitations on job opportunities, parenting, and relationship recognition are often justified by stereotypic assumptions about lesbian, gay, and bisexual people.
On an individual level, such prejudice and discrimination may also have negative consequences, especially if lesbian, gay, and bisexual people attempt to conceal or deny their sexual orientation. Although many lesbians and gay men learn to cope with the social stigma against homosexuality, this pattern of prejudice can have serious negative effects on health and well-being. Individuals
Each person in our society deserves equal rights and protected from discrimination. But redefining marriage is not about equal rights but about adding special rights to our laws and Constitution. I personally think homosexual marriages should be placed on the same footing as any other marriage. Homosexuality is increasing day by day and it is just something we have to live with. In the past gays and lesbians were discriminated against, but all this has partially changed over time.

Social benefits
Increase in child adoption
If gay marriage is to be legalized, the number of child adoption would increase, since gay couples cannot procreate naturally. This can help out hospitals with children that need to be adopted and foster care houses. Adoption will also help reduce the number of street children that are suffering. The only thing that matters in a children’s growth is the love and care from the parents, not the gender. Children are our nation’s most valuable assets.
Increase in social stability
Homosexual usually have a higher risk of sexual lifestyle than straights, because their more into serious commitments as this avoids sexual relationships with a lot of partners thus resulting to a healthier lifestyle. Legalizing homosexual marriages, couples are committed to building a life together and require deep commitment to family responsibilities. This also allows people to feel respected, loved and cared for in their own society.
Conclusion
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Gay men and lesbians are no different from any other group of people. They have dreams and goals, and want to be happy and lead productive lives. The more time you spend around gay and lesbian people, the more you realize that they are just people, the same as you. Accept the fact that the ability to love or care for another is not solely related to sexuality; love has no gender. Gay relationships are built and based on the same foundations as straight ones: mutual attraction, love, respect and trust.
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Homosexuals are human beings and we need not discriminate against them. Homosexuality is not a matter of choice and thus the society needs to understand homosexuality in wide sense. R Wintemute & M Andenas(2001).It is not evident that same-sex partnerships are incapable of accomplishing functions of marriage in the same way as different –sex partnerships.
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Reference List
1.www.lawteacher.net/family-law
2.www.about.com/snf.htm/u=http://antheism.about.com/od/gaymarriages
3.The Holy Bible.(2011) New international version.USA
4.Kerby Anderson(2008) Probe Ministries. Argument for same sex marriage
5.Namibian Constitution 3(10)
6.Ameriacan Psycoogical association(2008). Sexual orientation and homosexuality