Is Same-Sex Marriage A Reality Yet?

Although love is love, but same-sex marriage is still not a legal reality in many countries. However, with global advocacy, the license to marry has been given to LGBTQ groups in many countries of the world.

For the conservative wings in many countries that are dominated by religious and patriarchal hegemony, neither same-sex marriage, nor same-sex relationships have been given legitimacy yet.

The Islamic countries of the world are the first to be named to stand against same-sex relationships or marriage as it is considered to be a blasphemous act under their religious view.

Many countries in Europe where Christianity still dominates have managed to keep up with modern times and have legitimized same-sex marriage.

India on the other hand has repealed the colonial law of section 377 and decriminalized same-sex relationships, but yet to give it marital status.

In the view of conservative jurists and political leaders, marriage and love are a tow different things, and with same-sex marriage, the cultural sanctity of Indian marriages will be ruined.

A few days ago, a petition was filed to include LGBTQ marriages under the Hindu Marriage Act. However, contenders to this law feel that it should have a place in the Special Marriages act and be kept religiously neutral.

Support and advocacy for legitimizing same-sex marriages have been taking place and even being favoured by leaders and the public. The public voice has even made same-sex marriages legal in many countries of the world, which is a big win for the LGBTQ and human rights groups.

Here are the countries that legalized same-sex marriages

1) Chile

Yesterday, Chile became the 30th country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. This is a milestone to celebrate in 2021. The bill to support same-sex marriage won by a majority of votes in the Senate and the lower house of the parliament. It was being backed by President Sebastian Pinera, who will now sign the bill and make it a law.

2) France

On 18th May 2013, France, legitimized same-sex marriage, thereby granting people of the LGBTQ community the license to wed.

The French President, Francois Hollande, belonging to the Socialist Party gave his official signature after fighting the petition put forth by the conservative party, UMP. The law has garnered support especially with the inclusion of a provision to adopt children by LGBTQ couples.

3) Brazil

As an emerging developing nation in the continent of South America, Brazil’s National Council of Justice legitimized same-sex marriage in 2013. However, the opposition has pleaded to the Supreme Court to weigh the decision, making the future for LGBTQ marriages uncertain.

4) New Zealand

This country in the Southern Hemisphere legalized same-sex marriage in 2013. The same-sex measure won by 77 votes in New Zealand’s unicameral legislature and was supported by Prime Minister John Key. It was legalized by a royal assent from the governor-general. The law also allowed LGBTQ couples the right to adopt children.

5) South Africa

South Africa was the first country in the continent of Africa to legitimize same-sex marriage in 2006 by stating that the previous marriage laws were in violation of equal rights as guaranteed in the constitution.

The provision included also allowed religious institutions to conduct same-sex marriages. The measure found support by the African National Congress.

The license to wed is still denied to major countries of South-Asia, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe because of conservative politics and religious fanaticism. Maybe with progressive agitations and global conventions, the right to wed and start a family will be guaranteed to all in the future.
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