1. Marriage Equality By: William Mays

2. What is Same-Sex Marriage?

3. Same-sex marriage is the marriage between two people of the same sex or social gender. The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as: legally and/or socially recognized marriage between two persons of the same biological sex or social gender. The term marriage equality is used especially by supporters of legal recognition of same-sex marriage. Same-Sex Marriage

4. Same-sex marriage has actually been around for centuries. Historical records show that many gay marriages were available in ancient cultures and were accepted, even encouraged. One example would be the domestic partnership of Pan Zhang & Wang Zhongxian from the early Zhou Dynasty period of China. Ancient History

5. There are other forms of gay marriage that come with limited or same level benefits as regular married couples. Examples are: Civil Partnerships Civil Unions Domestic Partnerships Registered Partners Some couples still believe however that this is still unfair, and that the term “marriage” should still be used. Forms of Marriage

6. Where is it legal and how is it decided?

7. Many countries today accept and allow gay marriages. To the right, the countries in blue recognize, or perform gay marriages. The countries in red either banned or have deemed the act illegal. Countries in gray are either undecided or neutral. Modern Marriage

8. Countries to the east such as Australia, Europe, and Nepal are still working on complete legalization of same-sex marriage and plan to open debate in the near future. The United States has left debate open to individual states and allows each state vote on legalization. Countries such as New Zealand and Nigeria however completely ban the act and is punishable by law. Other countries have even set such penalties such a life in prison, even death. Marriage Debated

9. Many different opinions have been formed as to how same-sex marriage has been introduced into democratic jurisdiction. Currently, most debates and decisions fall on a “majority rule” setting. These are usually by citizen vote and decide on such things such a validity, acceptance and legalization. In contrast, a "civil rights" view holds that the institution can be validly created through the ruling of an impartial judiciary carefully examining the questioning and finding that the right to marry regardless of the gender of the participants is guaranteed under the civil rights laws of the jurisdiction. Judicial and Legislative

10. What are the issues facing the legalization of gay marriage?

11. One of the major issues facing gay marriage is the religious community. Arguments have risen saying gay marriage contradicts the Bible and Christian faith. However, most argue that using the Bible as a restriction contradicts religious freedom and should not be taken into consideration. Religious Controversy

12. Another issue is that some argue that exposure to homosexuality can damage and confuse young children. However, scientific research has shown multiple times that children show no more confusion or mental illness than others who are not. They have even stated that gay and lesbian parents are just as capable as heterosexual couples. Corruption of Children

13. Finally, another issue facing gay marriages is the transgendered community. Although these people have been sexually altered and legally been granted their new gender, some argue that technically they are still of their original gender. To the right is an image of a woman named Maria who by surgery and hormone therapy legally became a man named Matt. Gender Crisis

14. How can I help?

15. Below are links to LGBT communities and organizations where you can find more information and show your support for the LGBT community. NOH8 (No Hate) Campaign It Gets Better Project Freedom To Marry LGBT Support Groups

16. For those of you who are still unsure about supporting gay marriage, it’s okay you don’t have to decide right now. Being a young gay man myself, I know and have experienced intolerance and have had to face hatred towards my sexuality and my right to marry. Remember this though, homosexuals and our culture are just like yours. We don’t want to corrupt the minds of others, or take control over this country, we just want to be accepted. Thank You Ending Thoughts

17. www.noh8campaign.com www.itgetsbetter.org www.freedomtomarry.org www.marriageequality.com www.ncsl.org www.religioustolerance.org www.christiangays.com Bibliography