Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Is same-sex marriage a practical consideration in this age of globalisation?
Is same-sex marriage a practical consideration in this age of globalisation?There has been an increased emphasis on human rights and freedom especially in republican countries like the United Kingdom in this age of advancement. Hence, when same-sex marriage, which is a step further into a homosexual relationship, starts to surface in the society of the world, many carry the question of acceptation as it is a choice of freedom which brings about both positive and negative impacts.
Yes - a practical consideration
1. In most of the countries like Germany and France, where same-sex marriages are legalised, the parties involved in same sex marriages are forbidden to make medical decisions for their partners in an emergency. The hospitals are usually forced by state laws to go to their families for medical decision. In some cases, contacting their family members would be a difficult task as most of them would have distanced themselves from them due to their limited acceptance of homosexuality. So, same-sex marriage is a practical condition so that everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or race, is given equal freedom and choices.
2. The reason why people are uncomfortable with the idea of homosexuality roots primarily from the fact that for many years, society has promoted the idea that a marriage between members of the same sex is contemptible and against the nature. And Constitutional government was established to ensure that powerless minorities are still protected from the tyranny of the majority. So, simple discomfort is not a reasonable basis for disallowing it - how many Southern whites were once uncomfortable with allowing black children to attend the same schools as their own, or drink at the same drinking fountain? Half a century ago, those ideas were just as unthinkable - yet nowadays, hardly anybody sees them as a problem, seeing the fears as nothing more than racism. So, like any other forms of discrimination, sexual discrimination should not be encouraged and thus, same-sex marriage is a practical consideration, given enough time for people to change their discriminatory thinking.
No - an impractical consideration1. Many would refute that same-sex marriage defies the task of reproducing which nature assigned to humans as they believe that marriages are for procreation and ensuring the continuation of the species. It is true to a large extent that if same-sex marriage is legalised in many parts of the world, more homosexual couples would get married and there may be a decrease in birth rate as they are unable to reproduce with the same sex.
A decreasing birth rate has been a worry for many countries as it means an ageing population, which leads to many implications. Thus, same-sex marriages should not be practically considered in this age of globalisation.
2. Furthermore, if same-sex marriage is being practically considered and legalised in many countries with reserved and traditional values like China and Singapore, it will arouse a lot of dissatisfaction from the society of the world at large. The reason is that the practice of sexual discrimination is still prominent and it takes time to gradually change their reserved attitude and mindset.
The question of whether same-sex marriage is a practical consideration depends on the values and thinking of different individuals. To a large extent, same sex marriage is a practical consideration, as it will lead to total freedom and equality- even though it may arouse citizens' dissatisfaction and discontentment. Yet, in this age of globalisation and liberalisation, the subject matter is no longer as taboo as it was, and people are more open minded than ever. Moreover, to legalise such marriages would be a big step forward for the betterment of society, by rooting out sexual discrimination. Thus, authorities should consider such moves seriously in order to optimize the social welfare of all.
Dreamt by Shurlene min at
