Prior to their decision, same-sex marriage was already legal in 37 states and Washington DC, but was banned in the remaining Proponents of legal gay marriage contend that gay marriage bans are discriminatory and unconstitutional, and that same-sex couples should have access to all the benefits enjoyed by different-sex couples. Opponents contend that marriage has traditionally been defined as being between one man and one woman, and that marriage is primarily for procreation. Read more background…. We have joined together to recognize equality for racial minorities, women, people with disabilities, immigrants… [Legalizing gay marriage] is the right thing to do and it is time. As explained by David S.

Same-sex marriage has been legalized in twenty-eight countries, including the United States, and civil unions are recognized in many Western democracies. Civil Society. Javier Corrales, a professor at Amherst College who focuses on LGBT rights in Latin America, points to income levels and the influence of religion in politics, as well as the overall strength of democracy, to explain regional divergences [PDF]. While same-sex marriage has made the most gains in Western democracies, antidiscrimination laws are gaining traction worldwide.

Kennedy wrote for the majority in the historic decision. In forming a marital union, two people become something greater than once they were. The decision, which was the culmination of decades of litigation and activism, set off jubilation and tearful embraces across the country , the first same-sex marriages in several states, and resistance — or at least stalling — in others. It came against the backdrop of fast-moving changes in public opinion, with polls indicating that most Americans now approve of the unions. In dissent, Chief Justice John G.

Rita A. The recent landmark decision by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court to legalize gay and lesbian marriage has brought extensive media coverage and discussion of same sex marriage. The complexities surrounding same sex marriage are multifaceted and include a broad range of areas such as: legislation; institutional, social, and religious views; personal beliefs and biases; civil rights, ethics, and values. The National Association of Social Workers NASW has policies and a code of ethics that address and provide guidance to the social work profession on lesbian, gay and bisexual issues.