Pros And Cons Of Same-Sex Marriage In Australia

Many different places have many different views on the belief that gay marriage is either right or wrong. In America, at least 37 states and D.C allow same-sex marriage to take place (NCSL). Within these states, some were originally okay

Lobby groups such as Marriage Equality Australia and the NSW Gay and Lesbian Lobby Group were instrumental in securing equal rights for homosexual de facto couples, and are currently campaigns for the legislation of same sex marriage. Despite a galaxy polls show that 63% of Australians were in favour of same-sex marriage (‘Majority of Australia supports same-sex marriage’, January 201, SMH), the law has refused to acknowledge it, enacts the Marriage Act Amendment (2004) to stipulate the definition of marriage as being between a ‘man and a women’. However, former PM Kevin Rudd has acknowledged the movement of same-sex marriage, promising to enact it if he were to be re-elected (PM promises legislation of same-sex marriage, August 2013, SMH). As such, it can be seen that although the law has been slower in recognising same-sex marriage, it is still able to reflect contemporary societal values and issues, thus achieves a just outcome for those in same-sex relationships, protecting the individual rights to

For Australian law to be effective it must be dynamic so it can reflect changing societal views, which law reform can help attain. A significant area of recent social change is the acceptance of same-sex relationships in Australian society. To mirror this, current law reforms have been somewhat effective in achieving just outcomes regarding the recognition of same-sex relationships in Commonwealth law. The combination of official recognition of same-sex relationships to an extent, attempts at removing discrimination in legislation, and the delay of justice denotes this. Considering the achievement of justice and the protection of individual’s rights, it is evident that law reform has significantly improved recognition of same-sex relationships, but there are more essential responses that need to be enacted.

This essay will be critically analyzing the social policy of same sex marriage using four Australian newspaper articles to demonstrate and examine how inequality through diversity and difference are present and experienced in the public domain. The essay will draw upon What ideological values and assumptions are present in both the newspaper articles and social policy?, What are the social justice concerns in relation to the current same sex policy?, concluding with a reflective component exploring where in relation to the social policy issue I am as a developing social worker.

On May 23rd 2015, Ireland became one of the first few countries throughout the world to legalized gay marriage. Since this approval there has been new debate as to where Australia stands on same-sex marriage. The amount of same-sex couples in Australia increased by 32% from 2006 to 2011 and 70% of the Australian nation believe that Australia should allow the right to same-sex marriage. Before the Marriage Amendment Act 2004 by the Howard Government, there was no previous definition of Marriage in the 1961 Act and the definition was based on common law. The definition changed by the Howard Government in

Back in this time many Australians weren’t aware of the fight for same sex marriage and many strongly disagreed. However, now that America has passed the legislation in support of gay marriage, Australians now see this as a more achievable

Australian Marriage Equality is a national organization actively working to achieve ‘equal marriage for all consenting adults’ with the belief that an individuals’ sexuality ‘should not affect their legal rights and responsibilities under Australian marriage law’ (Australian Marriage Equality, 2014).

Among innumerable reasons why marriage equality should be legalized in Australia, a prominent one is that restricting the option to marry any citizen is discriminatory and unconstitutional. This sort of treatment not only deprives every-day people of their dignity, creating a second class of citizens, but also suggests that LGBTI+ people are somehow unworthy of participation in one of the fundamental institutions of our society. A lack of opportunity to formalize same-sex relations implies that these relationships aren 't of equal standard, exacerbating unjust prejudice and intolerance. This impression is promoted through the lack of financial, medical and social rights associated with marriage to individuals in a civil union, the supposed 'adequate equivalent ' for marriage. Although the legalisation of marriage equality would have no impact on non-LGBTI+ communities,

Another type of family in which the Australian legal system has been effective in is dealing with Same Sex Relationships. However there has been a slight degree of ineffectiveness in this issue with same sex relationships finding it extremely difficult in the past in order to obtain the same rights as married couples or even De Facto couples, thus one can interpret that in the case of Same Sex Relationship Justice is delayed thus the justice is denied. Same Sex Couples it seems are unable to ever achieve the rights and be recognised through marriage as the Marriage Act 1961 specifically states that marriage is between a man and a woman and in order for Same Sex couples to be able to marry a new law must be passed as well as that section of the marriage act be amended. However all states and territories in Australia recognise Same Sex

Everyone under the Australian law deserves the right to be treated rightfully and justly. But currently, people are being discriminated due to who they choose to love. Love is something that has no boundaries. As a nation, we need to come to the acceptance that we aren't able to control people's views and values. There are 1,138 advantages, rights and protections accessible to married couples in federal law alone. Benefits accessible only to wedded couples include hospital visitations whilst someone is sick, access to family health coverage, ability to file a joint tax return amid a disease, the choice of documenting a joint expense form to diminish

The law regulating same-sex marriages continues to change, in order to better reflect the community 's opinions and expectations. Within the last decade, Australia has seen substantial changes in the legal recognition of same-sex relationships. This increase in legal recognition is primarily aimed at removal of institutionalized discrimination, as well as providing adequate legal protection of same-sex couples has arisen due to the wide spread changes of opinions about same-sex relationships within society.

Marriage is defined as the legally recognized union of two people, historically and in some jurisdictions its specifically a union between a man and a woman but more recently gay marriage has been accepted in 26 countries, one being Australia. A de facto relationship too is recognised by the law, defined in Section 4AA of the Family Law Act 1975. When marriages breakdown, Australia's legal system attempts to ensure a just outcome for all parties, however there can be many difficulties facilitating just to all when considering factors such as separation property arrangements and best interests of the child. Increasingly the legal system aim to avoid major conflicts that may come with breakdowns of marriages by encouraging the more effective

There are divergent perspectives whether these legal arrangements seem to deny same sex relationships, however in New South Wales are adequate. The view that the government has that the status quo provide same sex couples the same rights as married couples. On this basis there is no need for changes to the law. This has relevance to this topic as I want to exemplify the government’s view on this issue.

Australia is a nation that is still not allowing the rights for same-sex couples to be able to marry each other. Since 2004 in Australia the gay community has been fighting for their rights to marry their partner. Over the years, there have been several attempts to rectify the situation and to legalise gay marriage. However, nothing has changed and most of the information regarding why gay marriage is still not legalised in Australia can be found in the Marriage Act 1961 (Cth).This Act states that “Marriage in Australia is the union of a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others”. This statement shows that if there is a marriage between the same sexes, it will be classed as void, as it would not be the union of a man and a woman. This

Same-sex marriage is also used as a synonym for gay marriage. It is the union between two people of the same sex in a marital relationship. Same-sex marriage are obtaining acceptance in some countries, but some others still do not give permission to gay couples to marry. In 2001, Netherlands was the first country that legalized same-sex marriage. In the United States, Massachusetts was the first state that legalized same-sex marriage in