Same-Sex Marriage

The acceptance of same-sex marriage in society is a relatively new concept. Sure, homosexuality has existed since the beginning of time, but until somewhat recently, it has been a concept shunned by society. Thankfully, we aren’t living in that time anymore, and those who are a part of the LGBT community in the United States can live their lives as they please and not have to worry about legal repercussions that may come from being gay like they did in the past.

Sometimes, new concepts can lead to myths and misconceptions due to the lack of understanding. This can even happen among the most well-meaning people. They aren’t always bad misconceptions, but still, it’s important to not let these myths spread, because that is when people begin to see them as fact. Here is a look at a few of the most common misconceptions about same-sex marriage.

It Redefines Marriage

Some people who are uncomfortable with same-sex marriage feel that letting people of the same sex get married redefines marriage as a whole. However, this is not the case. The law that was passed does not require everyone to marry someone of the same sex. If you are attracted to someone of the opposite sex, there is nothing stopping you from getting married to him or her. Nothing has changed for you. The fact that same-sex marriage is now legal in all 50 states has given homosexual couples the opportunity to have the same freedoms heterosexuals have had for centuries. However, this does not mean your rights have changed. Marriage has not been redefined, it has simply been expanded.

The Fight Is Over

Many people celebrated when the Supreme Court ruled back in June that same-sex marriage was now legal nationwide. While this was a huge victory for the LGBT community and its advocates, it does not mean the fight is over. There are still many cases of discrimination nationwide, and this is something that may be experienced in the coming years as the country adapts to the new change. While these incidents will hopefully become fewer and more far between, it is something same-sex couples often have to deal with that heterosexual couples do not have to. Some of the struggles include things such as:

• County clerks offices not issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
• Some churches may not be willing to marry a same-sex couple.

The fight is far from over, and people cannot become complacent about the battle to get same-sex couples equal rights.

Same-Sex Couples Now Have Equal Rights

Touching on the last topic, many people feel the Supreme Court’s ruling has given same-sex couples the same rights as heterosexual couples. On the one hand, this is true. As far as benefits from the government, rulings are being made in favor of same-sex couples. Once they are married, they can do things like file a joint tax return, get benefits from their spouse’s job, and get death benefits if the unimaginable happens. However, there are still some things being ironed out. For example, couples who have a child together via a surrogate or sperm donor may have a hard time being listed on the birth certificate without one of the parents adopting the child. Some foster parents are having difficulty keeping their foster children in their care, even though the children are being well cared for. There are still many obstacles that need to be overcome; however, the ruling has brought members of the LGBT community much closer to equality.

Thinking marriage has been redefined entirely or that same-sex couples now get the same treatment as heterosexual couples is flawed thinking. Realizing these misconceptions are false statements is an important step to understanding the battle same-sex couples are still facing.