What is the impact of same-sex marriage on society? 

A major change has occurred in public opinion on same-sex marriage over the last decade. The Pew Research Center found that in 2003, most Americans (58%) opposed allowing gays and lesbians to marry; today, 49% do. This shift is driven in large part by the increasing acceptance of homosexuality among younger generations. In addition, many older people are now supporting same-sex marriage. 

(Looking for “DeBoer Law Firm“? Contact us today!)

The impact of same-sex marriage on society.

Legal recognition of gay and lesbian couples has a profound influence on the law. It has led to new formal relationship statuses, like domestic partnerships, and a principle that both of a child’s legal parents can be of the same gender. This, in turn, has shaped the social meaning of marriage and family law as a whole. 

As more and more families are constituted in ways that are less traditional or confined to single-gender households, legal rights to those arrangements may be increasingly challenged. Moreover, same-sex marriage debates are affecting family law by changing the way children are raised and protected from harm. 

First, a broader understanding of the social effects of same-sex relationships is needed. One effect is the emergence of new forms of discrimination against gay and lesbian families. This is especially true in states where same-sex marriage is illegal or where homosexual and lesbian people are underrepresented as lawyers, judges, and other professionals. 

This is a serious problem, and the best response to it is not to ban same-sex marriage. Instead, the answer is to make sure that gay and lesbian families have the same protections as heterosexual ones. 

Second, same-sex couples often rely on assisted reproduction to have children. They also have to deal with the repercussions of their partners’ sexual orientation, and they must take care not to harm others or violate their rights. 

Third, same-sex relationships have an adverse effect on children’s mental health and well-being. They are disproportionately more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems than their heterosexual peers. This, in turn, is a significant factor in the increased prevalence of suicide and other serious self-injury among gay and lesbian children. 

Fourth, same-sex relationships are more likely to lead to divorce than their heterosexual counterparts. In fact, more than half of all divorces in the United States occur between same-sex couples. 

Fifth, a significant number of same-sex couples have children. This is an important issue, because children in the midst of same-sex families are more likely to become addicted to drugs and alcohol, have mental health problems, and even develop behavioral problems. 

In addition, a child’s well-being is compromised if their parent is in prison or jail, and the same can be said of a child in a family with a drug-using mother or father. 

Finally, the argument that same-sex relationships lead to higher rates of non-monogamous behavior has a strong Burkean dimension. It suggests that if gay and lesbian couples are allowed to marry, then the law will encourage heterosexuals to become non-monogamous as well. This will cause a societal shift toward a culture of cohabitation.