Legalization of Same-Sex Marriage Using Queer Theory

The debate about Legalization of Same-Sex Marriage Using Queer Theory 1
The debate about Legalization of Same-Sex Marriage Using Queer Theory
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The debate about Legalization of Same-Sex Marriage Using Queer Theory 2
The debate about Legalization of Same-Sex Marriage Using Queer Theory
Introduction
The issue of legalization of same-sex marriages has been a concern for so many people in
the modern society among both the gays and the straight. Different people have diverse
perspective on this topic and it has raised a debate on this issue with both sides viewing the
institution of marriage differently (Henwood, 2014). Some states in the United States of America
such as California had recognized same-sex marriages in the society. Voters in California voted
on Proposition 8 on the 4Th of November 2008 and this overturned the same-sex marriage that
had been accepted in that State. Before the legalization of same-sex marriages had not been
overturned there was a very hot debate concerning what were the implications of this law on
Californian couples and the impact of same-sex marriage on the institution of marriage. Gay
relationships and specific gay marriage have been a political social thought since the passage of
DOMA in 1996 and the I993 Baehr v. Lewin decision in Hawaii. This essay is a debate about the
legalization based on the Queer Theory and focusing on use focus on heteronormativity and
heterosexuality. This debate is a discussion of the various perspectives on the legalization of the
same-sex marriages as an area of concern in social work.
Discussion
Positioning Heterosexuality in Contemporary Queer Studies
After the passage of Proposition 8 in California, same-sex marriage was banned in this
state. This was a big blow to the LGBT movement and this triggered them to divert their
resources and attention to the federal and state campaign for marriage equality. This has led to a
debate by queer theorists and queer activists (Few‐Demo et al, 2016). They are concerned in the
issue of whether or not the LGBT movement should focus a lot of its resources and efforts on an

The debate about Legalization of Same-Sex Marriage Using Queer Theory 3
objective or goal then it is believed to be impossible by the moderates while radicals consider it
to be out of step with the "radical agenda" of gay liberationists and queer theorists. "Although
marriage equality has been advocated by national LGBT organizations for well over a decade,
there is a difference between supporting the principle of marriage equality and actually choosing
to be married," noted Taylor. Same-sex activities believe that same-sex marriage was a complete
political impossibility at some point of time in the society especially during the era where LGBT
individuals could not even openly declare their sexual orientation.
Queer activities believe that the legalization of same-sex marriages will give LGBT
families and couples the encouragement to imitate the male-dominance structured heterosexual
marriages and families (Coates, 2018). Legalizing same-sex marriages will increase the number
of same-sex marriages in the society and this will pose a major threat to queer theorists since it
can end the distinctive queer society and identity. However, advocates for same-sex marriages
argue that these predictions have not been realized in the few places where same-sex marriages
have been legalized.
The main reason why the debate on same-sex marriages is appealing is that legalization
of the same-sex marriages will guarantee lesbians and gays a shortcut to enjoy social and legal
benefits associated with the legalization (Gallop, 2015). However, my main concern is that the
struggle and efforts to legalize same-sex marriage may be shortsighted. Considering the part of
progressive thinkers, there is lack of a clear outline of the privileges bestowed on marriage.
According to conservatives, it is clear that marriage should be rewarded. The number of
people marrying in the US has drastically reduced by roughly 50% since the early 1960's. On the
other hand, the numbers of marriages that have ended due to divorce have increased by roughly
50 %. Continuous transformation in our society, the increase in the acceptability and