Term 3 Blog Task 2:)

Is same-sex marriage a practical consideration in this age of globalisation?


The dawn of the new age of globalisation has led to the emergence of new practices and beliefs; some of which might seek to topple traditional and cultural norms. Globalisation has also facilitated the movement of ideas and beliefs across transnational boundaries, making the world that much more integrated. Now, even the western culture has made its way into Singapore, bringing with it the idea of homosexuality and same-sex marriages. However, is this new breed of same-sex unions a practical consideration in such a conservative nation like Singapore?

In Singapore, homosexuality seems to be a taboo topic for many. Some netizens are already disgusted at the mention of the words 'gay' and 'lesbian', what more 'same-sex marriages'? This just further emphasises the narrow-minded attitudes that stems from the conventional beliefs adopted from the past. As our world changes, maybe it is also time for us to change and adopt a more open mindset toward the idea of homosexual marriages.

In the world, many nations have started to allow same-gender marriages, on the basis that two people of the same sex can fulfil the same duties and responsibilities that heterosexual parents have to face. On 1 April 2001, the Netherlands were the first nation in the world to accept same-sex marriages. Like many other homosexual relationships and marriages , this new ruling came with its fair share of opposition and critique.

From the perspective of religious groups and conservatives with staunch religious beliefs, gender-neutral marriages were seen to oppose biblical teachings. It also went against the very essence of God's will, which was for a man and woman to share a holy union, and thereafter, procreate. In modern times, many would support this stand and how marriages are meant to be carried out between two people of the opposite sex. However, religious groups who are more liberal and open-minded would not try and impose their own beliefs on others who are more secular.

Though regarded as a sin in the eyes of the religious groups, it is ultimately up to the homosexual couple to think about the responsibilities they have to bear, as well as the effects of their actions. Today, the world we live in allows for freedom of choice, and this definitely applies to same-sex couples who are deciding to get married.

However, upon deciding to get married, one would be concerned about how children of homosexual couples are going to be treated in school and society. The possibility of these children being discriminated against is high. Do they really deserve to be treated in this manner? We cannot put the blame on the children for having parents who happen to be of the same gender. This would be an unfair judgment of the child as they did not 'choose' to be part of a family that resulted from a same-gender marriage.

When considering the practicality of a same-sex marriage, the first thing that comes to mind would be the responsibilities and moral obligations that all parents have to face in the setting up of a family. Firstly, the basic neccessities such as food, money, shelter and clothing have to be taken care of. Then, the parents, be they of opposite genders or homosexuals, have to ensure that they are able to provide love, care and attention for the children. In future, when the children are all grown up, will they be able to cope with the idea of having two parents of the same sex? Also, same-sex marriages would encourage homosexuals to settle down with just one partner and start a family of their own, instead of leading a promiscuous lifestyle. The promiscuous attitudes of homosexuals are cultivated when they face rejection from society; when their only option of gaining happiness is snatched away all because society refuses to budge from past values and morals.

In determining if same-sex marriages are practical considerations in this age of globalisation, we have to explore the capabilities of parents with the same gender, and whether they are able to juggle the same obligations and duties as parents of nuclear families. We cannot simply judge homosexual couples based on our own thinking that homosexuality is morally wrong. Sexual orientations that deem certain people as being homosexual is not a choice, but rather something they have to live with. Different homosexuals deal with it differently, and some choose to live life to the fullest by pursuing a family life with a fellow homosexual. Who are we then to deprive these people of their source of happiness?

Though our past traditions have never condoned the act of homosexuality and same-sex unions, disallowing same-sex unions would lead some homosexuals back to the promiscuous lifestyle that is far worse than letting them settle down with a partner of the same gender. Thus, same-sex marriages should be considered as a practical alternative to heterosexual marriages to a certain extent.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Same-sex_marriage