Notes on Same-Sex Marriage and Global Perspectives

Introduction

• Date: 22nd May
• Ireland becomes the first country to put same-sex marriage to a national vote.
• Significant progress in gay rights in Ireland since 1993 when homosexual acts were illegal.

Global Movement for Gay Rights

• First Gay Marriage:
  • Netherlands legalized same-sex marriage in 2001.
• Current Status:
  • 18 countries have legalized same-sex marriage.
• Papal Shift:
  • Pope's statement: "Gay Catholics. Who am I to judge?"

Challenges to Equal Rights

• South Africa:
  • First constitution to protect sexual orientation as a human right in 1996.
  • Reported increase in violent attacks against LGBT community.
• Anti-Gay Legislation:
  • Recent laws in Nigeria and Uganda against homosexuality.
• India:
  • Decriminalized homosexuality in 2009; Supreme Court reinstated it as a crime in 2013.
  • Example: Padma Iyer advertises for a gay groom for her son, Harish.

Anti-Gay Sentiment as Anti-Western Values

• Russia:
  • Banned gay pride parades for 100 years in 2012.
  • Laws making it difficult for gay rights organizations to operate.
• Global Statistics:
  • Homosexuality still a crime in 77 countries.
  • Death penalty for homosexuality in 7 countries.

United States Context

• California's Legal Position:
  • Same-sex marriage passed in 2008 but later voted against in referendum; vote eventually overturned.
• Current Status:
  • Same-sex marriage legality varies by state.

Conclusion

• Division on Gay Rights:
  • The world appears to be deeply divided on the issue of gay rights.