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According to (‘Same-Sex Marriage – Definition, Examples, Cases, 2015) The state or condition of being married to another person of the same gender is known as Same-sex marriage . It is the legal union between two people of the same gender. Throughout history, same-sex unions have taken place around the world, but laws recognizing such marriages did not start occurring until more modern times. As of 2015, only 17 countries around the globe have laws allowing same-sex couples to become legally married. Support in some countries that do not allow same-sex marriage is rising, however, which leads many to believe that acceptance will continue to grow.
Same-gender partnerships in the U.S. have had a very tumultuous history. Notably, the 2010 census reported the existence of same-gender couples in 99% of the counties in this country however, currently only 13 states recognize same-gender marriage. Existing without legal and social recognition and support for their family unit is a constant, harsh, and exhausting strain on many same-gender partnerships in this country. These couples are often denied certain privileges and rights that are considered basic for heterosexual marriages. Indeed, some 1,100 legal privileges have been identified as stemming from the institution of legal marriage. There are also often negative consequences for the mental and emotional well-being of the individuals within these family units, which, many times, include children. This is sometimes referred to as minority stress theory. The 2010 Census Bureau reported that 115,000 same-gender couples out of 594,000 have at least one child. Some studies have revealed that partners in same-gender relationships desire the recognition of marriage for their relationship regardless of whether or not such recognition is accompanied by additional benefits. Social work practitioners have a broad opportunity to apply their practice to the many areas of need facing same-gender partners, using their training as practitioners, advocates, and researchers to intervene effectively at multiple levels. For social workers committed to social action and legislative change, it is useful to be aware of the various demographic subgroups that support marriage equality, as reported by national polls. As such, this knowledge would provide a beginning point to focus on populations within states that have not approved same-gender marriage. Regarding religious affiliation, the strongest support for same-gender marriage comes from the following demographic groups: Jewish Americans (81%), religiously unaffiliated Americans (76%), Catholics (58%), and mainline Protestants (55%) (Jones, Cox, Navarro-Rivera, Dionne, & Galston, 2013). Social workers may wish to look to these groups as their support base as they advocate for marriage equality. The results from these national public opinion surveys may be useful for social workers who seek to advance social justice and marriage equality for the gay and lesbian population (National Association of Social Workers, 2012). There is a great deal of evidence that public opinion can directly influence public policy (Burstein, 2003; Kenworthy, 2009; Silver, 2013). For example, DOMA was approved under the Clinton Administration, when public opinion did not strongly support same-gender marriage. However, recently, the Supreme Court, some would argue, was influenced by public opinion, when it struck down DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act) and took no action on Californias Prop 8 with a near majority supporting same-gender marriage. Some would also suggest that the 13 states that have approved same-gender marriage were influenced by national and state-wide public opinion supporting same-gender marriage. Many practitioners are challenged to think outside of their comfortable and familiar heterosexist constructions of family life, thereby promoting a more gay- and lesbian-affirmative therapeutic stance. Also, same-gender marriage partners often need counseling or therapy to assist with their constant struggle amidst layers of unsupportive laws, policies, and social attitudes. The development of programs to address these and related issues could be strengthened by linking same-gender and bisexual couples with successful couples who have experienced and resolved various challenges related to their sexual identities. Social workers also have an important role in addressing the minority stress that same-gender couples experience as a result of the lack of marriage equality. Researchers have reported in recent years that homophobic attitudes are decreasing; however, it is unclear whether attitudes are actually changing, or whether instead, it is less socially desirable to admit having these attitudes. Although intentional anti-gay behaviors are common, more common are unintentional anti-gay behaviors that some people engage in without conscious awareness. The impact of homophobia on gays and lesbians can be devastating, resulting in feelings of inadequacy, self-hatred, guilt, and a general lack of optimism. This is an important observation since it can impact social work practice, particularly if social workers or their homophobic clients hold such attitudes and unintentionally harm LGBT individuals. Therefore, it is critical that social workers engage in serious self-reflection regarding their personal attitudes toward LGBT clients and how those attitudes may negatively impact the clients they are seeking to assist. According to (Yurto lu, 2018) (Borngraber, 2015) As social workers, we value our clients right to self-determination in shaping their goals and life decisions, which is why the SCOTUS decision is so important to our practice. Clients who are engaged in same-sex relationships will now have the choice to marry and social workers will not have to navigate the strange space between our professional obligation to support social justice and a system that inherently denies a clients rights. Within the old system, and in many places that are still fighting the implementation of these laws, social workers were tasked with operating within the context of a law that did not support our code of ethics. When this happens, we are faced with the ethical dilemma of either siding with an unjust law or upholding the values of our profession, a choice many social workers will hopefully no longer have to make. While this is now the case, it should also be noted that in places of continued discrimination, it is the role of social workers to facilitate change and understanding among citizens in the fight for human rights and positive social change.
According to (Ngole & Care, 2016) A young man shared his story about social work and the implications of same-sex marriages as on the practice I came to this country because of the opportunities I thought it offered. Britain once led the world in freedom and justice and is iconic in my homeland of Cameroon. So many of us in Cameroon aspire to the kind of possibilities that we believe only Britain can give us. We think of it as a nation that protects freedom of speech, religion, and our ability to be who we want to be. It therefore came as quite a shock to find myself expelled from a social work course at a prestigious Russell Group University just because I stood up for someones right to exercise freedom of conscience at work. The case of Kim Davis, the Kentucky Clerk who felt herself unable to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples and found herself in jail for contempt of court, was all over the media. There was a lot of discussion about the case on and off the university campus. I entered into the discussion on my personal Facebook account. I wanted to defend her; because she, like me and millions of others across the globe believes that marriage is the lifelong union of one man and one woman. Studying for a masters degree in social work, youre constantly reminded of the importance of fairness, of treating everyone equally, and of not discriminating against anyone. I chose the course because I come from a nation where I have witnessed poverty and hardship. I have been given a chance in this nation; I have a personal and vibrant faith in Jesus Christ and am motivated to serve people in my community and in my work and to give back to this country. Just because I disagree with a homosexual lifestyle, it doesnt mean that I wont act in a professional, kind, and compassionate way when dealing with homosexuals. We all disagree on many, many issues; governments rise and fall off the back of that process via the ballot box. If my freedom to express my opinion is removed on this matter, then why not on any and all other matters where the present government disagrees? The University of Sheffield didnt seem to want to give me a chance. If you hold that kind of opinion they seem to say Youre not fit to be a social worker. They couldnt see beyond that; they couldnt see the irony of their own intolerance of my views. If this is the way, the system operates then it means that people like me and followers of Christ everywhere will be barred from professions; and deemed not fit for practise. What a shame when I believe I have so much to offer; a heart and a willingness to get on with the job, and people and to facilitate the existing laws. The new political orthodoxy coerces and compels a way to think and a way to speak if you disagree youre left out in the cold. Im just me. What frightens me is that Im perhaps just one of many. Im the one who founded the Christian Legal Centre and they encouraged me to fight my case. I was all for just letting it go and quitting my dream. I realize that would have been a mistake. How many have just let their dreams go because of the new cultural Marxism that censors and punishes any view that does not accord with the new orthodoxy of the law and state? So I am now taking my case forward for students just like me everywhere; for social workers, teachers, and nurses who love and are motivated by the love of Jesus to continue to be free to work in this nation that I love, Great Britain.
In conclusion in my perspective as a social work major, individuals in the helping professions, as it relates to same-sex marriage its up to us to know our values and go by them. But imagine you had a child who is attracted to the same sex would you love that child any less, would you hate or discriminate against that child? Of course, some parents do but is that really love? By all means, we must live up to our expectations as helping professionals and thats to never discriminate against others. The helping professions overall have evolved as time went by and it seems as though we either have to get with it or choose to go by ones own morals. If you believe that marriage should be between a man and a woman only then thats your view if you believe otherwise, then so be it, but it makes no sense to go against your belief.
Works Cited
- Same-Sex Marriage – Definition, Examples, Cases. (2015, August 19). Retrieved March 17, 2019, from https://legaldictionary.net/same-sex-marriage/
- Borngraber, E. (2015, July 23). Marriage Equality is Just the Beginning. Retrieved March 17, 2019, from http://swrj.org/marriage-equality-is-just-the-beginning/
- Ngole, F., & Care, C. (2016, March 10). My views on gay marriage shouldn’t stop me from being a social worker. Retrieved March 17, 2019, from https://www.communitycare.co.uk/2016/03/10/views-gay-marriage-shouldnt-stop-social-worker/
- Yurto lu, N. (2018). Http://www.historystudies.net/dergi//birinci-dunya-savasinda-bir-asayis-sorunu-sebinkarahisar-ermeni-isyani20181092a4a8f.pdf. History Studies International Journal of History, 10(7), 241-264. doi:10.9737/hist.2018.658
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