Same-sex marriage is the authorized union between two people of the same gender. According to (Collins, 1798) homosexuality is broadly described as an erotic attraction to persons of one’s own sex.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. (American Psychological Association).
Some countries such as Jamaica where homosexuality is a ‘hot topic’ and news reports of men who are attracted to other men are being brutally murdered because of their sexuality. Jamaica is known for being a homophobic country, However, when it comes unto lesbian couples some Jamaica men are aroused by the thought. Jamaicans share the belief that sexual intercourse should be within the confines of a man and a woman in marriage or the famous Jamaican ‘common law’ relationships. Some countries have accepted this union based on human rights and equality while some has frowned at it based on morals and values. This however, poses a problem for members of the LGBT community who are willing to ‘come out’. Others who cannot take the pressures of ‘injustice’ from their own are forced to migrate where that environment share commonality.
According to the Bible, marriage is heterosexual by definition. “From the beginning of creation, God made them male and female. For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh…” The biblical viewpoint of marriage has been the worldwide understanding of marriage in all human civilization in world history. History contends against gay marriage. Modern psychology identifies that men and women are psychologically and emotionally designed to complement one another. In regards to the family, psychologists contend that a union between a man and woman in which both spouses serve as good gender role models is the best setting in which to raise well-adjusted children.
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In nature/physicality, clearly, men and women were intended to “fit” together sexually, therefore, psychology argues against gay marriage. With the “natural” purpose of sexual intercourse being reproduction, clearly only a sexual relationship between a man and a woman can achieve this purpose. Nature argues against gay marriage. To give sanction to gay marriage/same-sex marriage would be to give support to the homosexual lifestyle, which the Bible clearly and consistently condemns as sinful.
This thought paper will not only express my feelings towards this topic of same sex marriage but also, the implications of this lifestyle on the helping profession. According to Leviticus 20:13, “If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them”. The bible speaks of homosexuality and that it is morally wrong. There is a rising hatred that is directed towards these individuals. Society however, needs to understand that God didn’t say he hated the individuals, instead he only condemns the actions. Marriage must exist between a man and a woman. Anything else weakens the meaning of marriage. By legalizing gay marriage, it will pave the way for legalizing polygamy, incest, bestiality, and lead to a weaker marriage and a weaker family. Marriage is already threatened with high divorce rates, and permitting gay marriage would give some people the ability to have bestiality come into play and marry other objects.
As a soon to be member of the helping profession, where I will be dealing with all sorts of cases. These individuals will come to me for help and what will I do? Turn them away because of my own personal religious affiliations? I think not. It Is our duty as social workers to carry out our job and help individuals who are unable to help themselves. Pre-marital education services, readily available to opposite-sex couples, are limited for same-gender couples. Premarital counseling could provide a wealth of support and guidance to lesbians, gays, and bisexuals to nurture their relationships in the midst of societal discrimination, legal prohibitions, and other forms of social injustice that are enacted against same-gender marriages. 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.
Imagine a social worker who has a child to place in a home, a gay/ lesbian couple opt to become adopted parents they are financially stable, mentally fit to carry out duties and provides a safe environment. Will you as a social worker ignore the fact that a child is in need of a loving home and parents no matter the sexuality and place that child or are you going to deny them favour because of your own personal reasons? Because you don’t want that child to be exposed to that lifestyle? But isn’t this a world of freedom of choice? Every man, woman and child (over 18) should have the opportunity to choose for his or her own self. It is true that children live what they learn but it all comes down to decisions.
A professional helper must be sensitive towards their clients and be aware of all traditional bias so that they can treat these individuals in a professional, appropriate fashion. There are no unique treatments for same-sex couples and the methods used with heterosexual couples can in turn be used for gay and lesbian pairs. I do agree that two females cannot play a father’s role and two men cannot give that special warmth a mother would have shown. But, as they grow, couples like those can be taught how to behave as in imitate the missing role. So many parental guidance classes are available that welcomes any type of parents, and also counselling plays a big role.
As social workers we are aware that same sex marriage is medically unhealthy in most cases, this lifestyle can cause individuals to contract diseases such as gonorrhoea, chlamydia and HIV/ Aids. With that, persons of heterosexual relationship can face the same threats. Another implication could be when these individuals contract these diseases and are depressed and come to see us helping professionals. We are then dedicated to helping our clients and if we are unable to give them the help, they need we then refer them to someone else who can better able to assist them.
Same sex couples seek acceptance in our society because they are tired of being treated unfairly by their own choices, yes, the bible does condemn homosexuality, in fact we are to be fruitful and multiply. But, what about those who are incapable to, but they are able to take a child under their wings and try to offer love, safety and warmth to those who have been abuse or neglected and placed in state care. God did not say he despised the individuals instead he does not support the behaviour. So, who are we as mortal beings to judge others? We are professional helpers who help individuals cope with life’s problems and we shall act as such. In the light of this topic’s controversy, it is easy to see that it is complicated due to biblical, logical, and emotional morale. It is also easy to get lost within one’s own argument without realizing it.
References
- Answers to Your Questions for a Better Understanding of Sexual Orientation and Homosexuality. [online] Available at: https://www.apa.org/topics/lgbt/orientation [Accessed 21 Jun. 2019].
- Bible Gateway. (2019). Bible Gateway passage: Leviticus 20:13 – King James Version. [online] Available at: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Leviticus+20%3A13&version=KJV [Accessed 21 Jun. 2019].
- Legal Information Institute . (2018, March 20). Retrieved from U.S. Constitution First Amendment: https://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/first_amendment
- Slick, M. (2018, March 18). Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry. Retrieved from How could gay marriage harm anyone?: https://carm.org/gay-marriage-harm
- Western, J. (2005, February 17). Life Site News. Retrieved from Same-Sex ‘Marriage’ a Health Risk Doctors Warn Parliamentarians: https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/same-sex-marriage-a-health-risk-doctors-warn-parliamentarians
- Western, J. (n.d.). l. Retrieved from Same-Sex ‘Marriage’ a Health Risk Doctors Warn Parliamentarians.
