Global legalization of Same-Sex Marriage by 2030?

On 26 June 2015, the legalization of same-sex marriage in the United States marked a significant day in our human history.

It was a day millions of people believe that it symbolizes greater freedom to love, that #Lovewins and they celebrated in unison by dashing rainbow flags across their Facebook profile photos.

It is amazing to see how so many people across the world came together in such great unity to celebrate an event like never before.

It was also a day of shock for many who stand on the side of pro-heterosexual marriage. Some even chose to change their Facebook profile photos and commented vigorously to express their disagreement.

United States is not the first country to legalize same-sex marriage and it will not be the last. However, it is the most populous among the 21 countries and also the most influential one. Therefore, it opens the way for other nations to model after the United States and to adopt the same policy.

There are countless arguments going on as to why people support this policy as well as for those who are against it.

As I watched the world going into frenzy defending their stands, I too was itching to pen down my say on Facebook.

I for one, being a Christian for the last 22 years had thought of writing it from the bible standpoint. But since I am not a theologian and dislike going into theological debate knowing that I can’t win, decided against it. Moreover, I have many friends whom I loved on both sides of the stands and I do not wish to hurt anybody in my comments.

I kept thinking about what could be a good angle to talk about this issue that will be of value to people who are affected by it.

Beyond the notion of human rights, moral values and religious beliefs, I began to imagine and visualize:

What will be the potential impact upon individuals and our society as a whole?

What if by 2030, we have a global legalization of same-sex marriage?

In a simple stance, this policy grants people who are of the same sex the right to get married legally. But it also means they can fight over assets upon divorce.  This leads to greater consideration and commitment for a same-sex couple. Therefore, legalizing same-sex marriage may not necessarily encourage more of such marriages to take place.

Of course, there will be those who have been waiting for this day to come. But just like in heterosexual relationships, there are couples in same-sex relationships whom are afraid of commitment and will rather not get married.  

Furthermore, now that they can be legally married, I can imagine some may even be pressured by their partners to do so though they may not be ready or willing to. So it may not be good news for every couple after all.

One thing for sure though, there will be an increase in both marriages and divorce cases and a booming business for law firms! ;p

Another popular debate is the effects upon children raised in same-sex relationships. From a practical standpoint, when same-sex marriage is legalized, their children will have access to the same rights of protection and entitlement. This is good news indeed, as these children are innocent and should not be discriminated or deprived of their rights. Indeed, it is also one of the pro-policy reasons cited.

As I tap into my imagination of the future trend, I can see increasing number of children being raised up in same-sex marriages.  They may be originally birthed by one of the partners, through surrogate mothers or through adoption. Surrogate mothers could well become a “full-time profession” to help fulfill the desires of same-sex couples to have their own children. New legislation and contracts will be needed to take this into account.

To the economy, it is not a bad thing at all. Actually it will really help to boost the economy. More married couples will lead to increasing demand for houses, joint assets and investments and more daily spending for families.

To the consumer goods industry, it means a whole new group of target to launch specific marketing campaigns. We will get to see more advertisements featuring the new family nucleus. This will be another boost to the economy.

Is there any wonder why major brands immediately stamped their support on the day of the new legislation in the United States? They fully understand the publicity and marketing dollar benefits of positioning their companies as those who value human rights and the freedom to love versus the backlash and boycott of standing against it.

In the education system, the educators will need to be trained to better understand and help children that are raised in same-sex marriages. They may struggle more in their self-identity and self-esteem and be more vulnerable emotionally. Educators need to be trained to take care and protect these children and not to discriminate them.

The whole legalization of same-sex marriage is a multi-faceted issue that should not be dealt alone at legislation level. Like it or not, pro or against, our society values are changing at a rapid pace and one major continent’s decision can bring about a fast global impact.

When freedom to love is the winning reason to legalize same-sex marriage, it potentially opens the floodgate for other activist groups to motion and push for the acceptance of all other kinds of love relationships that may be an abomination in the past.

What can I do as an individual?

Everyone is entitled to their own values and beliefs. We need to learn to share and discuss in a way that does not seek to hurt others.

In a society with greying values, do what you know best to protect yourself, your family and especially your children.  

Teach them in the ways you want them to grow up to be but remind them to be non-discriminatory to those who hold different values and be loving and inclusive.

Guide them in such a way that they can grow up to be happy people, to use their abilities wisely and to contribute positively to the society, within the legal boundaries.

When you have done these, you will have made a difference to the next generation and help make our society a better place to be.