Marriage or union is a social bond between two people called ‘spouses’ who bear rights and obligations towards each other. Since long, marriage has been a ‘union’ solely between man and woman.The history of marriage was almost 400 years ago. Heterosexuality or sexual attraction has played a great part in making union of different sexes. The idea of romance was started in 17th and 18th century when Enlightenment philosophers gave rise to the idea of ‘happiness in life.' The pair of Man and woman has been considered very natural and complying the laws of nature because only the union of man and woman can create an offspring.
With the passage of time, the concept of marriage was changed, and people were less bound to live in a failed marriage. Marriage was started to be taken as a contract between two individuals who sought love and happiness. This idea gave birth to ‘same-sex union’ or gay marriages. Same-sex marriage means a union between two persons of the same gender. The supporters of same-sex union call this ‘equal marriage’ in an attempt to legalize it (Mulholland, 2012).During 20th century the movement of gay and lesbian rights to marry same gender gained its momentum. As a result in the first decade of 21st century law was enacted enabling same-sex marriage legal in sixteen countries. United States, Argentina, Canada, Norway, New Zealand, Spain, South Africa, United Kingdom are included in this list.
Same-sex union is not a new idea at all, and it has roots in the past. Until 13th century same-sex marriages were not allowed and were considered unnatural and bad for the society. In later next centuries homosexuality became a threat to the society. In 19th century same-sex unions became deviation to the old customs of the society. But during 13th century the churches were involved in male-bonding marriages in Mediterranean. The issue of same sex union is very controversial since decades and churches and other religious institutions are still opposing laws legalizing these marriages. Religious institutions and religious concepts are of great importance in this matter. Bible has strongly opposed homosexuality and called it “unnatural." In Leviticus chapter,18 and 20 have mentioned punishments on homosexual practices performed by men. According to Ishay (2004) homosexuality is strongly prohibited, and severe condemnation is posted on it.
Same sex unions are not actually what Lord meant by marriages. According to Bible God, created Adam a male. Adam was only human on heaven, and Lord did not want to let him alone. So He created woman from his rib as a companion and to give him comfort. Adam called her ‘woman’ as she was created out of his flesh and bones. Adam considered woman as his flesh and bones, and that is the reason a man is allowed to leave his parents and live with his wife. In the eyes of Lord Husband and wives are one flesh.
The story of Adam and Eve gives us a message depicting God’s will. When God wanted to create a companion for Adam, He created woman not another man. For a man he created woman as this union is perfect with necessary sexual differences. Same sexes can never have such intimacy and love that opposite sex can have. That is why Adam call woman his flesh and bones. The bond between man and woman is natural and pure. Their bodies are created in such a way which is ideal for union. Same-sex union is neither natural nor capable to create offspring. It is fake lacking the blessings of God which is the capability of creation.
The will of Lord is quite clear as if marriage is to be meant between same sexes then God would have designed human bodies,in a way, that same sexes could reproduce. In Bible everywhere when the word marriage is used it means between man and woman. We can see the will of Lord in Genesis and Old Testament and in which everything is quite clear about homosexuality. In these scriptures, God thinks about homosexuals violating God’s laws and committing immoral and sinful act. The opinion of Lord about marriage is clear, and this confirms union between man and woman. According to Genesis God, has created man reflecting His own image and he created them man and woman. In Genesis Adam called his wife ‘Eve’ which means ‘mother of all living.' Thus, union between man and woman is about reproduction and is not meaningless and has a motive to raise children. Whereas, same sex union does not have any purpose and meaning. So, the relationship of man and woman is natural and according to God’s will.
Same-sex union is not only against God’s will, but it can also destroy the unit of society which is a family. As for thousands of years marriage means a lawful commitment between man and woman along with nurturing children in a stable environment.The child bearing and rearing in a same sex environment are not possible. According to research, children of those parents who are sexually active are more competent (Popenoe, D, 2007). Marriage is of a complementary nature in which the weakness of one sex is overcome by other. So, calling any relationship as a union or marriage will not make it marriage.
Same-sex union ignores completely the basic motive of marriage which is the perpetuation of the human being and raising children. It also violates natural law and homosexual union are not actually a marriage. Calling same sex union a marriage is a fantasy and in real marriage is a union between man and woman. God has rejected same sex union as in Leviticus (18:22) God ordered man not to lie with a man as with a woman as homosexuality is an evil (Catholic.com, 2012).
References
Catholic Answers Press.Why homosexual unions are not marriages? (2012). San Diego: Catholic Answers Inc. pp. 19 Retrieved 4 June, 2014 from http://www.catholic.com/sites/default/files/why_homosexual_unions_are_not_marriages.pdf
Ishay, Micheline R. (2004). The History of Human Rights: From Ancient Times to the Globalization Era. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press.
Popenoe, D. (2007, November). Life without father: Compelling new evidence that fatherhood and marriage are indispensable for the good of children and society. New York. NY: The Free Press. 1996. pp. 146.
Mulholland, Helene. (2012, September 27). Ed Miliband calls for gay marriage equality. The Guardian.Retrieved on 4 May, 2014 from http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2012/sep/27/ed-miliband-gay-wedding-equality
