The Social Environment Is Favorable For Same-sex Marriage Legalization In Australia

Along with some countries in the world,Australia saw the emergence of families with same-sex parents in the 1960s and 1970s.However,debates on same-sex marriage did not become controversial until 2004 when John Howard's conservative government amended the Marriage Act 1961(Cth)that defined "marriage" as only between a "man"and a "woman".Since then,struggles for legalization of same-sex marriage have been made at both federal and state levels.However,the federal Parliament has yet moved to vote on it.The public poll suggests more than 70 percent of Australian people agree to include same-sex couples into the institution of marriage.For same-sex marriage,disputes between the "Yes" case and "No" case lie mainly in three points:the wellbeing of children in same-sex families,traditional marriage,and marriage equality and human rights.This paper conducts an analysis of the three main arguments in same-sex marriage debates in Australia.Through the analysis of data collected from first hand and second hand resources,the paper argues that:first,children with same-sex attracted parents grow up well,both physically and mentally.Additionally,Safe School Programs designed to teach children the variety and diversity of sexual norms is widely supported by schools and other organizations.Second,the core meaning and primary purpose of institution of marriage has evolved with social development and same-sex marriage does not threaten traditional marriage and most Australians of faith support marriage equality.Finally,allowing same-sex marriage is not only a protection for homosexuals' rights of equality but also a protection for children's human rights.The conclusion is that in Australia,allowing same-sex marriage does little harm.Currently,the majority of Australian society is in favor of marriage equality.The broad social environment is favorable for recognition to same-sex marriage.