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Marriage is defined to be the legally or formally recognized union of two people as

partners in a personal relationship (Oxford, 2016). When one thinks of marriage, image
commonly brought to mind would be of a man and a woman. On the opposite end of the
spectrum, same-sex marriage has been around since the early 18th century and has only
sparked major debates worldwide recently and has garnered various types of attention. Same-
sex marriage is also considered to be a major ethical issue with how it can be either morally
right or wrong. Many ethics can be applied to same-sex marriage and either help support it;
such as utilitarian, or to fight against it, such as someone who subscribes to a deontological
theory. Because of these ethics, people consider and debate the topic, specifically the morals,
family values and religion, equality, constitutionality, and right to privacy involved with Gay
Marriage.

Same-sex marriage dates back to the 1st century, when a Roman emperor, Nero, was
involved in two same-sex unions; effectively making him the first Roman emperor to marry a
person of the same gender. Additionally, numerous examples of same-sex unions can be
found in Ancient Greek writings. Famous Greek couples include Harmodius and Aristogiton,
Pelopidas and Epaminondas and Alexander The Great and Bogoas. These couples were not
however officially wed - the Romans were the first to conduct same-sex marriages. It was not
until December 16th, 342AD that same-sex marriage was officially outlawed by Christian
emperors Constantius II and Constans. Now, in the early 21st-century, various types of same-
sex unions have been legalised worldwide. It has been considered as a quintessentially 21st-
century phenomenon, suddenly receiving popularity with recent news of the Australian
plebiscite and all fifty states in America legalising same-sex marriage in June, 2015.
Opponents argue that it is political correctness gone mad; but supporters see it as a sign of
progress. It was not until the 1970s and 80s when activists sued for the right to marry - a few
others obtained valid licences to wed. It was not until the 1990s when the movement towards
same-sex marriage began, and in 2000 where the first country in the world, The Netherlands,
legalised same-sex marriage.

Utilitarian ethics can be applied to same-sex marriage. Utilitarian Ethics reason that
same-sex marriage should be legalised due to the fact that everyone would benefit. The
greater good would be served causing the least amount of harm and promoting the best
possible society in which everyone is equally protected under the law. It is believed that if
same-sex couples were to marry in a Utilitarian based society, the indirect harms that

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people take issue with such as children require a mother and a father would become
relatively miniscule when compared to the direct benefits, such as achieving equality
amongst people by allowing homosexual citizens to be wedded to the ones they love. It is
also widely accepted that marriage is an international human right for all people, further
supporting equality amongst everyone. By applying John Stuart Mills views towards
Utilitarianism, his idolised moral principles, would then appropriately evaluate same-sex
marriage as something that brings more happiness to people and cause no damage. John
Stuart Mill supports this by stating in his book, Utilitarianism that:

The creed which accepts as the foundation of morals holds that actions are right in
proportion as they tend to promote happiness, wrong as they tend to produce the
reverse of happiness.
(Mill and Sher, 2001)

While the Utilitarian argues in support for same-sex marriage, the Deontological
approach often advises that it is wrong and immoral. One of the most common deontological
approaches is ones duty to live by what is right - in this case, the law - someones religious
beliefs or just their moral values. One of the foremost arguments against same-sex marriage
can be tracked back to strong Christian beliefs, reinforcing homosexuality as a morally
corrupted concept. This ideal perceives same-sex marriage as disgusting, immoral,
perverted, and inhuman to list a few. Most of these arguments are reinforced using the
Bible and its teachings. One such Bible message states that marriages should be defined as
exclusively between a man and a woman - that marriage is for procreation only and should
not be extended to same-sex couples. Biblical passages are also used as arguments against
same-sex marriage: One passage in particular states that if a man also lie with mankind, as
he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put
to death; their blood shall be upon them. (Leviticus 20:13). Millions of Christians use this
passage to support their views, along with others views on homosexuality and how the
legislation should acquiesce. For example, pre-1970 laws, in which same sex marriage is
disdained upon as egregious and is punishable by death. However, many Christians stand by
one of the most renowned passages supporting equality from the Bible, Love thy neighbour
as yourself (Matthew 22:39) and But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who
persecute you, (Matthew 5:44). They cite this passage in support for the same-sex marriage
reform and thus condem the hateful views belonging to other Christians. Divided responses

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and opinions from strong, conservative, left-wing Christians creates a hypocrisy in the ethical
approach. Due to the various interpretations of the Bible, many differing views and opinions
regarding same-sex marriage have caused naught but controversy in the reform debate.

Same-sex marriage should be legalised, and one should have the freedom to marry
who one chooses, similarly to the freedom of religion. Many of the ethical views and theories
explained show both sides of same sex marriage. Some stand totally against the ideals of
same sex marriage, and others provide support, acceptance, and logical arguments for same-
sex marriage. Even today, same-sex marriage is one of the most publicized, politicised, and
strongly-debated moral problems in our society which will indubitably be discussed for
decades to come. If one will listen to reason, one will support and condone any changes made
which ensure that any person has the ability to marry whomever they like regardless of
gender.

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Bibliography
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Student ID: 8200680