One of the historic changes to human civilisation is the decision of many countries to legalise gay marriage. This has resulted from the heroic efforts of many civil right activists for many years. There is a history of gay marriages or same-sex unions in many cultures across the world. Different types of unions have existed which are ranging from informal, secretive, temporal and legalised relationships between people of same-sex. The benefits enjoyed by opposite-sex couples cannot be extended to same-sex couples since their marriage status is not considered legal till recently. If the gay marriages are not considered equally, it is considered as intolerance and prejudice towards select set of people while they pay taxes and fulfil other citizen duties.
Legal status in many countries
About 20 countries have legalised gay marriages where marriage between the gay couples is considered legal as per the nation’s law, providing them all the rights enjoyed by other couples. Netherlands is the first nation which has enacted a law in favour of gay partners. Many European countries have already enacted similar laws legalising gay marriages. South Africa is the first and only African nation to do so. The support for such marriages is only rising across Americas, most of Europe and Australia. This is both a political and social issue and also religious in some cultures and nations.
Important benefits of legalising gay marriages
It is considered that the psychological, financial and physical wellbeing are improved by marriage and this applies equally to gay couples. The gay children of gay parents benefit significantly from the legal recognition of their parents. It is also proven with significant evidence that singling out gay people creates discrimination and stigmatises them. Also, such discrimination is against the basic human right of equality. This is causing many nations to rethink the status of gay couples. Allowing same sex marriages is not extending any special status to gay partners, but giving them equal status as other couples in the society.
Financial benefits of legal status
The Supreme Court ruling in the United States legalising the gay marriages provides them many federal and state benefits being enjoyed by other married couples –
- Joint Tax Returns: Gay couples can now file for joint tax returns instead of separate returns. This shall help them to save on costs on hiring professional services for filing returns. It can also help to reduce the tax bill if the disparity between the gay partners is significantly higher.
- Government Benefits: with the legalisation of gay marriages, the surviving gay partner is eligible for all government benefits similar to normal couples. They are eligible for spousal benefits like disability insurance payments through Social Security.
- Healthcare: Gay couples are eligible for spousal benefits under Medicaid and Medicare. Spouses may receive Medicare Part A coverage based on spouse’s employment history. It will be easy to take care of elderly spouse for lower income Medicaid recipients. The gay spouse shall also be eligible to take important medical decisions for his or her partner in case of emergency.
The legalisation of gay couples has given gay partners an equal status in the society, government and legal benefits and a share of equal rights which is a mere start to the transformation of the society.