Tuesday 19 August 2014

How Do You Go About Holding A Same Sex Legal Marriage

By Linda Ruiz


Everyone values marriage as a key step in their life. This is due to the effect it has in both private and public spheres of life. It becomes all complicated if it has to be a same sex legal marriage. This type of union is difficult in light of the controversies it faces.

To start with, everyone has an opinion about gay and lesbian nuptials. Those in favor claim that it is a basic human right for one to choose their life long partner of their choice. Those who do not favor suggest that is a complete change to the family institution based on religion and morality. Irrespective of this, the modern society has increasingly made same sex couple more acceptable. In view of this trend, most people say that legalization of gay unions is not a matter of if but when.

Same sex union is recognized in only some parts of the world while others abolish it and even make laws against it. In others, they are neutral not stating whether they support or do not. In the United States some states have legalized these unions through popular votes, legislative activity or court rulings. Other states abolish through statute while yet others through their constitutions.

Some states however provide for these unions somewhat through civil unions or domestic partnerships. This is a legal framework to recognize gay and lesbian nuptials although not giving the full perks of a union between two people. This is hugely protested by the gay and lesbian rights movements saying that it is second class citizenship and abuse of their rights.

For the states where marriage between couples of similar gender is not prohibited, the process of formalizing the union is quite easy. A couple first applies for a license to carry out a civil marriage. This is obtained from city hall or a court. Where the religion allows then marriage can be formalized in a religious setting. It is important that both of you are eligible according to the law that is be of age and not blood related.

After this you need to submit a license application form and also pay a processing fee. After a few days mostly three days you receive a license and then solemnize the nuptials by holding a ceremony. After the wedding, the person who conducted it will sign the license and send it back to where it was issued. This is after indicating the time and place where the ceremony was carried out.

Not residing in same country as your place of marriage raises problems. This is because the local government does not see you as legally married individuals. In some instances you may actually be breaking the law. It is also difficult to get divorce if for some reason you need to.

There are countless legal problems that same sex couples face. One of them is that they cannot adopt children where the state does not tolerate same sex parents. For all these reasons, it is very beneficial to talk to a lawyer before, during and even after a same gender matrimony to know your legal provisions.




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