Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
combining a degree of commitment with flexibility in the relationship
(Adam, 2004; Weeks
et al
., 1999). Given the lack of formal legal arrange-
ments, relationships may be entered and exited casually, though evidence
for this is unclear (Patterson, 2000).
Despite relationships that do not ostensibly match heterosexual
family and marriage, same-sex couples have lived in ways similar to those
of heterosexual couples - renting or owning homes jointly and making
financial provision for partners. Income is commonly pooled for household
expenses, though in a UK study 'total' pooling was less than for comparable
heterosexual couples (Burns
et al
., 2006; Morgan Centre, 2006). Same-sex
partnerships are claimed to be more egalitarian, as relationships are more
freely chosen. There may also be a desire not to mimic heterosexual
relationships, with their inherent power imbalance (Carrington, 1999;
Weeks
et al.
, 1999).
Assertions about 'difference' continue to be regarded as sufficient to
deny gay and lesbian people rights equal to those enjoyed by heterosexual
people. It may be, though, that the denial itself has contributed to the
behavioural pattern; permitting same-sex marriage or partnerships may
lead to changes in behaviour (King & Bartlett, 2006). Opposition may also
derive from dislike of homosexuality per se. Opposition to the legal recog-
nition of same-sex partnerships is frequently expressed in terms of marriage
being only between a man and woman, as evidenced by, for instance, the
US Defense of Marriage Act 1996. Invariably marriage is conflated with the
issue of raising children, in the belief that one entails the other. Gay and
lesbian marriage or legally recognised partnerships have generated extreme
negative views, some of which may be the outcome of deeply felt religious
beliefs (see, for example, Chrisafis, 2005; Congregation for the Doctrine of
the Faith, 2003; Green, 2010; Wynne-Jones, 2009; Towlerroad, 2010).
There is, though, increasing public support for some form of legal recog-
nition: a poll conducted in the UK in 2009 showed that 61% of respondents
agreed that 'gay couples should have an equal right to get married, not just
to have civil partnerships' (Populus, 2009). Similarly, there was support in
another survey for the view that same-sex partnerships can be as committed
as men and women (63% agreed) (Duncan & Phillips, 2008).
The provision for civil partnerships in the UK (from 2005) was welcomed
by same-sex couples in one study, not only for conferring legal rights but also
as a sign of acceptance and 'normalisation' (Mitchell
et al
., 2009). In another
UK study, couples welcomed the opportunity to express commitment (and
gain legal rights) but, at the same time, live their lives without reference to
heterosexual norms (Morgan Centre, 2006). Legal recognition may lead to
greater stability of relationships. It has been argued that marriage itself has
a positive effect on health. This, combined with the greater acceptance of
same-sex couples, may have a significant effect on the well-being of gay and
lesbian people (King & Bartlett, 2006).
