same-sex marriage
Noun: 1. A marriage between two people of the same sex: The formal union and social and legal contract between two individuals who identify as the same gender (e.g., two men or two women), recognized by law and often by a religious ceremony. 2. The legal institution or status of such unions: The condition, recognized by civil authorities, in which same-sex couples are granted the legal rights, responsibilities, and social recognition equivalent to those of heterosexual marriages.
The term is used as a compound noun to describe both the specific act of marrying and the general social/legal institution. It functions as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. * It is often discussed in legal, political, and social contexts. * The hyphenated form "same-sex" is standard when used as a compound modifier before "marriage."
- The country's parliament voted to legalize same-sex marriage.
- The debate over same-sex marriage divided the community.
- They celebrated their same-sex marriage with friends and family.
- The court's ruling was a landmark victory for same-sex marriage advocates.
- The term can be part of larger discussions on marriage equality, which argues for equal treatment of all marriages regardless of the genders of the partners.
- In some contexts, the phrase marriage equality is preferred as it focuses on the principle of equal rights rather than the gender of the participants.
- Marriage equality (n): The concept and movement advocating for the equal recognition of all marriages by the law, irrespective of the sex or gender of the spouses.
- Civil union (n): A legally recognized partnership, often granting some but not all of the rights of marriage, sometimes available to same-sex couples in jurisdictions where same-sex marriage is not legal.
- Domestic partnership (n): A legal or personal status recognizing an unmarried couple (of the same or opposite sex) living together, often with some legal benefits.
- Gay marriage (n): A common synonym, though some consider it less precise as it can be interpreted to refer only to male couples.
- Equal marriage (n): Emphasizes the equality aspect of the institution.
- To legalize same-sex marriage: The process by which a government passes laws to recognize such unions.
- A ban on same-sex marriage: A law or constitutional amendment prohibiting the recognition of such unions.
- Same-sex wedding (n): The ceremony or celebration itself, rather than the legal status.
- two people of the same sex who live together as a family
- the legal status of same-sex marriages has been hotly debated