Men and women, all have the same dream – to commit themselves fully to someone that they love and who loves them back and this is manifested through marriage between parties. Though it seems impossible and was considered taboo in the last few decades or so, and at the same time persecuted often in public, gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transsexuals can now enjoy this public declaration of their love to their partner through the passing of same-sex marriage laws. Same-sex marriage gives our LGBT community the power to enjoy the same benefits as well as obligations as that of other married couples.

Where Same-Sex Marriage is Allowed

Although same-sex marriage is now seen as inevitable, it is still not accepted in many countries as well as in several US states. Countries that legally recognized same-sex include Argentina, Brazil, France, Iceland, New Zealand, Netherlands, Spain, South Africa, Denmark, Canada, Belgium, Norway, South Africa, Spain, Uruguay and Sweden. Progress however can be seen as UK will fully recognize same sex marriage in 2014 and several states in the US have already started recognizing and issuing marriage licenses for LGBT couples including Connecticut, Hawaii, California, Iowa, Maryland, New Hampshire, Delaware, New Jersey, Vermont, Washington, Maine, Rhode Island, Minnesota, New York, Massachusetts, Illinois and the District of Columbia.

Is Same-Sex Marriage For You and Your Partner?

Those who wish to get married under the same-sex marriage law should understand the pros and cons before getting married. Talking with their partner can help decide whether getting married will benefit both or not. Below are some of the pros and cons that one has to consider before getting married.

PROS

If the couple lives in the US then they would get to enjoy the benefits that the government provides for married couples as well. Some examples of these benefits would include health care, nursing home and social security benefits. Other benefits exclusive to the state also applies if the couple lives in the state that recognizes civil union or same-sex marriages.

Another benefit of getting married is the fact that one can have children and have the same support, rights and responsibilities as accorded by the law with heterosexual couples. One partner can also adopt their biological kid from another partner and can even enjoy visitation and custody rights as opposed to those who are unmarried. The other partner also automatically becomes the guardian and legal parent of the children should one partner die.

CONS

As any marriage that does fall apart, getting divorced has its own complexities that couples should take note of. One of the cons would include splitting up properties especially for those who have no pre-nuptial agreement made beforehand. Properties are merged and thus would be split in half when one files for divorce. The other partner is also entitled under the law to seek alimony.

Whatever you and your partner decide, marriage is a beautiful event that happens once in a lifetime – make it count.