Gay Marriage is finally legal across the United States, but there are still so many secrets about this joyous act that the majority of us remain oblivious to! To fill you in on everything that you don’t already know about this joining of hearts, we have finally compiled an extensive article for you!
Number Fifteen: It Means the World to Them
Just like heterosexual couples, homosexual individuals have always dreamed of finalizing their love in a legalizing bond. Before the change in government stance on gay marriage, couples would often travel out of their state of residence simply to have the ceremony performed. Even if it were only symbolic, as it would not be legally recognized in their home state, as many as 84% of homosexual couples believe that it meant everything to be bound to each other for life.
Number Fourteen: So They Pay Out of Pocket
Unfortunately, it is too often that a child is cast out from his or her family from disapproving parents. Because of this trend with gay individuals, an estimated 67 Percent of engaged couples are stuck with paying for their wedding by themselves.
Number Thirteen: Wedding Destinations are Limited
Because it is difficult to find a church willing to host a same-sex marriage, as many as 92% of all gay couples host their wedding ceremonies on non-religious ground. This can be extremely devastating for religious individuals who have found love within their own gender, and are forced out of their dream wedding.
Number Twelve: Breaking the Rules
It is considered bad luck to see the bride in her dress before the wedding, but what is the superstition for same-sex marriage? They don’t really care, anyway. Of all of these couples, roughly 95% just get ready with each other.
Number Eleven: More Rule-Breaking
Upon the commencement of the ceremony, another problem is encountered: who walks down the aisle? In the ceremony of a lesbian couple, it is a simple matter of choice. However, the issue is much more difficult when there are two grooms. In 81% of gay couples, the grooms just walk down the aisle together, hand in hand.
Number Ten: Preparation for the Gay Marriage
As sad as it is, many same-sex couples have a mess of difficulties in finding vendors to service a gay marriage. To find companies willing to do the job, the usually just use specific Google searches, ask their friends, or explore gay wedding online directories.
Number Nine: Standing Out
Winning the (figurative) prize of most understanding country, the Netherlands were actually the first to introduce this concept legally. They created a law for same-sex marriage rights in 2001.
Number Eight: Gaining Followers
After the Netherlands legalized same-sex marriage in 2001, a handful of other countries followed suit. By 2014, Canada, Spain, Denmark, Belgium, and many other countries legalized the ceremony.
Number Seven: Gay Marriage on TV
As stated previously, gay marriage wasn’t legal anywhere until the 2000’s. Despite this ban, public opinion began to work its way into television. The television shows Roseanne and Friends, both aired in the ‘90s, each featured a gay marriage.
Number Six: Progress in the U.S.
The United States surprised its citizens as the Supreme Court discredited the DOMA act, and instead stated that same-sex marriage was to be seen as legal. This is widely thought to be a reaction to President Obama’s open statement to the press in 2012 on his opinion that gay marriage should be legal.
Number Five: The Statement that Made Waves
When Obama opened up about his position on gay marriage, it opened doors for the country. The president revealed that his daughters had friends with same-sex parents who had come over for dinner, and told the press that “it didn’t dawn on [his daughters] that somehow their friends’ parents would be treated differently. It doesn’t make sense to them. And frankly, that’s the kind of thing that prompts a change of perspective- not wanting to somehow explain to your child why somebody should be treated differently when it comes to eyes of the law.”
Number Four: A Screeching Halt
While remarkable progress has been made across the globe for the rights of same-sex couples, many areas are still appalled by the concept. In Iran, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, and a handful of other countries, the crime is punishable by death.
Number Three: The Origin of Marriage
Though many see marriage as a biblical concept, it dates back even further from these times. The ceremony was initially meant to be a formal agreement between two people to begin a family unit, lending protection to one another for the betterment of the family. Since modern times, it is meant to signify emotional commitment between two people to join their lives.
Number Two: Native American Stance
As many as 11 Native American tribes have announced their approval of same-sex marriage, as they are free to govern their own affairs. The Cheyenne, Coquille, Mashantucket, and Arapaho are just a few who give their support.
Number One: The Times are Changing
No matter what your view might be on the rights of gay marriage, progress is ruling in the favor of love. Traditional marriage has changed with the modern day, and this legal union is now recognized to be protected under the U.S. Constitution’s right to liberty and equality. We hope you enjoyed exploring our list of the 15 things that you should know about gay marriage!