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<ul><li>A local court in Japan has ruled the country’s failure to recognise same-sex marriages as ‘unconstitutional’.</li><li>According to a court in Sapporo, the stance is at odds with the constitutionally-guaranteed right to equality.</li><li>In India, the Delhi High Court is hearing a similar case, in which the central government has said that same-sex marriages are not at par with the Indian concept of a ‘family unit’. </li></ul>A Japanese court has ruled the island nation’s stance to not recognise same-sex marriages as ‘unconstitutional’ in a symbolic win for the <keyword id="1218847" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="LGBTQ-community">LGBTQ community</keyword>. The country’s constitution asserts that marriage is a union between ‘both sexes’ in Article 14, which means individuals of the same gender cannot get married. However, according to a district court in Sapporo — capital city of the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido — this is at odds with the constitutional right to equality. Japan is not the only Asian country fighting to legalise same-sex marriages. India, too, is facing push back from the government even though homosexuality was officially decrimalised in 2018 — three years ago. <div type="image" title="pride parade 2018_edited" msid="81564711" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Members of the LGBTQ community celebrating the Supreme Court ruling decriminalising homosexuality at Marine Drive in Kochi in June 2018&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Japan’s symbolic win While the bench rejected the compensation claim of the plaintiffs for one million yen (around $9,000) per person for being denied the same rights as heterosexual couple, it ruled that not allowing people of the same gender to get married was ‘unconstitutional’ since the right to equality takes precedence. Even though this does not mean that same-sex marriage is legal on the island nation, the judgement is being lauded as a symbolic victory within the local LGBTQ community. “This is one huge step forward in Japan. We are moving closer to making our dream come true,” Ai Nakajima, who was one the original plaintiffs in the case, told <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-56425002">BBC.</a> The island nation is considered to be among one of the most developed nations in the world. Yet, it is the only country with the Group of Seven (G7) — which includes France, Germany, the US, the UK, Canada, and Italy — that does not allow same-sex marriage. The fight to legalise same-sex marriage in India is still facing road blocks India only decriminalised homosexuality two years ago. Before the Supreme Court’s ruling, Section 377 left individuals of the LGBTQ community open to harassment, beatings and blackmail. <div type="image" title="pride parade 2020_edited" msid="81564812" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;LGBTQ community members participating in the Orange City Pride March in Nagpur to create awareness about LGBTQ community among the general people in January 2020&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> As recently as last month <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/centre-opposes-petitions-for-same-sex-marriage-101614301498359.html">India’s government</a> told the Delhi High Court, “Family issues are far beyond mere recognition and registration of marriage between persons belonging to the same gender.” The Modi-administration communicated that the ‘Indian family unit’ concept comprises a ‘biological man’ as the husband, a ‘biological woman’ as the wife and the children born out of union between the two. It asserted that Western ideas cannot be imported to the Indian context, citing the Indian constitutional law and jurisprudence. The court has posted the matter for further hearing on April 20. The fight to legalise same-sex marriage is a tough one world over. Out of the 195 countries around the globe, same-sex marriage is only officially legal in 29, according to the <a href="https://www.pewforum.org/fact-sheet/gay-marriage-around-the-world/">Pew Reserach Centre</a>. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/finnish-photographer-jp-metsavainio-took-over-a-decade-and-1000-hours-of-photography-to-create-this-picture-of-the-milky-way-and-20-million-stars/slidelist/81563516.cms">It took over a decade and 1,000 hours of photography to create this picture of the Milky Way</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/elon-musk-turns-down-1-million-for-the-tweet-he-was-selling-as-an-nft/articleshow/81546434.cms">Elon Musk turns down $1 million for the tweet he was selling as an NFT</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/india-has-no-plans-of-suspending-the-use-of-the-astrazeneca-vaccine-covishield-vaccinations-will-go-on-with-full-vigour/articleshow/81552070.cms">India has no plans to suspend use of the AstraZeneca vaccine — ‘Covishield vaccinations will go on with full vigour’</a>

Japan’s same-sex marriage ban ruled ‘unconstitutional’ as India’s LGBTQ community waits in hope

<ul><li>Taiwan government just passed a bill that legalise same-sex marriages. </li><li>In 2017, Taiwan’s Constitutional Court struck down the Civil Code’s definition as being only between a man and a woman. </li><li>The panel of judges was given two years to suggest any amends or changes in the existing law.</li></ul>Taiwan government just passed a bill that legalise same-sex marriages, the first country in Asia to do so. The decision came almost two years after Taiwan’s court ruled that people having same sex can legally marry. 
	
	
	
	<div type="twitter" handle="iingwen" handlename="蔡英文 Tsai Ing-wen" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/820454076618047493/ErIM-bsD_normal.jpg" favoritecount="6583" retweetcount="3129" status="Good morning #Taiwan. Today, we have a chance to make history &amp; show the world that progressive values can take roo… https://t.co/yex1Id1jLJ" createdat="1558057456000" id="1129200931642302465"></div>









 The draft legislation will be enacted immediately after Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen passes it into law. Thousands of activists and gay rights supporters gathered outside the court in Taiwan’sTaipei to witness the landmark judgment. The panel of judges was given two years to suggest any amends or changes in the existing law or same-sex couple will be permitted to legally get their marriage registered through local authorities. In 2017, Taiwan’s Constitutional Court struck down the Civil Code’s definition as being only between a man and a woman. Taiwan’s President, Tsai Ing-wen, has shown her support to the LGBTQ community right before the election in 2016. The island has been leading the Asian continent to press gay rights across the world. It has a large gay community and it also hosts the biggest pride parade in Asia. The debate The issue of same-sex marriages has divided society in Taiwan. Although the court ruled the definition of marriage unconstitutional, the government faced a backlash when 67% of the people voted against same-sex marriages in a <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2018/11/25/asia/taiwan-same-sex-marriage-referendum/index.html">referendum. </a> The lawmakers were debating to vote on three different bills — one which was drafted by the country’s cabinet and the other two were drafted by conservative groups. The government’s bill was the only one that offered adoption rights though limited. The other two bills focused more on partnerships such as same-sex family relationships or same-sex union than marriages.

Taiwan becomes first Asian country to legalise same-sex marriage

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Support for same-sex marriage continues to fall among Republicans, new Gallup polling shows.</li><li>Overall support for same-sex marriage has seemingly plateaued at about 70%.</li></ul>Support for same-sex marriage among Republicans <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/majority-of-republicans-now-call-same-sex-relations-immoral-gallup-2023-6">continues to slide.</a>In <a target="_blank" href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/646202/sex-relations-marriage-supported.aspx">new polling from Gallup</a>, just 46% of Republicans said marriages between same-sex couples should be recognized as legally valid.That's down from 49% last year. Support for same-sex marriage peaked at 55% among Republicans in 2021 and 2022.Just 40% of Republicans said that same-sex marriage is morally acceptable. That's a minor change from last year but represents a steep drop from 2022 when 56% of Republicans answered in the affirmative.Gallup's polling has found that overall support for the legality of same-sex marriage in America has hovered at about 70% since 2021, largely plateauing after years of steady increase.In many ways, 2022 was a high watermark for GOP support of same-sex marriage.That year, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/which-republican-senators-vote-for-same-sex-marriage-codification-bill-2022-11">12 Republican senators</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/house-passes-same-sex-marriage-bill-again-less-gop-support-2022-12">39 House Republicans</a> voted for the Respect for Marriage Act, a bill that protected same-sex marriage amid concerns about the practice's standing after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Justice Clarence Thomas wrote in a concurring opinion to the ruling that overturned Roe that he believed the court's precedent on same-sex marriage <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/justice-thomas-said-the-court-should-reconsider-rulings-on-same-sex-marriage-2022-6">should be revisited</a>.Since then, Republicans have waged a culture war against portions of the LGBTQ+ movement, focusing in particular on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/republican-senators-jd-vance-criminalize-transgender-care-minors-2023-7">access to gender-affirming care</a> for transgender people.At times, that movement has spilled over into broader attacks on Pride Month and gay people in general."I think people are conflating same-sex rights with transgender rights, and they are very different issues," Sen. Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming, one of the Republicans who voted for the same-sex-marriage bill, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/republican-approval-gay-relationships-decline-senators-conflation-trans-2023-6">told Business Insider</a> last year.Mike Johnson, who has a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/charles-moran-log-cabin-republicans-mike-johnson-lgbtq-2023-11">history of opposition to LGBTQ+ rights</a>, was elected speaker by House Republicans last fall. One of the three speaker candidates who failed to win before him — Rep. Tom Emmer of Minnesota — lost in part due to his <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tom-emmers-pro-gay-marriage-vote-may-have-cost-him-the-speakership-2023-10">support for the Respect for Marriage Act.</a>Yet Johnson hasn't taken aim at same-sex marriage in his new position, and over the weekend, he campaigned for a gay Republican candidate in a New York swing seat.

GOP support for same-sex marriage keeps dropping

Meet the octogenarians - Jack Evans and George Harris. They have been together in love for the better of the latter half of the last century to this moment. 54 years. 
 On Friday, June 26, when the <keyword id="6354977" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Supreme-Court">Supreme Court</keyword> announced that the rainbow flag can be waved and hoisted at all lengths and breaths in the <keyword id="6356955" type="COUNTRY" weightage="80" keywordseo="united-states">United States</keyword> of America, Jack and George became the first gay couple to be married in the state of Texas. 

	“Ten years ago, this was not even imaginable. Had little hope it would ever come to Texas, still shocked that Texas is allowing it today,” An elated and emotional Jack Evans said. 
 Texas was one among the dozen or so states in the US that remained barren and dry without a wink of prospect from the clouds of law, concerning the legalisation of <keyword id="393963" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="same-sex-marriage">same-sex marriage</keyword>. However, the weather has changed for good after last Friday. 

	Genji Monogatari (Tale of Genji), often branded as the world's first novel, illustrates eccentric plots of the erotic encounters of Genji, the son of an emperor, who, in one scene sleeps with his concubine's brother. Genji also felt that the boy was sexually more pleasing than his sister. 
 

	Literal renditions from official acknowledgements go as far back as the 11th century when it comes to purporting the reality shows of predominant homosexuality in the computational phylogeny of human society.
 

	Religions, mostly, have always brandished a hard whip against the sexual discretion of men and women, who have taken refuge in their own gender. 
 

	“A man shall not lie with another man as he would with a woman, it is an abomination.” - Torah
 

	Christianity, being pronounced with different syllables of denominations has mixed opinions. On one hand they classify homosexual acts as sinful. While, equally, the other hand has no qualms to accept same-sex relationships as morally acceptable. 
 

	“Do you approach males among the worlds and leave what your Lord had created for you as mates? But you are a people transgressing.” - Quran, Surah 26 
 

	Hindu temples, such as Khajuraho and Padhlavi endorse adventurous orgies of both heterosexual and homosexual natures alike as one would endorse fish magnets on a refrigerator. 
 

	According to Pew Global Attitudes Project in 2013, homosexuality is broadly accepted in North America, European Union, Latin America, Asia and Russia. The research discovered that the general average, in the richest countries where the religious gravity was relatively low, was tolerant and accepting of same-sex relationships. Age is also an influencer here. Younger respondents were seen to be more liberal than the older ones. Also, women were found to be less homophobic than men. 
 

	When it doesn't harm anyone or cause any evil, acceptance is the most profound form of humanness. 
 

	Padma Iyer, who wanted nothing but the best for her son, placed this ad in a national newspaper, which allegedly is the first gay matrimonial ad to have appeared in mainstream media in India - “Seeking 25-40, Well Placed, Animal-Loving Vegetarian GROOM for my SON (36 5'11") who works with an NGO. Caste No Bar (Though IYER preferred)” 
 

	In one of her fund-raiser campaigns for equality, Ms Iyer says, “Sexuality is not a choice. Homophobia is.” 
 

	The social media has not been sitting idle on the sidewalk either. Facebook, with its pro-gay photo filter which colours your profile picture in rainbow with a click, is evident to understand the importance of acceptance to an acceptance. Rather an acknowledgement to a legislation. 
 

	Gay couples who are susceptible to social and moral wounds inflicted by their communities and countries need more than just a legal nod. They need a genuine hug from the heart of the people they are surrounded by. 
 

	It has so happened that supporting a cause has come to be seen as a sign of progress. Be it legalisation of marijuana or same-sex marriage. When there is a sizeable community or a pod of population that wants the rights for something, the ones supporting it are seen as advanced and in time or ahead of their time. And the ones hostile are seen as backward and regressive. 
 

	Russia and the Arab world have maintained less enthusiasm toward the legalisation of same-sex marriage or for that matter even the pro-gay photo filter from Facebook. 
 <keyword id="2934423" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ahmad-Abd-Rabbuh">Ahmad Abd-Rabbuh</keyword>, an Egyptian political science professor said that gay marriage “is not in harmony with society and culture.” <keyword id="2934421" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Anna-Koterinikova">Anna Koterinikova</keyword>, a Russian, after changing her profile picture to a rainbow flag wrote, “Sorry! I'm straight and Russian but I'm not a homophobe!” 

	Muna Iraqi, Egyptian TV presenter gave his opinion, “I support people's right to love freely, without any persecution.”
 

	Gays are not from out of space. They are from here. Just as you and me are. That's why, what we think about them matters in how they are able to think about themselves. If not individually, then collectively. 
 Speaking on last week's landmark Supreme Court judgement, Modern Family's <keyword id="868675" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Jesse-Tyler-Ferguson">Jesse Tyler Ferguson</keyword>, who plays Mitchell Pritchett - a gay lawyer, father, and son in the hit television series says that the show has played a great deal in changing the perceptions of gay couples in general. Jesse is gay in real life as well. 

	Pope Francis, in July 2013, when asked about same-sex relationships, said, “if a homosexual person is of good will and is in search of God, I am no one to judge. It is not right to interfere spiritually in the life of a person.” 
 

	He further adds, “Tell me, when God looks at a gay person, does he endorse the existence of this person with love, or reject and condemn this person? We must always consider the person. Here we enter into the mystery of the human being. In life, God accompanies persons, and we must accompany them, starting from their situation. It is necessary to accompany them with mercy.” 
 

	I believe that this world is one big modern family. A family accepts its people for who they really are. The ability to maintain discernment toward one's discretion and prerogative. Who are we to judge a verdict already pre-allotted by nature? We are famous because of our human nature. It takes one preposition to make us inhuman. Make us infamous. The 'in'. It is that time now to put the 'in' in the inn of the bygones and position our prepositions toward the positioning of a free disposition. 
 

	After all, our world is supposed to be full of sunshine and rainbows. Isn't it? 
 (Image credits: flickr (<keyword id="2934422" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Guillaume-Paumier">Guillaume Paumier</keyword>))

The Legalisation of Same-sex Marriage. A Blessing or Curse?

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="11965209" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="mitt-romney" source="Orion">Mitt Romney</keyword> dismissed <keyword id="12074000" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="clarence-thomas" source="Orion">Clarence Thomas</keyword>' opinion that called for the <keyword id="11893011" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="supreme-court" source="Orion">Supreme Court</keyword> to reconsider past rulings, including <keyword id="12182095" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="same-sex-marriage" source="Orion">same-sex marriage</keyword>.</li><li>"He's opened a lot of doors that no other <keyword id="12011917" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="justices" source="Orion">justices</keyword> walk through," Romney told reporters.</li></ul>Sen. Mitt Romney on Wednesday dismissed Justice Clarence Thomas' opinion last month that called for the Supreme Court to reconsider its 2015 landmark same-sex marriage ruling, Obergefell v. Hodges."He's opened a lot of doors that no other justices walk through," the Utah Republican told reporter Matt Laslo after being asked about Thomas.Insider also asked Romney what he made of the fact that all four of Utah's Republican House members voted for the Respect for Marriage Act on Tuesday, <a href="https://www.insider.com/47-republicans-vote-in-favor-bill-protecting-same-sex-marriage-2022-7">along with 43 other House Republicans</a>."They obviously reviewed it and felt that it was the right thing to do," he replied.Thomas, in response to the Supreme Court's June 24 decision overturning Roe v. Wade, wrote a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/justice-thomas-said-the-court-should-reconsider-rulings-on-same-sex-marriage-2022-6">concurring opinion</a> that called for the court to "reconsider" other rulings, such as same-sex marriage, that involve privacy rights under the 14th Amendment. "For that reason, in future cases, we should reconsider all of this Court's substantive due process precedents, including Griswold, Lawrence, and Obergefell," Thomas wrote, referring to rulings concerning contraception access, same-sex relationships, and same-sex marriage.The court's reversal of federal abortion rights, along with Thomas' opinion, sparked widespread concerns among congressional Democrats that other rights, including same-sex marriage, might be at risk in the future. The Democratic-led House passed legislation on Tuesday <a href="https://www.insider.com/47-republicans-vote-in-favor-bill-protecting-same-sex-marriage-2022-7">that would protect same-sex marriage rights,</a> with 47 <keyword id="11899267" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="republicans" source="Orion">Republicans</keyword> voting in favor of the bill. Romney's comments on Wednesday come as the <keyword id="11896866" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="senate" source="Orion">Senate</keyword> is considering taking up the same-sex marriage legislation. The Republican senator said he hasn't given thought to the bill yet because same-sex marriage is still currently legal nationwide."We all know what the law is. I haven't given consideration to that legislation, in part because the law isn't changing and there's no indication that it will," Romney told reporters. "And clearly, the legislation from the House is unnecessary, given the fact that the law is the same, and we'll take a look at it as it comes our way."Besides his recent opinion, Thomas has come under increased scrutiny following reporting of several text messages and emails that his wife, Ginni, sent to <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/january-6-committee-texts-between-mark-meadows-ginni-thomas-reports-2022-3">Trump White House officials</a> and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ginni-thomas-emailed-29-arizona-gop-lawmakers-to-overturn-the-election-2022-6">Republican state lawmakers</a> in the aftermath of the 2020 election. The messages are in the possession of the House select committee investigating the January 6 Capitol riot, which has asked <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/january-6-committee-will-subpoena-ginni-thomas-says-chair-thompson-2022-6">for an interview with Ginni.</a>

Mitt Romney dismisses Clarence Thomas' opinion to reconsider same-sex marriage ruling: 'He's opened a lot of doors that no other justices walk through'

<div class="KonaFilter image-container float_right"><div class="image">AP</div></div>The unions of hundreds of same-sex couples who <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/what-will-happen-to-gay-marriage-in-utah-2014-1">rushed to get married while it was still legal in Utah</a> will be recognized by the federal government, Attorney General Eric Holder announced Friday.
Holder issued the following statement:
"Recently, an administrative step by the Court has cast doubt on same-sex marriages that have been performed in the state of Utah. And the governor has announced that the state will not recognize these marriages pending additional Court action.
In the meantime, I am confirming today that, for purposes of federal <keyword id="6355470" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Law">law</keyword>, these marriages will be recognized as lawful and considered eligible for all relevant federal benefits on the same terms as other same-sex marriages. These families should not be asked to endure uncertainty regarding their status as the litigation unfolds. In the days ahead, we will continue to coordinate across the federal government to ensure the timely provision of every federal benefit to which Utah couples and couples throughout the country are entitled - regardless of whether they are in same-sex or opposite-sex marriages. And we will continue to provide additional information as soon as it becomes available."
A U.S. district court judge handed down a ruling in December <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/federal-judge-strikes-down-utahs-same-sex-marriage-ban-as-unconstitutional-2013-12">saying the state's ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional</a>, but earlier this week, the U.S. Supreme Court decided to <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/supreme-court-stops-gay-marriage-in-utah-for-now-2014-1">temporarily stop gay marriages in the state</a>.
That order is keeping the state's ban on same-sex marriage alive until a federal appeals court can rule on the district court judge's decision.

The US Will Recognize Same-Sex Marriages From Utah

<div class="KonaFilter image-container float_right"><div class="image">Square Enix</div></div>During a live-streamed developer talk at E3 on Tuesday, "Final Fantasy XIV" developer Square Enix confirmed that it will allow same-sex marriages in the game.
The update will be available through a patch, according to the game's director and producer Naoki Yoshida. 
The game was relaunched in 2012 as "Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn," and with it came a bunch of extra features, <a href="http://kotaku.com/5961973/final-fantasy-xiv-will-get-marriage-but-not-gay-marriage-at-least-for-now">including the ability to get married</a>. At the time, <a href="http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/threads/58180-Letter-from-the-Producer-LIVE-Part-IV-Q-A-Summary">the folks at Square Enix wrote</a>:
As for same-sex marriage, this is an extremely controversial topic that has been under discussion in the MMO world for the past few years. First we would like to start out with opposite-sex marriage, and then consider the feedback from our players in order to make a careful decision.I can't say whether or not it will be possible at this point in time. I'd like to keep dialog open with our players as we deliberate the matter.
The decision to not include gay marriage struck a nerve with some players, <a href="https://www.change.org/petitions/naoki-yoshida-allow-same-sex-marriage-in-final-fantasy-xiv-a-realm-reborn">even leading people to create an online petition</a> asking that the decision be reversed.
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&amp;v=zMayL01TQWY#t=8916">During the live stream</a>, Yoshida explained through a translator: "Two players within [the fictional world of] Eorzea will be able to pledge their eternal love and or friendship in a ceremony of eternal bonding. And this will be open to people regardless of race, creed, and gender. Two players, if they want to be together, in Eorzea, they can, through this eternal bonding ceremony."
This isn't the only game to include marriage and gay marriage. <a href="http://www.gameskinny.com/8g5gl/elder-scrolls-online-will-feature-player-marriages-and-guild-perks">"Elder Scrolls Online"</a> allows two characters who are the same sex get married. 
Yoshida went on to explain, "We discussed it and we realized within Eorzea, why should there be restrictions on who pledges their love or friendship to each other? And so we decided to go this way." 
"Final Fantasy XIV" may also include "special mounts that only people that have pledged their friendship or love can ride them together, maybe." So that's nice.
This is a great move, both in terms of gameplay and <a href="http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/03/14/why-we-need-more-gay-characters-in-video-games">social commentary</a>.
And it's in stark contrast to how Nintendo handled a similar situation recently. 
Nintendo says that it won't allow players to choose gay relationships in <a href="http://tomodachi.nintendo.com/">"Tomodachi Life,"</a> an upcoming 3DS game that's similar to "The Sims" and "Animal Crossing."
<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/nintendo-says-sorry-2014-5">The company later apologized for "disappointing people,"</a> but still won't allow same-sex couples to get married within the game. Nintendo did say, though, that if there's another Tamodachi Life installment, they will strive to make it more inclusive.
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&amp;v=zMayL01TQWY#t=8916">You can watch the live stream below</a>. This specific topic is covered at the 2:28:43 mark:

'Final Fantasy XIV' Will Allow Same-Sex Marriages

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Rep. <keyword id="12010990" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="liz-cheney" source="Orion">Liz Cheney</keyword> says she was wrong when she condemned <keyword id="12182095" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="same-sex-marriage" source="Orion">same-sex marriage</keyword> in 2013 during a Senate run.</li><li>The comments prompted a denouncement from her sister, Mary, who is married to a woman.</li><li>Cheney said on "60 Minutes" that she was wrong and had reconciled with her sister.</li></ul>Rep. Liz Cheney says she was wrong when she condemned same-sex marriage in 2013 remarks that led to a public feud with her sister, who is married to a woman.In <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/liz-cheney-donald-trump-wyoming-60-minutes-2021-09-26/?ftag=CNM-00-10aab7d&amp;linkId=1333304680468">an interview</a> that aired Sunday, the "60 Minutes" correspondent Lesley Stahl pointed out that Cheney's father, former Vice President <keyword id="12153974" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="dick-cheney" source="Orion">Dick Cheney</keyword>, had spoken out in favor of same-sex marriage at the time. She asked Cheney, a Republican from Wyoming, how she defended her decision to oppose it."I was wrong," Cheney said. "I was wrong. I love my sister very much. I love her family very much. It's a very personal issue and very personal for my family. I believe that my dad was right. And my sister and I have had that conversation."She added: "We need to work against discrimination of all kinds in our country, in our state. We were at an event a few nights ago, and there was a young woman who said she doesn't feel safe sometimes because she's transgender. And nobody should feel unsafe. Freedom means freedom for everybody."Cheney was running for Senate in Wyoming in 2013 when she said she opposed same-sex marriage. At the time, her sister, Mary, had been with her wife since 1992 and married to her since 2012.<keyword id="12182094" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="mary-cheney" source="Orion">Mary Cheney</keyword> <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2013/11/18/mary-cheney-my-sister-is-treating-us-as-second-class-citizens/">denounced</a> her sister at the time and said she was treating her family like "second-class citizens."In a post Sunday, Mary Cheney said she loved her sister and was "so proud of her.""It took a ton of courage to admit that she was wrong back in 2013 when she opposed marriage equality," she wrote in a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mccheney/posts/10159196161174003">Facebook post</a>. "That is something few politicians would ever do. I have nothing but respect and admiration for the strength of character she continues to show on a daily basis.""And as her sister - I have one more thing that I just have to say," she added. "I told you so."

Liz Cheney said she 'was wrong' for opposing same-sex marriage and had reconciled with her sister

In a historic judgment same-sex marriages are now <keyword id="6355587" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="Legal">legal</keyword> across the US. 
 
Justice Anthony Kennedy cast the deciding vote in the Obergefell v Hodges case to what is being hailed as the “the victory of love”. 
 
“This ruling is a victory for America,” US President Barack Obama said. “This decision affirms what millions of Americans already believe in their hearts: when all Americans are treated as equal, we are all more free.” 
 
At a time when the US celebrates its newly found freedom, Business Insider India has compiled a list of eighteen countries where you can choose the gender of your loved one: 
 
Argentina 
Argentina legalized same-sex marriage in July 22nd, 2010. It was the first Latin American country to do so. 
 
Belgium 
Belgium became the second country in the world to legally recognize gay marriages. It’s Act on gay marriage was passed back in June 1st, 2003. 
 
Brazil 
Same-sex couples were allowed to apply for marital status since May 14th, 2013 in Brazil 
 
Canada 
Canada was the fourth in the world and the first non- European country to legally allow same-sex marriage. The nationwide provision was made available on July 20th, 2005. 
 
Denmark 
Denmark legalized gay marriage on June 15th, 2012. The bill for the provision was introduced by the government of Helle Thorning-Schmidt. 
 
France France was the thirteenth country to accord legal status to same-sex marriage. It’s <keyword id="6355470" type="CITY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Law">law</keyword> was enacted on May 18th, 2013. 
 
Iceland 
Gay marriage legal has been legal in Iceland since June 27th, 2010. Incredibly, no member of the Parliament voted against the bill. 
 
Luxembourg 
Same-sex marriage became legal in Luxembourg since January 1st, 2015. 
 
Netherlands 
Netherlands takes the crown when it comes to legalizing same-sex marriages. The provision has been legal here since April 1st, 2001! 
 
New Zealand 
New Zealand legalized same-sex marriages on 19 August 2013. 
 
Norway 
Same-sex marriage was legalized on January 1st, 2009 in Norway after a when a gender neutral marriage bill was brought into effect. 
It was the first Scandinavian country and the sixth country in the world. 
 
Portugal 
Same-sex marriages have been legal in Portugal since 5 June 2010. The bill for legalization as pending since December 2009. 
 
South Africa 
Same-sex marriage was made legal in South Africa after the Civil Union Act as enacted on November 30th, 2006. 
 
Spain 
Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero began a campaign in 2004 for gay marriage legalization, following which it was indeed legalized on July 3rd, 2005. 
 
Sweden 
Sweden was the seventh country in the world to allow same-sex marriages nationwide. It was made legal since May 1st, 2009. 
 
United Kingdom 
Gay marriage marriage is legal in the UK, except in Northern Ireland. The status of same-sex marriage varies in England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. 
 
United States 
The youngest to join the list, the US effectively legalized gay marriage nation-wide on June 26th, 2015. 
 
Uruguay 
Uruguay legalized same-sex marriage on August 5th, 2013. A bill for its legalization was passed on December 12th, 2012. 
 
(image credit: Indiatimes)

Countries
around the world where gay marriages are legal

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Sen. <keyword id="12217307" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="marco-rubio" source="Orion">Marco Rubio</keyword> called a vote on a bill to codify <keyword id="12182095" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="same-sex-marriage" source="Orion">same-sex marriage</keyword> into federal law a "stupid waste of time," CNN reported.</li><li>He made the comments in front of openly gay Democratic Wisconsin Sen. <keyword id="14529641" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="tammy-baldwin" source="Orion">Tammy Baldwin</keyword>.</li></ul>Republican Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida called a vote on a bill to codify same-sex marriage into federal law a "stupid waste of time" in front of openly gay Democratic Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin — who said she then confronted Rubio about his remarks. Rubio <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2022/07/21/politics/tammy-baldwin-marco-rubio-same-sex-marriage/index.html">made the comments to CNN</a> as he was walking onto an elevator and Baldwin overheard him, according to the <keyword id="11893589" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="news" source="Orion">news</keyword> outlet. "You probably would have loved to be on the elevator to see the exchange after," Baldwin told CNN on Thursday, explaining that she confronted Rubio about what he said. Baldwin said that she told Rubio that "'the recent Supreme Court decision eroded a constitutional right to privacy. There's a whole bunch of cases that have been decided based on a constitutional right to privacy that are in jeopardy,' which he disagrees with. And anyways, I said 'we'll be talking some more,' " CNN reported. The Wisconsin senator would not say what Rubio said in response to her and she wouldn't reveal whether she was insulted by Rubio's comment, according to CNN. "We're not going to get into [that]," Baldwin told CNN. "I'm counting votes."Representatives for Baldwin did not immediately respond to a request for comment by Insider on Friday. When reached on Friday, a spokesman for Rubio refused to comment and instead pointed to remarks that Rubio made to Insider on Wednesday. Rubio previously <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/marco-rubio-florida-same-sex-marriage-gas-prices-gay-people-2022-7">told Insider's Bryan Metzger</a> that he would not vote to enshrine protections for same-sex marriage at the federal level, calling the bill a "waste of our time on a non-issue."The push to codify same-sex marriage into federal law comes after the Supreme Court last month <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/live-updates-supreme-court-overturns-roe-wade-hobbs-abortion-decision-2022-6">overturned the 1973 landmark Roe v. Wade ruling</a> that granted the constitutional right to abortion.The House of Representatives this week <a href="https://www.insider.com/47-republicans-vote-in-favor-bill-protecting-same-sex-marriage-2022-7">voted to pass the Respect for Marriage Act</a>, which would codify same-sex marriage into law.The bill passed by a vote of 267 to 157, with 47 Republicans voting in favor. It now heads to the Senate where its fate remains unclear, though Democratic senators remain optimistic that they can find 10 GOP senators to override a potential filibuster and pass the bill.

Sen. Tammy Baldwin, who is gay, says she confronted Marco Rubio in an elevator after he said a same-sex marriage vote was a 'stupid waste of time'

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">Dondi Tawatao/Getty ImagesA Filipino LGBT couple exchange 'Rite of Holy Union' vows.</div></div></div><ul><li>The Philippines' legislature has taken major steps towards legalizing divorce in the highly Catholic country. </li><li>The bill would need to be supported by President Rodrigo Duterte, who has stated that he is strongly against divorce.</li><li>But while the president has taken a hardline view on ending marriages, he has surprisingly liberal views on same-sex marriage, and said he supported legalizing same-sex marriage in December.</li></ul> Last week, the Philippines' legislature took major steps towards introducing a law that would legalize divorce in the only country, aside from the Vatican, without a legal provision for ending a marriage.However, the new law may not make it past fierce opposition in the predominantly Catholic nation, including that of President Rodrigo Duterte, whose spokesman he is "against divorce." But while the president has taken a hardline view on ending marriages, he has holds liberal views on same-sex marriages and in December said he <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/philippines-president-rodrigo-duterte-supports-same-sex-marriage-2017-12">supported same-sex marriage</a>, which is currently illegal in the Philippines."I said I am for (same) sex marriage if that is the trend of the modern times," he said. "If that will add to your happiness, I am for it."Despite once calling the Catholic Church "<a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-philippines-politics-church/philippine-leader-duterte-vents-at-hypocritical-catholic-church-idUSKCN0YD0OH">the most hypocritical institution</a>," Duterte leads the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/facts-about-the-philippines-that-you-may-not-have-known-2018-1">third largest</a> Catholic population in the world with 80% of its population identifying as believers. The Philippines Catholic identity is strong and hugely influences the country's laws. <h2>Philippines' divorce law is steeped in Catholic tradition</h2><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">Dondi Tawatao/Getty Images</div></div></div>The Philippines, along with the Vatican, are the only places in the world without legal divorce proceedings.This wasn't always the case. Divorce was legal when the Philippines was under US rule in the early 20th century. But the country moved to prohibit divorce in 1949 with the introduction of the Civil Code. The code is steeped in Catholic beliefs, which views marriage as a binding, life-long commitment. Duterte's spokesman, Harry Roque, recently said the president is also worried divorce could be problematic for children of divorced couples."He said the children would be pitiful if there will be divorce," Roque said.This isn't a new position. Before being elected president, <a href="http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/770444/duterte-rejects-divorce-for-sake-of-kids-slams-door-on-abortion">Duterte said</a>, "I'm not in favor of divorce for the sake of the children... In legal separation, there's still hope for the husband and wife to come together but not in divorce." While divorce has been illegal in the Philippines, couples have had the option of annulments. But these are often a time consuming and costly process that requires participants to testify in court to prove their marriage was invalid to begin with.Duterte himself used an annulment to end his previous marriage to Sarah Zimmerman.<h2>The new law faces immense opposition</h2><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">KING RODRIGUEZ/ Presidential PhotoThe marriage between President Rodrigo Duterte and his ex-wife Elizabeth Zimmerman was annulled more than a decade ago.</div></div></div>Numerous officials share Duterte's opposition to the proposed divorce law.Congressman Elpidio Barzaga Jr. has said that divorce would weaken society as a whole."To have a strong nation we must have a strong society, which depends on a strong family," <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2014/10/06/world/asia/philippines-legal-divorce-battle/index.html">he said</a>. "Marriage is not merely a personal contract between husband and wife, it is a social institution which public policy cherishes and protects."The Catholic Church has also come out against the state's attempts to "break the marriage bond.""There is also damage to the children -- studies have shown in general that they fare worst in life, in their studies and relationships," Bishop Teodoro C. Bacani Jr. has said without providing evidence.But despite a lack of support from the Catholic Church on same-sex marriage, Duterte has shown he can be swayed."Why impose a morality that is no longer working and almost passed?" Duterte told an LGBT crowd in December. <div class="margin-top"> <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/how-the-1999-russian-apartment-bombings-led-to-putins-rise-to-power-2018-3">How a series of deadly Russian apartment bombings in 1999 led to Putin's rise to power</a></h3> <div> </div> </div>

The Philippines' Duterte wants to legalize same-sex marriage but not divorce

<div class="image-container float_right" style="width:400px"><div class="image"></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mattbuck007/4859038038/sizes/l/in/photostream/">MattBuck007 / flickr</a></div>The <keyword id="62649" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="60" keywordseo="Illinois">Illinois</keyword> State Senate has <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/clout/chi-illinois-senate-approves-gay-marriage-20130214,0,5929022.story">successfully passed a measure</a> to legalize same-sex marriage in the fifth-largest state in the nation, according to The Chicago Tribune.
The Valentine's Day vote passed 34 ayes to 21 nays, with 2 abstaining.
The law now goes to the Illinois House of Representatives. If the bill passes in the House, it would go to the desk of Gov. Pat Quinn, who has indicated that he would sign it. 
The Illinois House is controlled by Democrats, which control 60 percent of the votes. Still, the fight is expected to be more difficult in the larger chamber. 
The measure <a href="http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Same-Sex-Marriage-Illinois-Senate-Vote-Valentines-Day-191203991.html">would change state law</a> to make marriage an act between two people rather than an act between a man and a woman. The bill explicitly says that it would not force a religious denomination to solemnize any marriage, nor does it force churches to lease their facilities to gay couples against their wishes. 
Illinois legalized civil unions two years ago.

Illinois State Senate Passes Same Sex Marriage Bill

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"></div></div></div>The US Supreme Court ruled in June that <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/supreme-court-gay-marriage-ruling-2015-6">gay marriage is legal</a> nationwide. No doubt, such an historic verdict will have economic repercussions.But even though this ruling was specifically about marriage, the benefits go beyond just the wedding (and divorce) planning industries.The main economic benefit from the legalization of same-sex marriage "is the potential for an increase in labor productivity," writes UBS economist Paul Donovan. "This productivity boost comes from greater labour mobility and from maximizing labour potential."More concretely, legalizing same-sex marriage helps to promote trend growth in the following three ways, according to Donovan:<ul><li>It removes the limits on labor mobility that come with states not recognizing gay marriage. If someone's marriage is not recognized in a certain state, then that person's desire to move to that state is weakened by the prospect of economic and legal disadvantages. </li><li>It helps to overcome the problem of "irrational" social discrimination - specifically at work. Since marriage is as much a social thing as it is a legal institution, denying this social rite-of-passage to one group suggests that that group is somehow socially inferior. In the workplace, this nurtures "irrational discrimination," according to Donovan.</li><li>It helps overcome the problem of economic underperformance resulting from the mental strain of being an inferior group. Donovan writes that there's strong evidence that creating an "inferior class" negatively impacts the economic performance of that group. </li></ul>"At least part of the growth of income inequality in recent years has been about the higher rewards to higher skills - the market place more value on maximizing skills than in the past," writes Donovan. "This is why any form of prejudice is bad economics. Irrationally discriminating against a section of society will deny an economy the full value of that group's skill set.""Legalizing same-sex marriage is a means of reducing prejudice and through so doing should help to raise productivity in an economy," concludes Donovan.As an end footnote, it's worth adding that these points don't apply to just the LGBT community - but to every discriminated group of people. <div class="margin-top"> <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/new-air-force-one-tour-boeing-private-jet-2015-5">Take a tour of the $367 million jet that will soon be called Air Force One</a></h3> <div> <div> <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="4zNWQ2dTq0SJxfj9SagVkmMxd7YoUovg" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div> </div> </div> </div>

You Searched For "Same sex marriage" and got 13 results

Japan’s same-sex marriage ban ruled ‘unconstitutional’ as India’s LGBTQ community waits in hope

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Taiwan becomes first Asian country to legalise same-sex marriage

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Mitt Romney dismisses Clarence Thomas' opinion to reconsider same-sex marriage ruling: 'He's opened a lot of doors that no other justices walk through'

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Liz Cheney said she 'was wrong' for opposing same-sex marriage and had reconciled with her sister

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Countries around the world where gay marriages are legal

BI India Bureau

Sen. Tammy Baldwin, who is gay, says she confronted Marco Rubio in an elevator after he said a same-sex marriage vote was a 'stupid waste of time'

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The Philippines' Duterte wants to legalize same-sex marriage but not divorce

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Illinois State Senate Passes Same Sex Marriage Bill

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