What to do if you get seasick on a ship. Seasickness and how to deal with it
The feeling of love is a very ambiguous phenomenon and there are many people all over the world who feel a feeling of love not for members of the opposite sex, but for their own sex. The result of such feelings for each other is their desire to register a legal marriage relationship. Same-sex marriage is a phenomenon that contradicts the laws of nature and supporters of same-sex love face harsh public criticism. However, in modern world exists a whole series countries where same-sex marriage is legal.
Countries that have legalized same-sex unions
The list of countries in which same-sex marriage is allowed mainly consists of European, Northern and South America, a total of 24 countries. All of them belong to the states of the Western world with developed ideas of democratization and freedom.
Netherlands
Same-sex marriage in Europe was first legalized at the state level in the Netherlands in April 2001. Members of sexual minorities gained the right to conduct official wedding events at the city hall on a par with traditional couples. However, the law provides for some restrictions: citizens of foreign countries have the right to enter into such unions only if one of them legally resides in the Netherlands. The mayor of the city, in some cases, has the right to refuse to register the marriage of citizens with the same gender characteristics.
Belgium
The next European country to join the list of countries where same-sex marriage is allowed was Belgium, whose parliament in January 2003 approved a law legalizing the equality of traditional and same-sex families. The main reason for the adoption of such a bill was the numerous demands of representatives of the homosexual strata of the Belgian society for equal rights in the field of property ownership and inheritance. In 2006, following the example of the Netherlands, the country's parliament legally allowed the adoption and upbringing of children in homosexual families.
Spain
Same-sex marriages in Spain became legally registered in June 2005, along with the right to adopt a child. The bill to legalize gay marriage caused great resonance in Spanish society and numerous protests. Members of the Conservative Party of Spain and the Catholic Church also became ardent opponents. Harsh criticism came from the position of the Vatican.
Canada
Same-sex marriage in Canada has gained legal status and has existed since 2005, the debate of which turned out to be the most scandalous of all the topics ever discussed within the walls of the Canadian Parliament. Several years preceded the law's passage through parliament. trials, dividing the country into two opposing camps. The issue of adoption and raising children by gays was resolved following the example of European countries - they were enshrined de jure.
Sweden
Same-sex marriage in Sweden has more tolerant attitude on the part of the country's citizens, 71% of whom in 2006 expressed support for marital relations, regardless of gender. The Swedish bill on gender-neutral marriage was discussed for three years and implemented in 2009.
Same-sex marriage in Sweden was first recognized by the country's leadership in 1987 after the same-sex cohabitation act was passed, but it did not yet provide the right to enter into a legal union. In 1995, it became possible to officially register partnerships between homosexuals.
Same-sex marriages in Sweden were even recognized by the Lutheran Church, in whose institutions weddings of lesbian and gay couples became a reality.
Against the backdrop of the extremely negative attitude of world religious faiths, Sweden became the first country where homosexual couples gained the opportunity to formalize their relationships according to religious traditions.
Finland
Same-sex marriage in Finland legally have existed since 2001. Same-sex spouses have the same rights as opposite-sex partners, but, unlike other European countries, the right to adopt minors was only legalized in 2019. Finnish homosexual partners are not allowed to wear same last name- everyone keeps their last name.
Denmark
Same-sex marriages in Denmark were officially recognized in 1989 and are registered as partnerships. The possibility of a church wedding is not provided, but the possibility of taking a child into the family is enshrined in law. One of the non-traditional partners must be a Danish citizen and permanently reside within the country. In 1997, the Danish Parliament approved a law granting the right to artificial insemination women who are in same-sex partnerships.
Israel
Despite the fact that the country is located in the Middle East with harsh morals, same-sex relationships are friendly among the population. Every year a parade of sexual minorities is held in Jerusalem, but after it ends, gays stop openly flaunting their relationships.
Same-sex marriage in Israel is officially banned, but the legal basis is “unregistered cohabitation, which actually equates homosexual couples with heterosexual legal spouses. A same-sex union registered in another country is recognized and has legal force throughout the country.
France
Same-sex marriage in France gained the right to exist in 2013, along with the right to adopt children by homosexual families. The adoption of the “Marriage for All” law was preceded by large-scale demonstrations of its fierce opponents, but after its adoption it improved statistical indicators in the number of marital unions concluded. Most homosexual spouses are city dwellers, with Parisians leading the way.
Italy
At the beginning of 2019, following the example of other European countries, same-sex marriage in Italy received legal status. After years of debate, 173 senators in the country's parliament supported the adoption of the law, only 71 senators expressed the opposite position. The Italian version of the “tolerance bill” differs from other European countries in that it provides for the concept of a “civil union” between representatives of the same sex. In a civil union, the same rights are provided for spouses as in a traditional marriage, except for the right to adoption.
Czech Republic
The law allowing same-sex marriage in the Czech Republic came into force in 2006 and provides for same-sex spouses full rights to inherit property and alimony payments, but excludes the possibility of adopting minors.
The Czech version of the law prohibits official homosexual partnerships for close relatives, incapacitated and minor citizens. Foreign citizens who register a same-sex marriage are required to document their legal presence in the Czech Republic.
Ukraine: a new player in the arena of same-sex unions
According to the National Human Rights Program, adopted to implement integration with the European Union, in 2019 the Ukrainian government intends to develop and adopt a bill to legalize same-sex marriage. In Ukraine, amendments to current laws, protecting the rights of sexual minorities and prohibiting their discrimination.
Homosexual couples of our time
For centuries, same-sex couples were forced to hide their unconventional preferences under fear of terrible punishment, because... Religious mores were strong in society, allowing only a correct union between a man and a woman, which was consistent with the laws of nature itself. Society's attitude towards sexual minorities began to change at the turn of the century with the development of ideas of tolerance and tolerance in European countries. The loyalty of Europeans to non-traditional partners is explained by the idea of every person’s right to choose, as opposed to age-old foundations, their own lifestyle and choice of life partner.
However, European-style tolerance does not work on a global scale. In countries Arab world and Asia, with strong religious mores and traditions, homosexual behavior in humans is difficult to even imagine. IN Saudi Arabia and in some other countries where Sharia law is in force, homosexuality is punishable by death penalty. However, the country's authorities are trying not to use the highest measure punishment and limit it only to corporal punishment or prison time.
There is no unambiguous approach to the issue of same-sex families. At first glance, every person has the right, by mutual consent, to connect his life with whomever he wishes. But if you look from the other side, the age-old moral foundations of society in the sphere of marriage and family are being destroyed, and the laws of nature are being violated. The decision of two same-sex members of society to live under the same roof is their personal matter, but the legalization of such manifestations has a strong impact on the younger generation. Children raised in a family of homosexuals have a completely different worldview, which can lead to a serious demographic and moral crisis in society in the future.
Some time will pass and the world will be dominated only by those nations in which the possibility of legalizing same-sex families is completely excluded, where a man always remains a man; breadwinner, warrior and head of the family, and a woman will always be a woman; mother and homemaker. Supporters of tolerance and the right to homosexuality will gradually be forced out by stronger traditional nations; the beginning of this process is evidenced by the growing migration crisis in Europe.
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At the end last week in Ireland A referendum was held on the legalization of same-sex marriage. Despite the fact that Ireland is considered a conservative country with a strong influence of the Catholic Church, the vast majority of Irish people are in favor of introducing a corresponding amendment to the constitution. The step towards equalizing the rights of homosexuals with heterosexuals was met with nationwide jubilation, but not everywhere in the world the joy of the Irish is shared. We understand where and how same-sex couples are treated and what this is connected with.
Olga Strakhovskaya
Why should same-sex couples get married?
To answer this question, you must first decide on your attitude towards homosexuality in general. Modern science, and in particular sexology, agrees that homosexuality is not a disease or a deviation, but one of the forms sexual orientation person, equivalent to heterosexuality and bisexuality. It is impossible to “get infected”; it is not associated with either sex or gender, and is also not due to upbringing and environment, but by genetics and characteristics of biological development, including the influence of hormonal factors. The exception is situational homosexuality - when people enter into same-sex relationships not based on their sexual preferences, but forcedly, for example, after being in a same-sex environment for a long time, where there is simply no partner of the opposite sex. However, this does not make them homosexuals: there is even a term “heterosexual men who have sex with men.”
That is why the law on “propaganda of same-sex relationships” is simply absurd: it is impossible to become a homosexual under the influence of fashion or suggestion. The gradations of a person's sexual orientation are illustrated by the Kinsey scale, where zero is exclusively heterosexual orientation, and 6 is exclusively homosexual. There are no accurate statistics on the number of homosexuals and bisexuals in the world: the data ranges from 5 to 7 percent, which in any case makes them a minority, but is not a criterion for considering them worse or better than others.
This means that gays and lesbians should have the same fundamental rights as heterosexuals (contrary to popular belief, they do not demand any special rights for themselves), including the right to legalize their relationships. The popular position “we recognize you and don’t touch you, do what you want behind closed doors” is essentially a hypocritical half-measure in terms of respect for human rights. However, marriage has not only an ethical, but also a legal side. The absence of a marriage certificate can create the same difficulties for same-sex couples as for heterosexual ones, but such couples do not have the opportunity to solve them by legalizing their relationship. The main problem What remains is that partners who are not married are not considered family members from the point of view of the law and subjects of family legal relations.
Humorous video pokes fun at popular fear that legalizing gay marriage will lead to the collapse of the traditional family
In many countries, marriage provides a lot of social bonuses, and its absence is the opposite. For example, one of the partners may not be allowed to see the other or his child in the hospital; moreover, formally, a “stranger” person does not even have the right to obtain information about the health of his partner in the event emergency situation. Partners are not protected by the right not to testify against their spouse, not to mention the sensitive issue of child custody. For example, according to Russian legislation Only one partner in a homosexual couple can be considered a parent, so the second social parent does not legally have the same rights and responsibilities in matters of upbringing common child. Moreover, in the event of the death of the official parent, his partner will lose to the relatives of the deceased in the matter of custody.
Some matters can be covered by a civil contract or will, but if one is not drawn up, the deceased's partner will have no rights to the inheritance. The same applies to the division of property upon separation: if there is no corresponding paper, then everything acquired jointly will go to the partner to whom it is registered. The inability to officially register their relationship deprives same-sex couples of a number of social benefits available to heterosexual families, for example in the field of credit or health insurance.
Does this mean same-sex
Will families be able to have children?
The possibility of having children in homosexual couples is not directly related to their right to register a marriage and is determined by law in different countries differently. In some states where same-sex marriage is prohibited, gay couples can still have children, but this may also be affected by how the couple plans to have a child. In same-sex couples, he can be either an adopted child or a biological child of one of the partners, conceived with the help of donor sperm or carried by a surrogate mother. For example, in Germany, where there is a procedure for registering a civil partnership for same-sex couples, surrogacy is prohibited - however, German gay couples are now recognized as the official parents of children born through surrogacy abroad. In addition, there are same-sex families raising children from previous heterosexual marriages of one or both partners, so this issue is more complex than it seems.
In any case, all these situations are regulated by the legislation of each individual country. For example, in Germany and Portugal, one of the partners can adopt their partner’s natural or adopted child, and in Russia, only one of the partners in a same-sex couple can legally be considered biological or foster parent child. Also in Russia, formally there are no obstacles to the adoption of children by same-sex Russian couples, but in fact they often face refusals. In addition, in 2013, Russia introduced a ban on adoption by foreign same-sex couples. This significantly limits the opportunities for orphans to be adopted, while American studies show that LGBT couples are more likely to adopt children with developmental disabilities and HIV-infected children.
Who is against same-sex marriage?
The church and conservatives - that is, those who adhere to traditional values and often condemns homosexuality at the same time. But there are paradoxical exceptions, like Republican Matt Salmon, who accepted his son's homosexuality but continued to oppose gay marriage. Secular conservatives tend to use their other trump cards as arguments against same-sex marriage: a threat to the institution of the traditional family and demography. For example, representatives of the state of Utah drew an amazing logical chain: they argued that the legalization of same-sex marriage would devalue heterosexual marriage, which would lead to active extramarital sex life, and, consequently, to a frantic increase in the number of abortions.
It is believed that most religions, and primarily Christianity, unanimously consider homosexuality a sin, and intimate relationships between partners of the same sex - unnatural. This is not entirely true. Hinduism recognizes biological reason homosexuality and does not consider it a sin at all, but catholic church considers homosexual sexual intercourse a sin, but orientation is not. Translated, this means that you can be homosexual and not sin by restraining the urges of your flesh. Pope Francis even appeared on the cover of the LGBT magazine The Advocate in 2013 and received the title “Person of the Year” from the publication for calling not to marginalize homosexuals and to treat same-sex couples with greater understanding. Modern Judaism adheres to a similar position. While the Orthodox still consider homosexuality a sin, Conservative Judaism has been making strides towards the LGBT community since the early 90s, welcoming its inclusion in religious life.
In some countries, like Sweden, the church not only recognizes homosexuality, but also allows homosexual priests into its ranks. Russian Orthodox Church, however, clearly stands on traditional positions, considering same-sex relationships to be “sinful damage to human nature,” and also still uses the word “homosexuality,” which has been withdrawn from circulation, emphasizing their “unhealthy” nature. Islam also considers this a sin, but in the Islamic world the legal position on the issue is heterogeneous - in a number of countries like Turkey and even Iraq, homosexual relations are not considered illegal, but in Iran it is punishable by prison or even the death penalty.
How do they view same-sex marriage in Russia?
Despite the fact that the article of the Criminal Code of the RSFSR “for sodomy” was repealed back in 1993, the situation with LGBT rights in Russia is not the most rosy and there is no talk of recognizing same-sex marriage yet. In recent years, the state has been emphasizing conservatism and strengthening traditional family values, in which secular authorities and the church support each other. In particular, Vladimir Putin spoke out against the legalization of homosexual marriages, contrasting them with traditional heterosexual ones, as “faith in God and Satan.”
Legislative initiatives like the law “banning the promotion of same-sex relationships” are in tune with the mood in society and shape them - according to a survey conducted by the Levada Center, in Russia from 2003 to 2013, sharply wary attitudes and fears towards homosexuals increased by
10%. According to the same survey, a third of Russians consider homosexuality to be a disease that needs to be treated, 16% of the population believes that homosexuals should be isolated from society, and another 5% - that they should be physically destroyed. Accordingly, attitudes towards same-sex marriage are predominantly negative, and LGBT couples face widespread prejudice and discrimination.
In society, and not only Russian, homosexual marriages are condemned not only for political or religious reasons. For many, the problems of homosexuals are simply uninteresting, since they do not concern them personally. But there is also an elementary fear of otherness and fear that homosexuality poses some kind of threat to the usual way of life. The fight for LGBT rights is perceived by many as the “imposition” of homosexual values: opponents of same-sex marriage make an unfounded argument that the goal of LGBT rights activists is the victory of homosexual relationships over heterosexual ones. In addition, there is a dangerous tendency, caused by a desire to discredit homosexuality, to associate it with pedophilia: there are fears that the recognition of homosexual marriages will be followed by marriages with children and even animals. All this has nothing to do with the advent of Christianity, but in medieval Japan the tradition of brotherly love flourished among the samurai and even in monasteries. IN Western culture a cohesive movement for LGBT rights began to take shape only in the middle of the 20th century, however, in some countries homosexual relations were decriminalized much later: Poland and Denmark were among the first (in 1932 and 1933), Northern Ireland joined them only in 1982, Russia - in 1993. In approximately 75 of the 190 countries in the world, homosexuality is still practiced, and in some of them only same-sex relationships between men are illegal. The situation is not changing towards greater freedoms everywhere: for example, in 2013 in India the ban on homosexuality, which had been lifted four years earlier, was returned, but the country remains predominantly homophobic.
However, even the abolition of articles “for sodomy” does not mean at all that same-sex marriage is immediately allowed in the country. Conservatives are in no hurry to give up their positions, so public and political discussions stretch on for many years. The wave of legalization began only in the early 2000s - the Dutch were the first in 2001. You can now formalize your relationship in 17 countries, including Spain, South Africa, Iceland, Uruguay and France, as well as in 36 out of 50 American states; in Finland, a corresponding constitutional amendment will come into force in 2017. One of the most high-profile cases was the just-passed Irish referendum, where the population was asked to decide for themselves whether a corresponding amendment should be made to the Irish constitution. Meanwhile, in many countries where same-sex marriage is not yet allowed, there is an alternative for homosexuals, such as registering a “registered partnership” or “civil union.” Worst of all, according to opinion polls recent years, to the idea same-sex marriage apply in Russia (only 5% of Russians approve of it), Romania, Lithuania, Latvia, Croatia and Bulgaria. The right to marry a partner of the same sex is most supported in Holland (85%), Luxembourg (82%) and Sweden (81%).
In Germany. A couple of formalities - and some Rosa and Clara will receive exactly the same rights as Marlene and Erich. Meanwhile, just 1,000 kilometers to the east, it’s only rosy after rain. What should Belarusian queer people do if they want to “legalize” their relationship?
Is it possible to register a same-sex marriage in Belarus?
The Code of the Republic of Belarus on Family and Marriage is unforgiving in its wording (Article 12): “Marriage is a voluntary union of a man and a woman, which is concluded under the conditions provided for by this Code, is aimed at creating a family and gives rise to mutual rights and obligations for the parties.”
From this definition it follows: the institution of marriage in Belarus is still hostage to heteronormativity, and if partners have the same letters in the “Gender/Sex” column on page 33 of the passport, they are not destined to hear Mendelssohn’s march in their honor.
In which countries can Belarusians/Belarusians enter into same-sex marriage?
Non-residents can enter into a same-sex marriage in the following countries: Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Portugal, Canada, USA, Mexico (partially: Mexico City and 10 states), Brazil (partially: 13 states), South Africa, New Zealand(partially: except the Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau), Germany (since October 2017).
There are options with the condition that at the time of marriage at least one of the partners is in the country for some time. This is a fundamental point in Argentina (96 hours in certain provinces), in British countries and territories where same-sex marriage is legalized (7 days), Uruguay (15 days), France (40 days in a certain municipality), Belgium (3 months).
Whatever country you set your sights on, remember: marriage is possible only if no conflicts with local family law have been identified. But if anything happens, they should let him into the intensive care unit.
Where will your marriage be “counted”?
In countries where same-sex marriages are registered: the Netherlands (including the union will be recognized in the Dutch territories where same-sex marriages are not registered), Belgium, Spain, Canada, South Africa, Norway, Sweden, Portugal, Iceland, Argentina, Denmark, Brazil, France, Uruguay, New Zealand (except Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau), Luxembourg, USA, Ireland, Colombia, Finland, Republic of China, Germany, Mexico (throughout the country), in England, Wales, Scotland, as well as the British Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories.
In addition, foreign same-sex marriages are recognized in Israel, Malta and Estonia.
This recognition is of little use, since abroad you remain citizens of a country in which same-sex marriage is not considered valid.
How to register a same-sex marriage abroad?
The package of documents depends on the country in which you decide to get ringed. In the average version it looks like this:
Passports of future spouses;
Birth certificates;
Certificates of marital status from the police, registry office or Consulate of the Republic of Belarus;
In appropriate circumstances - divorce certificates, death certificates of a former spouse, previous marriage certificates, documents on a change of name or surname.
To clarify the list, you need to contact your local government agency, who manages matrimonial affairs. You need to take care of a visa in advance, if you need one.
The documents must be translated into the language of the country in which the marriage ceremony will take place. Some documents may require notarization, while others may require an apostille.
You will have to pay a state fee to register your marriage.
In some countries, witnesses must be present at the wedding ceremony. Another important person- translator: well, so as not to get into trouble with an unfamiliar language and say the main words to each other at the right moment.
Upon completion of all formalities, you will receive a marriage certificate. For a document to be valid in other countries, it must be legalized. Countries party to the 1961 Hague Convention require an apostille; in other cases, consular legalization will be required.
Will same-sex marriage registered by citizens of Belarus abroad be recognized in Belarus?
No. And no apostille will help.
It would seem that Article 230 of the Code of the Republic of Belarus on Marriage and Family states: “In cases where marriages between citizens of the Republic of Belarus and marriages of citizens of the Republic of Belarus with foreign citizens or stateless persons are concluded outside the Republic of Belarus in compliance with the form of marriage, established by law place where it was performed, these marriages are recognized as valid in the Republic of Belarus, provided that they do not contradict the requirements of Articles 17-19 of this Code.” There is not a word about same-sex relationships in Articles 17-19, but look again at Article 12 and remember that Belarusian marriage is a privilege for a man and a woman.
Therefore, upon arrival home, you don’t have to bother at all with the legalization of documents received abroad: the coveted stamp will not appear in your passport anyway.
As for same-sex marriage, officially concluded between foreigners in accordance with the procedure established in their state, it must be recognized in our area.
The honeymoon is the final chord of the wedding celebration and the initial chord of further family life. That’s why it’s so important that it sounds without a single flaw.
In principle, it doesn’t matter where you go to enjoy your honeymoon: on the ocean shore or in an ancient European city, in the mountains or on a desert safari. The main thing is that you two are together. In fact, it is not at all necessary that the honeymoon will take place immediately after the wedding. You can arrange a honeymoon on the 1st, 15th, or any other anniversary of your love relationship.
Today, lovers can be offered a huge selection of wedding tours. You can go anywhere - from the desert to the polar ice caps. If you wish, you can register your marriage in another country or even get married abroad. Abroad there are many wonderful Orthodox cathedrals where the wedding ceremony takes place. For example, in Jerusalem there is the Cathedral of the Russian Orthodox Mission, in Venice there is a Greek Church, in Paris there is the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. And for those who go on a foreign tour to plunge into the world of exotic things, you can hold a wedding according to the national customs of other peoples.
Isn't it true that your imagination paints a tempting picture? You can experiment as much as you like - the field for activity is the most extensive.
Modern Russian and international legislation provides citizens of our country wide range possibilities, where and how to get married. Your registration will be considered official in almost all countries of the world.
However, it is worth remembering that paperwork for a wedding abroad will be a little more difficult than for a simple trip.
Wedding abroad
Where do our compatriots most often go to register their marriage? First in the ranking are European countries- Austria, Czech Republic, Croatia, Slovenia, Cyprus, Italy and others. Wedding ceremonies here take place in ancient castles and estates.
In distant, distant times, only kings married here; more recently, the rich and famous; today, not everyone, but not a limited caste of people, can afford such a wedding.
Next in popularity are beach resorts exotic islands - Goa, Sri Lanka, Cuba, Seychelles, Fiji. The natural and climatic specifics of these countries have left their mark on wedding ceremonies held here. However, and this is important for newlyweds, love affairs on the beach are punished more severely here than in old Europe.
As a rule, the wedding takes place on open air: on the beach or in blooming garden. So heavenly emotions are guaranteed.
Another unexpected option is the USA. Indeed, this is quite a popular destination. And the first point here is Las Vegas, glorified in American films.
The ceremonies themselves are held here in special churches, and marriage registration is literally on stream. But this does not negate a certain romance and exoticism.
Honeymoon abroad
If your task is to choose a tour for honeymoon without a wedding ceremony, then his choice should be approached no less responsibly. Such a trip is a memory for a married couple for life, a measure by which, many years later, they will be able to evaluate their feelings for each other.
Each couple has their own preferences: some like to lie on the beach, while others prefer to climb the mountains or wander the streets of cities. The main thing is to choose something exclusive - something that, due to some circumstances, you most likely will not decide on later.
Most hotels in the world will offer you special conditions: either a luxurious decorated room for newlyweds, or discounts on hotel accommodation, or a special dinner, for example, on the ocean.
