gay marriage
Homosexual couples wedding
Gay marriage is marriage between two people of the same sex.
The term emerged during debates over whether such unions should be legally recognized: Several states legalized gay marriage before the Supreme Court ruling.
Now that legal recognition is widespread in Western countries, the phrase appears less often—same-sex couples simply say they're married.
Guaranteed individual legal protections
- discriminationUnjust differential treatment
- same-sexInvolving identical genders
- LGBTQ rightsProtections for sexual minorities
- equal protectionUniform legal treatment
fairness · inclusivity · anti-discrimination · human rights · dignity · parity · tolerance · acceptance
Marriage rite and feast
- nuptialsVows and rings
- vowsSolemn binding promises
- altarSacred ritual table
- receptionAct of receiving guests
officiant · rings · bouquet · aisle · toast · celebration · venue · guests
Official enactment of statutes
- Supreme CourtNation's top tribunal
- civil unionLegal spousal alternative
- domestic partnershipNonmarital cohabiting relationship
- legalizationMaking something lawful
jurisdiction · court ruling · spousal benefits · inheritance rights · tax filing · adoption rights · next of kin · healthcare proxy
Love and its excitement
- affectionWarm emotional attachment
- intimacyEmotional closeness between people
- devotionDeep, loyal commitment
- passionIntense emotional drive
tenderness · cherish · soulmate · beloved · heartfelt · commitment · caring · connection
Married partners
- husbandsMarried male partners
- wivesMarried female partners
- coupleTwo linked together
- partnersJoint venture participants
monogamy · cohabitation · household · family · in-laws · anniversary · companionship · mutual support
Pleading for a cause
- protestPublic expression of disapproval
- movementChange in position
- StonewallRefuse to answer questions
- lobbyingAdvocating to decision-makers
referendum · ballot measure · campaign · petition · demonstration · march · ally · solidarity
civil rights
Guaranteed individual legal protections
- discriminationUnjust differential treatment
- same-sexInvolving identical genders
- LGBTQ rightsProtections for sexual minorities
equal protection · fairness · inclusivity · anti-discrimination · human rights · dignity · parity · tolerance · acceptance · visibility
wedding
Marriage rite and feast
reception · officiant · rings · bouquet · aisle · toast · celebration · venue · guests · registry
legislation
Official enactment of statutes
- Supreme CourtNation's top tribunal
- civil unionLegal spousal alternative
- domestic partnershipNonmarital cohabiting relationship
legalization · jurisdiction · court ruling · spousal benefits · inheritance rights · tax filing · adoption rights · next of kin · healthcare proxy · divorce
romance
Love and its excitement
- affectionWarm emotional attachment
- intimacyEmotional closeness between people
- devotionDeep, loyal commitment
passion · tenderness · cherish · soulmate · beloved · heartfelt · commitment · caring · connection · emotional bond
spouses
Married partners
partners · monogamy · cohabitation · household · family · in-laws · anniversary · companionship · mutual support · co-parenting
advocacy
Pleading for a cause
- protestPublic expression of disapproval
- movementChange in position
- StonewallRefuse to answer questions
lobbying · referendum · ballot measure · campaign · petition · demonstration · march · ally · solidarity · opposition
- Church disputesschism, Great Schism, Arian controversy, Monophysitism, iconoclasm
- LGBTQ rightsgay rights, trans rights, lesbian rights, civil unions, transgender rights
- political controversiesabortion, gun control, voter suppression, gerrymandering, affirmative action
- Catholic controversiesabuse scandal, sexual abuse, pedophilia, cover-ups, coverups
- sex lawsodomy laws, age of consent, consent laws, civil unions, domestic partnership
- marriagebride, groom, wedding, husband, wife
gay marriagetraditional marriage
Customary male-female union
marriage ban · Defense of Marriage Act · Proposition 8 · civil union