User:Richardine212033484/sandbox

Introduction
Same sex-sex marriage is a union between two men or two women. The marriage between a man and woman is recognised legally, religiously and in customs in almost all of the countries of the world and accepted, but that of same-sex has caused controversy, criminalisation and in few places celebration. Currently there are only ten places in the world where same-sex marriage is legal. Studies show that countries with less educated people tend to be against same-sex marriage compared to those with well educated people.

Contradicting opinions
Homosexuality is considered a sin in most religions, especial in Namibia where 80 percent of the population believe in the Christian religion. Same sex-marriage therefore is seen as being offensive and a strike at religion. Many cultures see this as taboo. Many religious organizations fear that the legalization will lead to rampant immoral behavior.Same-sex marriage will weaken family traditions and values in our society. It undermines traditions where marriage is believed to only take place between a man and a woman. Same-sex marriage couples cannot both be biological parent to their children, and it confuses children about gender roles and society’s expectations. Homosexual relationships are so unstable they cannot provide children with the security they need. Only a man and woman can reproduce. Children need both their mother and father which same-marriage cannot provide. Each partner takes on a share of the duties, paying no attention to what society deems "woman's work" or masculine tasks. This confusion of traditional gender roles and the biological differences that go with gender, gives the impression that the sexes do not need each other thus threatening the institution of marriage altogether (Mondimore, 1996).

Conclusion
Denying same-sex marriage is a violation of their religious freedom and also a violation of their civil rights as marriage is a legal civil status. Denying same-sex marriage it is also a form of discrimination. Homosexuality is not a choice as it is caused biologically. Therefore they should not be discriminated against. Same-sex does not hurt anyone in particular or society. It is believe that same-sex marriage would increase divorce, yet 52.3 percent of heterosexual marriages end in divorce. A study by Langbein and Yost found that the legalisation of gay marriage did not have an effect on divorce rates (2009). The number of orphans will decrease as homosexual couples cannot procreate thus they will adopt these orphans. Studies have shown that there are no differences between children raised by homosexual couples or heterosexual couples. Same-sex marriage benefits the economy as venues will get booked, hotels and restaurants will also see an increase in business. As South Africa is one of the ten places that allow same sex marriage, Namibia will benefit as it will be become the second destination for same-sex marriages in Africa. Thus this will create employment. Marriage is a 70 billion a year business which same-sex marriage can generate 17 billion if same sex marriage is made legal globally. There are lower STD rates among married homosexuals than among non-married homosexual couples. The practice of homosexuality is not one that has recently developed, but rather, it has been around since the ancient cultures of Greece and Rome