Same-Gender Marriage: Implications for Social Work Practitioners

Jennifer Fasbinder,Annie C Williams,Emily Monson,Darrel Montero,Jaime Sanders

doi:10.18060/8805

Abstract

Notably, in 2013, Maryland, Rhode Island, Delaware, and Minnesota became the 10th, 11th, 12th, and 13th states, respectively, to legalize same-gender marriage. Without legal recognition or social support from the larger society, the majority of same-gender partnerships in the U.S. are denied privileges and rights that are considered basic for heterosexual marriages. This manuscript draws from a national cross section of published survey data from 1996 to 2013 reporting Americans’ attitudes regarding same-gender marriage and civil unions. Social work practitioners have broad opportunity to apply their skills to the critical needs facing same-gender partners. After an overview of the legal status of same-gender marriages and their accompanying social and policy issues, recommendations are provided that include identification of specific needs for premarital counseling of same-gender partners and ensuring sensitivity to the myriad challenges they face.

Highlights

In 2013, Maryland, Rhode Island, Delaware, and Minnesota became the 10th, 11th, 12th, and 13th states, respectively, to legalize same-gender marriage
Given that same-gender marriage is one of the most controversial and divisive social issues faced by Americans, national polls have been conducted on this topic for nearly two decades
Results showed a notable increase for support for same-gender marriage: In 1996, only 1 in 4 Americans were in support, whereas by November 2012, a majority (53%) of Americans expressed their support

Summary

Introduction

In 2013, Maryland, Rhode Island, Delaware, and Minnesota became the 10th, 11th, 12th, and 13th states, respectively, to legalize same-gender marriage. Without legal recognition or social support from the larger society, the majority of samegender partnerships in the U.S are denied privileges and rights that are considered basic for heterosexual marriages. This manuscript draws from a national cross section of published survey data from 1996 to 2013 reporting Americans’ attitudes regarding samegender marriage and civil unions. Existing without legal and social recognition and support for their family unit is a constant, harsh, and exhausting strain on many same-gender partnerships in this country These couples are often denied certain privileges and rights that are considered basic for heterosexual marriages. Our rationale for presenting these national survey data is that there is ample evidence that public opinion impacts policy formation, such as the legalization of same-gender marriage in this case (Agnone, 2007; Blekesaune & Quadagno, 2003; Zernike, 2013)

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion