Every generation in the last 150 years has seen in Australia a contest over marriage which reflects shifting positions on its defining features, and its associated rights and obligations.
‘Marriage equality’ is directly linked to gender equality.
AAP/Richard Ashen
At the heart of the debate around the language of marriage is a conflict about whether a marriage between same-sex partners is the same or different to a marriage between opposite sex partners.
Divorce rates are on the decline in Australia, people are marrying and having children later in life, and more of us live alone. Our experts respond to the new report on Australia’s welfare.
Senators Cory Bernardi and Penny Wong faced off in a debate on same-sex marriage on Wednesday.
AAP/Stefan Postles
The same-sex marriage debate between senators Cory Bernardi and Penny Wong exposed four myths about marriage that have plagued recent debates worldwide.
In a marriage, a man and a woman beget children who are ‘flesh of their flesh’.
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The reality, for all intents and purposes in areas like the law, superannuation and dealing with financial matters, is that same-sex couples have the same rights as heterosexual couples.
Singer and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Angelique Kidjo is part of the international lobby making progress against early marriage.
Reuters/Boris Heger
The decline in child marriages in Ethiopia is due to its rapidly changing social and economic environment.
The sacrament of marriage that takes place in the eyes of God is a separate process from the state’s legal recognition of the coupling.
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The sacrament of marriage does not depend on the law, which exists only to regulate the rights and responsibilities arising from the practice. For religious believers, same-sex marriage won’t change their union.
Policymakers and the outcomes they produce can play a powerful role in shaping public opinion on questions of same-sex rights.
AAP/Alan Porritt
Gay marriage opponents argue that children need a mother and a father. The law says otherwise.
Even for couples who work full time, the burden of less fun forms of parenting, like changing diapers, often falls on the mother.
'Diaper' via www.shutterstock.com
January is a strain for most people. It’s dark and the festive lights don’t disguise this anymore. You’re back at work and the next holiday may be some way off. You’ve just had to spend a large amount…
The extraordinary synod of bishops on family is meeting for two weeks at the Vatican.
EPA/L'Osservatore Romano
A report of debate from the first half of the extraordinary synod of Catholic bishops meeting in Rome has been described as a “pastoral earthquake” and a “seismic shift in Rome” for praising gay relationships…
Social Services Minister Kevin Andrews believes couples counselling will ultimately save Australia money.
Lukas Coch/AAP
Social services minister Kevin Andrews claims his A$20 million Stronger Relationships Trial will save the government money in the long run by reducing family breakdown. But will it work? The trial, which…