Is same-sex marriage a practical consideration in this age of globalisation?

Relationships can be classified under three types such as Gay, Lesbian and Straight. Being more educated, people know what they want to achieve for their future. They are certainly free to choose their life partners in this age of globalisation when the world is progressing and changing including our mindsets towards life partners.

With increasing connectivity of economies and more ways of life across the world, same sex marriage should be given the same right as heterosexual marriage. Many gay couples raise children, adopted and occasionally their own from failed attempts at heterosexual marriages. The children they raise are as good-mannered as straight couples' children. Hence, I feel that love and commitment of the parents do not depend on their gender. They are capable of loving children too.

Moreover, many businesses already do offer benefits to gay couples for sound business reasons. Since many firms have accepted homosexuals' existence, society should also allow same sex marriage. The effect on their costs for offering these benefits is minimal. The cost of benefits offered to gay couples has caused the business' benefits costs to rarely rise by more than 1.5%. Therefore, homosexuals have equal purchasing power as us; they are still bringing in revenue for Singapore. So why should we stop homosexuals from pursuing their happiness?

However, same sex marriage will result in a few disadvantages to society too. By allowing same sex marriage, some gay couples might abuse the right they have and change partners whenever they like. This is the one of the root causes of HIV diseases. Data released by the Ministry of Health on HIV last year showed two groups of men were responsible for approximately 83 per cent of HIV cases. 53 per cent were men who contracted HIV via unprotected high-risk heterosexual sex. As a result, AIDS may be spread through blood donation and other people's health will be threatened. In my opinion, homosexuals should sign an agreement that they will stick to only one partner after marriage.

In addition, children who are raised by homosexual parents will suffer from peer and public pressure. They will be ostracized by other children and thus lack childhood memories. Without proper care and concern by parents, children can break down. Our next generation might not be as tough when more gay couples get married. Furthermore, other countries might brand Singapore as a gay country which affects our reputation. Tourists will not visit Singapore. Hence, Singapore will experience a decrease in tourists and economic decline. From the government's point of view, they will not grant same sex marriage as it will affect Singapore's future.

In conclusion, society should come to an agreement on their tolerance level of homosexuals. We must stop discriminating people with different sexual orientations. They are Singaporeans with equal rights. They can be our colleague, our close friends or even family members. Therefore, we must not avoid them but respect their choice.