The (eternal) dispute over equal rights

This is because marriage between homosexuals – proposed by the Socialist Government – was approved by the left-wing parties of the Assembly of the Republic. The issue has caused huge controversy between those in favour and those against. Nonetheless, the Constitution of the Republic contains a lot that favours equality (article 13, section 2):

“No-one can be privileged, benefit from, prejudiced because of, deprived or excluded from any right due to sex, race, nationality, country of origin, religion, political or ideological conviction, instruction, economic situation, social conditioning or sexual orientation.”

Even so, in the 21st century of today, we have the case of Uganda where a law paving the way for the death penalty for homosexuals is being debated. Relatives and friends who seek to hide the sexual orientation of their family members/ friends would run the risk of seven years in prison and even real estate agents who rented a home, or even a room, to homosexuals, could face jail terms. The international community is putting pressure on Uganda but whether reason or the absurd will win is anyone’s guess right now.

In spite of all the prejudice that exists not only in our country but also throughout the world, there are those who refuse to give up and fight everyone and everything for equal rights. A perfect example is a case ongoing in the United States. On 12th January 2010 couples Kristin Perry and Sandra Stier, and Jeffrey Zarrillo and Paul Katami appeared in court to claim their right to marry. The verdict on the case will certainly decide the future of same-sex unions throughout the United States. But, returning to Portugal, the proposed law allowing marriage between homosexuals is now in the hands of the Constitutional Tribunal.

Whatever the decision, one thing is certain – homosexual couples do have the right to construct a family and be happy, just like anyone else does.

Another issue that has caused controversy is the access to adoption for these couples. Traditional thinking and biology deem that a child should have a father and a mother. This premise makes it hard to explain to a child why he or she has instead two fathers, or two mothers.

In the eyes of conservatives, the adoption of children by homosexual couples creates a new family model that is an aberration. But what would the same conservatives say about heterosexual couples who neglect their children?

Or about those that live in an atmosphere of domestic violence, very often covered up by the shame of the victims? What would they say about the abuse of minors that takes place in so-called ‘normal’ families?

In the end, isn’t it more important that parents of the same sex fulfill all the necessary conditions for raising children? Why can’t a homosexual couple exercise the rights and duties of paternity or maternity just like any other heterosexual couple?

Perhaps it is time for society to learn to become more tolerant.