Homosexual marriage

Homosexual marriage, same-sex marriage or gay marriage (동성결혼/同性結婚) is marriage between two persons of the same biological sex and/or gender identity.

Introduction of same-sex marriage laws has varied by jurisdiction, being variously accomplished through a legislative change to marriage laws, a court ruling based on constitutional guarantees of equality, or by direct popular vote (via a ballot initiative or a referendum).

Key words
homosexual, same-sex marriage, sexual minority, equality, fundamental rights

Background
The recognition of same-sex marriage is a political, social, human rights and civil rights issue, as well as a religious issue in many nations and around the world, and debates continue to arise over whether same-sex couples should be allowed marriage, be required to hold a different status, or be denied recognition of such rights. Same-sex marriage can provide LGBT taxpayers with government services and make financial demands on them comparable to those afforded to and required of heterosexually married couples. Homosexual marriage also gives them legal protections such as inheritance and hospital visitation rights.

Some analysts state that financial, psychological and physical well-being are enhanced by marriage, and that children of same-sex couples benefit from being raised by two parents within a legally recognized union supported by society's institutions.

Emerging social issue in Korea
Gay Korean film director Kim Jho Gwang-soo symbolically married his longtime partner, Kim Seung-hwan, on September 7, 2013. The same-sex couple exchanged vows on a Cheonggye bridge, though homosexual marriage remains illegal in the conservative Confucian country. Both men made clear they were trailblazing in a society where traditional values keep many homosexuals from coming out, let alone pressing for legal same-sex unions.

It remains to be seen whether this extraordinary couple may succeed in registering their marriage with the family relations registry. If their application for marriage registration is denied, they are willing to file an administrative lawsuit as well as a constitutional complaint.

Legal recognition
Legal recognition of same-sex marriage or the possibility to perform a same-sex marriage is sometimes referred to as marriage equality or equal marriage, particularly by supporters.

At present, the homosexual marriage is not yet legalized nor regarded as explicitly illegal in Korea. There exist some same-sex couples now in Korea. But none of them have been regarded as legally approved couples. It's because the Civil Act recognizes a couple (부부/夫婦) as male-female couple. Some argue that a couple based on the both sexes (양성/兩性) is grounded on the wording of Article 36 (1) of the Constitution. Accordingly, the same-sex couple cannot be approved in legal terms.

On the occasion of this event, sexual minority groups raised their voices. They are entitled to be ensured by Article 10 (Pursuit of Hapiness), Article 11 (Equality) and Article 36 (Right to Marriage and Family Life) of the Constitution.

It's time to discuss that they shall not be differentiated from heterosexual persons under the Constitution, and that all the citizens including themselves are equal before the law, and the marriage and family life shall be guaranteed by the individual dignity and fundamental rights.

Pro & Con
Since the extraordinary event of same-sex marriage took place downtown in Seoul, there have been many voices of pros and cons on the tweeter and other social media.

Some argue, "It's too early to legalize the extraordinary marriage". Others say, "It's an icebreaker to correct the biased treatment of sexual minority".

For the time being, religious belief and Confucious moral seemed to be heard more than any time before on this matter.

Situations in Foreign countries
The first state which allowed same-sex marriage was the Netherlands in 2001. Other countiries follow suit in the first decade of the 21st century.

As of August 2013, according to Wikipedia, same-sex marriage has been legalized by
 * 15 countries : Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, South Africa, Sweden, Uruguay.
 * Sub-national jurisdictions : New York and other 12 states and Washington, DC of the United States, and parts of Mexico.