Gay marriage ruling will leave deep legacy

The US Supreme Court ruled in a 5-4 majority decision on Friday that same-sex marriage is a legal right nationwide. This caused a sensation in the country and it will also have global implications. The US then became the 21st country to legalize same-sex marriage, joining some European and Latin American countries as well as New Zealand and South Africa. No Asian country is on the list.



The change from discrimination against gay marriage to approving it suggests development in human rights. The evolution will affect Asian countries, including China, but they won't follow quickly and neither should we therefore blame ourselves. Society needs to show increasing tolerance for gay marriage, but it's unnecessary to hype it up to induce potential homosexuals.



It has to be noted that there is still strong opposition against same-sex marriage in the US, as suggested by the 5-4 ruling. Chief Justice John Roberts voted against it and elaborated it in his 29-page dissent.



Undoubtedly, heterosexual marriage conforms more to the laws of nature and the purpose of marriage, and has contributed immensely to civilizations. It may prove to be an insightful choice to protect the role of heterosexual marriage in the basic unit of humanity.



The right of homosexuals to have relationships deserves to be respected, which has already been widely bolstered. But it will touch upon many people's understanding of a normal marriage if marriages between homosexuals are legally equal to those of opposite sexes. This conservatism is also justified.



The significance of legalizing same-sex marriage is to protect minority rights. But it remains uncertain whether same-sex marriage will weaken the solemnity of heterosexual ones. The latter will remain the mainstream form of marriage, but it now faces multiple challenges. It's unknown whether same-sex marriage will become the latest challenge.



Humans are enjoying more and more freedom, which is promoted by technological advancement and social development. Same-sex marriage sheds more light on freedom.



Despite instances of homosexuality in its history, China imports the modern view from the West and it's hard to know whether it will eventually catch up with the West in this regard. What's important is that the morals and laws about homosexuals in today's China reflect the reality of this group, and it shouldn't be compared with the West in a simplistic manner.



There are grounds for both those who are for and against legalizing same-sex marriage in the US. A majority of people in the world may still oppose same-sex marriage. That said, we should send our best wishes to the homosexuals but meanwhile hope that some traditions of human beings will continue. We hope for the harmony of diversities.

