Same-sex marriage: now everyone can live happily ever after

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/mar/16/same-sex-marriage-legal-gay-rights

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Sue Wilkinson and Celia Kitzinger married in Canada in 2003, but until Thursday the couple had not worn their wedding rings ever since their challenge to the country's refusal to recognise same-sex marriage was rejected by the high court in 2006. Last week, the two opened the champagne when the 2013 Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act came into force finally giving their marriage legal recognition in Britain. The Observer congratulates them and all same-sex couples who may now opt to tie the knot.

Heterosexual marriage is currently in an unhealthy state. More than 42% of marriages end in divorce and family breakdown is costing £46bn a year, often to the detriment of children. Same-sex marriages will face similar challenges endeavouring to navigate the rough times as well as the good. However, commitment is a healthy foundation for civic society and marriage is one manifestation of it. Same-sex nuptials have no more of a guarantee of longevity and contentment than their heterosexual counterparts, but in a tolerant, egalitarian society, every citizen, whether gay or straight, has a right to the chance of a marital happy every after if they so choose.