Introduction I compiled this book, "Gay Pride (World Wide)" because I am a Black man who understand the plight of Gay people who wants to be accepted in our Society as equals; like Blacks once did. Same-sex marriage, also known asgay marriage, is marriage between two persons of the same biological sexorgender identity. Legal recognition of same-sex marriage is sometimes referred to asmarriage equality, particularly by supporters. Since 2000, eleven Countries: (Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Iceland, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, South Africa, Sweden) and several sub-National Jurisdictions (parts ofBrazil, Mexicoand theUnited States) have begun to allow same-sex couples to marry. Bills legalizing same-sex marriage have been proposed, are pending, or have passed at least one Legislative House in Uruguay, France, Colombia, theUnited Kingdom, Finland, Luxembourg, New Zealand, andTaiwanas well as in the Legislatures of several sub-National Jurisdictions (inScotlandas well as parts ofAustralia, Mexico, and theUnited States). Introductionof same-sex marriage has varied by Jurisdiction, being variously accomplished through a Legislative change to marriage Laws, a Court ruling based on Constitutional guarantees of equality, a ballot initiative, or a referendum. The recognition of same-sex marriage is a Political, Social, Civil Rights and religious issue in many Nations, and debates continue to arise over whether same-sex couples should be allowed marriage, be required to hold a different status (aCivil Union), or not have any such Rights. Same-sex marriages can be performed in a secularCivil Ceremonyor in a religious setting.

Various religious groups around the world practice same-sex marriages; for example: Quakers, Episcopalians, theMetropolitan Community Church, theUnited Church of Christ, theUnited Church of Canada, Reform and Conservative Jews, Wiccans, Druids, Unitarian, UniversalistsandNative Americanreligions with atwo-spirittradition. Studies conducted in several Countries indicate that support for the legalization of same-sex marriage increases with higher levels ofeducation and that support is strong among younger people. Additionally, polls show that there is rising support for same-sex marriage across all races, ethnicities, ages, religions, socioeconomic statuses, etc. Therlee Gipson.