There are many stakeholders in the societal discussions about marriage. The first section of this article considers the meaning of marriage among the major world religions. Then the focus shifts to the meaning of marriage among those who experience same-sex attraction, particularly those who identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual (GLB). These broad groups (religious and GLB) are hardly monolithic in their understanding of the meaning of marriage and their approach to same-sex unions. It may be helpful for all involved to understand what marriage symbolizes to various parties, and how the symbolic meaning of marriage may make meaningful dialogue difficult.
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