The document discusses same-sex marriage and gay marriage. It provides definitions and notes that the Netherlands was the first country to legalize same-sex marriage in 2001, with several other countries following suit. There are two main positions on the issue: allowing same-sex marriage only if a majority votes for it, or having the judiciary decide its legality as a civil rights issue. The document also covers several controversies surrounding same-sex marriage like religious views, impacts on children and families, and mental health effects.