As a social issue, same-sex partnerships command much debate. As a demographic phenomenon, they are a minor factor. Less than 1 percent of U.S. households in 2010 were made up of same-sex partners. Six states and the District of Columbia allow same-sex partners to marry. (25 states and the District allow first cousins to marry, with some limitations.) 38 states explicitly prohibit same-sex marriages.
The Census Bureau found in 2010 there were 131,729 married same-sex households and 514,735 households with unmarried partners of the same sex. More than 100,000 same-sex couples were raising children.
Today’s video includes more facts about the incidence of same-sex unions. See it, share it, then consider this question in the discussion thread below: what role should the government play in regulating these partnerships?
