The legal status of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people has undergone significant changes in several countries, but remains highly complex and difficult for those affected. Although same-sex partners may have the right to marry or enter into a registered partnership in one Member State, this right may be denied when they exercise their right to freedom of movement. The same is true for certain parent-child relationships, which may be recognized as such in one Member State but not another. This book explores the challenges and controversies concerning the recognition of non-heterosexual relationships throughout the EU through the lens of EU legislation, the case law of the CJEU and ECtHR, and recent national developments. Following the Irish referendum and the recent ECtHR judgment in Oliari v. Italy, more changes are expected in the near future. The opening part of this book describes the current state of play in all EU Member States (and beyond) when formalizing a same-sex relationship, 'steady progress' being the key term in describing the developments in many countries (with the exception of six Eastern European States that object to legislation in this field). The second part concentrates on parenthood and children's rights, notably adoption, surrogacy, multiple parenting, and the range of parenting rights for same-sex couples, and transsexual and transgender people. The third section on gender identity and human rights, discusses the legal aftermath of the European Court of Human Rights' judgment in Oliari, condemning Italy for failing to protect homosexuals' right to family life. Furthermore, it explains European Union legislation against discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation, and the challenges lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender applicants are confronted with when reaching Europe as refugees. The book ends with a lively debate on the right to change one's legal gender, and it raises the fundamental question of whether we still need gender as a legal category or whether laws concerning partnership and parenting could feasibly be de-gendered. Does gender matter in the EU? This book is written for both the academic and professional readership. (Series: European Family Law, Vol. 42) [Subject: Human Rights Law, Family Law, EU Law]

Uses the concept of the best interests of the child to advocate for legal recognition of LGBT+ parenting.

This fully revised and updated textbook focuses on the major topics of globalization today. These include the impact of migration, relations between the northern and southern hemispheres, how gender and power plays into the globalization process, and the politics and economics of freedom of movement in the world. Two new chapters on the impact of technology on global communications and the effect of the emerging economies of India and China bring the book fully up to date. Further current issues such as the debate concerning environmental security, natural disasters, the broad spectrum between women's empowering impact in the marketplace and the continued exploitation of women in the sex and service trade are also examined. Eleanor Kofman and Gillian Youngs have edited an excellent and comprehensive collection essential for both undergraduate and graduate students trying to gain an understanding of theories and practices driving globalization as we enter into the twenty-first century.

Reinterpretations of key Bible texts related to sexual orientation, written by a Harvard student, present an accessible case for a modern Christian conservative acceptance of sexual diversity.

In Bible, Gender, Sexuality James Brownson argues that Christians should reconsider whether or not the biblical strictures against same-sex relations as defined in the ancient world should apply to contemporary, committed same-sex relationships. Presenting two sides in the debate -- "traditionalist" and "revisionist" -- Brownson carefully analyzes each of the seven main texts that appear to address intimate same-sex relations. In the process, he explores key concepts that inform our understanding of the biblical texts, including patriarchy, complementarity, purity and impurity, honor and shame. Central to his argument is the need to uncover the moral logic behind the biblical text. Written in order to serve and inform the ongoing debate in many denominations over the questions of homosexuality, Brownson's in-depth study will prove a useful resource for Christians who want to form a considered opinion on this important issue.

This edited collection provides a forum for rigorous analysis of the necessity for both legal and social change with regard to regulation of same-sex relationships and rainbow families, the status of civil partnership as a concept and the lived reality of equality for LGBTQ+ persons. Twenty-eight jurisdictions worldwide have now legalised same-sex marriage and many others some level of civil partnership. In contrast other jurisdictions refuse to recognise or even criminalise same-sex relationships. At a Council of Europe level, there is no requirement for contracting states to legalise same-sex marriage. Whilst the Court of Justice of the European Union now requires contracting states to recognise same-sex marriages for the purpose of free movement and residency rights, unlike the US Supreme Court, it does not require EU Member States to legalise same-sex marriage. Law and Sociology scholars from five key jurisdictions (England and Wales, Italy, Australia, Canada, and the Republic of Ireland) examine the role of the Council of Europe, European Union and further international regimes. A balanced approach between the competing views of critically analytical rights based theorists and queer and feminist theorists interrogates the current international consensus in this fast moving area. The incrementalist theory whilst offering a methodology for future advances continues to be critiqued. All contributions from differing perspectives expose that even for those jurisdictions who have legalised same-sex marriage, still further and continuous work needs to be done. The book will be of interest to students and scholars in the field of human rights, family and marriage law and gender studies.

In the early 2000's, Mark Achtemeier embarked on a personal journey with the Bible that led him from being a conservative, evangelical opponent of gay rights to an outspoken activist for gay marriage and a fully inclusive church. In The Bible's Yes to Same-Sex Marriage, Achtemeier shares what led to his change of heart: the problems with excluding groups of people and the insights into the Bible's message that led him to recognize the fullness of God's love and support for LGBT persons. Readers will discover how reading snippets of Scripture out of context has led to false and misleading interpretations of the Bible's message for gay people. Achtemeier shows how a careful reading of the whole Scripture reveals God's good news about love, marriage, and sexuality for gay and straight people alike. This new edition includes a study guide and a new introduction from the author that reflects on the U.S. Supreme Court ruling and changes within the church. Perfect for groups or self-reflection, the study guide directs readers over four sessions to explore both Achtemeier's book and the Bible.