研究生英语核心教材_（下）Unit_6_Same_Sex_Marriage教材教学课件.ppt

Unit 6 Same Sex Marriage in the United States Contents 1. About the author 2. Background of the Text: 1). 2). 3) 3. Questions 4. Word Distinctions 5. Oral Translation 1). 2). 6. Written Translation 1). 2). 3). 7. Further questions for discussion About the author Matthew Brigham received his law degree from the University of California, Davis. Prior to attending law school, he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, San Diegon. He is admitted to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and is a member of the State Bar of California（加州律师公会会员）. Matthew Brigham 1. Background of the Text History The first recorded use of the word marriage for same-sex couples occurs during the Roman Empire. A number of marriages are recorded to have taken place during this period. The rise of Christianity changed attitudes to same-sex unions and led to the persecution of gays. In the year 342, the Christian emperors Constantius and Constans declared same-sex marriage to be illegal.In the year 390, the Christian emperors Valentinian II, Theodosius I and Arcadius declared homosexual sex to be illegal and those who were guilty of it were condemned to be publicly burned alive. 2. Background of the Text Current status Marriage, as defined by the civil law, is currently available to same-sex couples in six countries. The Netherlands was the first country to allow same-sex marriage in 2001. Same-sex marriages are also legal in Belgium, Canada, Norway, South Africa and Spain, along with two states in the United States, Massachusetts and recently California (for status in California see California Proposition 8 (2008)). In 2005, Spain became the first country in the world to recognize same-sex marriage (including adoption rights) on equal terms and under the same law. 3.Background of the Text In 1996, the United States Congress passe