More than obtuse, probably incorrect as well. I knew that gay unions were encouraged in Sparta so I went looking for it. This is from wikipedia,
While it is a relatively new practice that same-sex couples are being granted the same form of legal marital recognition as commonly used by mixed-sexed couples, there is a long history of recorded same-sex unions around the world.[2] Various types of same-sex unions have existed, ranging from informal, unsanctioned relationships to highly ritualized unions. It is believed that a same-sex union was a socially recognized institution at times in Ancient Greece and Rome,[2] some regions of China, such as Fujian province, and at certain times in ancient European history.[3] These gay unions continued until Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire
Code: Select all
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_same-sex_unions
That's not the only example, spacer. Off the top of my head, a quick google of things that support there were same sex unions in other cultures in history:
1. 342 AD: Early Christians were so worried about same-sex unions, that they issued the Theodosian Code. In it,they outlawed ‘gay marriage’ and sentenced those gay couples
already married to death.
2. China: Same-sex Fujian marriages during the Ming Dynasty in China.
3. The Roman Emperor Nero "married a man named Sporus in a very public ceremony... with all the solemnities of matrimony, and lived with him as his spouse." A friend gave the "bride" away "as required by law. The marriage was celebrated separately in both Greece and Rome in extravagant public ceremonies.”
4. The Roman emperor Elagabalus married an athlete named Hierocles in a lavish public ceremony in Rome amidst the rejoicings of the citizens.
5. “Two-Spirit” same-sex unions between the Native Americans of North America.
6. French “brotherments”: “The new "brothers" pledged to live together sharing 'un pain, un vin, et une bourse' -- one bread, one wine, and one purse. "the affrèrement was not only for brothers," since many other people, including relatives and non-relatives, used it. The effects of entering into an affrèrement were profound. As Tulchin explains: "All of their goods usually became the joint property of both parties, and each commonly became the other's legal heir. They also frequently testified that they entered into the contract because of their affection for one another. As with all contracts, affrèrements had to be sworn before a notary and required witnesses, commonly the friends of the affrèrés."”
There are others, as well. It won't matter, though.
