Gay marriage, also known as same-sex marriage, is the marriage between two people of the same sex. While some cultures have accepted same-sex unions throughout history, gay marriage is a recent development and is still controversial. Supporters argue that denying gay people the right to marry denies them equal rights and benefits. However, others argue that gay marriage weakens traditional family values or goes against certain religious beliefs. The debate around legalizing gay marriage involves discussions of ethics, equality, and how society defines marriage.