This article is a historical, international, and timely examination of issues commonly raised by the marriage of same-sex couples in anticipation of the impending changes in this area of the law in the United States. Through a survey of important developments and a comparison of the treatment of same-sex couples vis a vis marriage in various locales, the author argues that fears about recognizing same-sex couples destroying our country or the institution of marriage are irrational, and that it is time now to recognize that same-sex couples deserve the same recognition and protection of the law afforded to opposite-sex couples. The author considers same-sex marriage and registered partnership laws in Europe, Canada, and various states of the U.S.