The same-sex couple - whether composing a casual union or a lasting
partnership - has always formed an awkward mnage trois with the state. Often under the influence of religious precepts, the state has usually seen
as one of its duties the regulation of sexual behaviour and conjugal
arrangements, whether heterosexual or homosexual. In the case of same-sex
encounters, this has meant not only the criminalisation of homosexual acts
(especially for men) but also the withholding of legal approbation, and the
entitlements that follow, for continuing relationships. Taking
 a transnational and historical perspective, however, the situation appears very
 complex. Varying norms apply in different societies concerning sexuality,
 marriage and other sorts of unions. Colonialism imposed Western notions
 (and laws) over many non-Western countries, and newer Western views of sex,
 love and marriage now exercise great influence globally. Sanctions against
 homosexuals have not curbed the development of gay and lesbian cultures, or 
the establishment of long-lived partnerships. Despite the legitimate
 campaign for human rights for homosexuals around the globe, the notion of
 'same-sex marriage' does not fit easily into the social frameworks of many societies. The notion of such marriages, however justified, is itself a construct of a particular time and particular places in the long sweep of world history. To what extent is it possible to develop a typology of the
 different and changing relationships between the state and the gay couple,
and what insight would it give into the history of sexuality, gender and 
romantic emotions?

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