今回の Topic は、２０１７年度早稲田大学政治経済学部の入試問題からです。

１. Topic           

       Do you agree or disagree; “ Gay marriage should be made legal in Japan.”   

２. Struture

a) Thesis Statement          

       I agree with the statement in terms of guaranteeing the pursuit of happiness for gay couple, protecting the partner’s legal status as family member, and fostering tolerance and inclusiveness in Japanese society.

b) Body の部分を構成する３つの Paragraph の Main Idea は、

第１ Paragraph　同性結婚を合法化することは、個人個人の幸福追求に最大限の考慮を払うことを保証している憲法の趣旨に叶う

第２ Paragraph　同性結婚のパートナーに家族としての法的地位を与えることで、相続や年金の権利が与えられる

第３ Paragraph　同性結婚を合法化することで、日本社会の寛容性や包括性を高めることに貢献する

３. Sample

     I agree with the statement in terms of guaranteeing the pursuit of happiness for gay couple, protecting the partner’s legal status as family member, and fostering tolerance and inclusiveness in Japanese society.            

     To begin with, allowing gay couple same sex marriage legally would be in line with one of the fundamental principles of The Constitution of Japan, which guarantees that the pursuit of happiness shall be the supreme consideration in legislation.  Although it is possible any gay couple to live together, legalizing the same sex marriage would better protect their pursuit of happiness in our society in a wide range of situations because the partners are recognized as family member in legal terms.             

     In addition, given the status of family member or dependent, the companion in the same sex marriage could enjoy the same legal rights when it comes to social service, benefits, right of residence, and an inheritance.  Under the current laws and regulations, the inheritance which one of the partners left when he or she dies are given to their parents and siblings.  Having legal status as dependent, one of the partners could be eligible for inheritance and pension.       

     Finally, legally permissible same sex marriage should foster tolerance and inclusiveness in Japanese society.  Globalization has given us the chances to appreciate a wide variety of different cultures.  This open and receptive attitude towards diversity should be advanced further.  In this regard, allowing Japanese people same sex marriage would pave the way for establishing tolerant and inclusive society in which no one is left behind.         

     It is true that the some Japanese are very adamant to adhere to old traditional values in which same sex marriage is far from permissive.  However, because of the three reasons I mentioned above, I agree with the statement.

 

To be continued.