The term "gay marriage" refers to a legal union between two individuals of the same sex. It is also known as same-sex marriage or equal marriage, and it seeks to grant couples who are not heterosexual (i.e., those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning) the same rights and legal protections that are afforded to opposite-sex married couples. This includes things like the ability to file joint tax returns, make medical decisions for a partner, adopt children, and receive benefits through a spouse's employer. The issue of gay marriage has been a contentious one in many countries, with debates over whether same-sex couples should have access to these rights and whether it is appropriate for the government to recognize or sanction such unions.