Legalizing living together, particularly outside of traditional marriage, is a matter of recognizing and respecting individuals’ autonomy, freedom of choice, and their right to form relationships and households according to their preferences. Here are several reasons why it should be legal:
Individual Autonomy: People should have the right to make decisions about their personal lives, including who they live with, without unnecessary legal restrictions. Enforcing laws against cohabitation infringes on individuals’ autonomy and limits their freedom to choose their living arrangements.
Equality and Non-Discrimination: Legalizing living together acknowledges and respects diverse forms of relationships and family structures. Denying legal recognition to unmarried couples discriminates against them based on their marital status and violates principles of equality under the law.
Practical Considerations: Many couples choose to live together before or instead of getting married for practical reasons, such as financial stability, convenience, or compatibility testing. Legalizing cohabitation allows these couples to enjoy legal protections and benefits similar to those afforded to married couples, such as property rights, healthcare access, and inheritance rights.
Social Trends: Cohabitation has become increasingly common worldwide, reflecting changing social norms and attitudes toward relationships and marriage. Legalizing living together acknowledges and adapts to these societal changes, ensuring that laws and policies are relevant and inclusive of diverse family structures.
Family Stability: Providing legal recognition and protection to cohabiting couples can contribute to family stability and well-being. Legal rights and responsibilities regarding property, children, and other aspects of cohabiting relationships can help prevent disputes and provide security for all parties involved.
Reducing Legal Uncertainty: Without legal recognition, cohabiting couples may face uncertainties and challenges in various legal matters, such as property ownership, healthcare decision-making, and child custody. Legalizing living together clarifies rights and responsibilities, reducing the potential for legal disputes and ensuring fair treatment under the law.
Freedom of Association: Just as individuals have the right to marry and form families, they should also have the freedom to live together in committed relationships without facing legal barriers or stigma. Legalizing cohabitation upholds the principle of freedom of association and protects individuals’ right to choose their living arrangements based on their personal preferences and circumstances.
Overall, legalizing living together recognizes and respects individuals’ autonomy, promotes equality and non-discrimination, adapts to changing social norms, enhances family stability, reduces legal uncertainty, and upholds the fundamental right to freedom of association.
