South Africa Takes Strides with Gay Marriage Bill While United States Walks Backwards

South Africa became the first African country to legalize same-sex unions in an unprecedented move on November 15.

Most of Africa is predominantly anti-homosexual and South Africa was the first nation on the continent to take such a bold step toward ending discrimination. Homosexuality itself is currently still illegal in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa's neighbor Zimbabwe, and many other countries south of the Sahara Desert.

The Civil Union Bill follows in the footsteps of South Africa's decision to constitutionally prohibit sexual orientation discrimination. It may be odd for some to read this, for many Americans picture South Africa as a society rife with apartheid and built upon prejudice.

However, South Africa's legalization of gay marriage is only one example of, in such a short time period, how truly advanced the country has become in comparison to the United States. South Africa has only been a democracy for 12 years, according to CNN.com, and has already become its continental leader in human and civil rights.

Oddly, the information regarding South Africa's recent decision could be found most easily on BBC.com and other European websites- countries which would have stood more in favor of the news. While some U.S. news outlets reported the law's passing, few focused on it as a turning point for South Africa and Africa as a whole. Also suspicious is the fact that the U.S. courts backed the Defense of Marriage Act, which prevented homosexual couples from marrying, only this past July.