Written by an impressive selection of academics, attorneys, researchers, and activists, these essays explore the national debate in South Africa on the topic and consequences of their Civil Union Act. Contributions critically examine the legislative and advocacy process of marriage, the institution of marriage itself, and the meanings attached to it for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex people. The combination of historical documents, personal reflections, and academic and activist analyses of same-sex marriage makes this collection invaluable for understanding this historic journey and its legal, social, cultural and religious ramifications.