Marriage and Same-Sex Unions

A Debate

Lynn D. Wardle, Mark Strasser, William C. Duncan, David Orgon Coolidge, Lynn D. Wardle, Mark Strasser, William C. Duncan, David Orgon Coolidge

• Publisher: Praeger
• Year: 2003
• Print ISBN:
  9780275976538
• Edition: 1
• eBook ISBN:
  9780313016226
• Topic: Politics & International Relations
• Subtopic: American Government
• Index: Politics & International Relations

This book exemplifies the high quality of thoughtful discussion and debate that is possible on the issue of same-sex marriage. Authors are paired to address and respond to a particular topic, one in favor of state recognition of same-sex relationships, and one in favor of limiting state recognition to those relationships that have been traditionally recognized as marriages.

Proposals to legalize same-sex marriage evoke strong response from those on both sides of the debate. Much has been written about the legal policy issues over the legal recognition of same-sex unions in the United States, yet there has been little dialogue and exchange between participants in the debate. This book attempts to open that dialogue, and to exemplify the high quality of thoughtful discussion and debate that is possible. Authors are paired to address and respond to a particular topic, one in favor of state recognition of same-sex relationships and one in favor of limiting state recognition to those relationships that have been traditionally recognized as marriages.

This ideal introduction is designed to lead the reader through the relevant issues, progressing from the general to the particular. Debates are contextualized, offering comparative, historical, and family-policy perspectives, asking fundamental questions such as what is the purpose of a family, and what interests, if any, that state has in promoting a particular type of family over others. Issues of jurisprudence and political philosophy are examined, addressing the public benefits of marriage and equal treatment before the law, among other items. The constitutionality of same-sex marriage or domestic partnership policies is explored. Finally, this book covers the broad implications when states—such as Vermont—legally recognize same-sex unions, and the impact of international recognition of same-sex marriage rights.

Table of contents

• Contents
• Preface
• Part I: Marriage and Same-Sex Unions in Comparative, Historical, and Family Policy Perspectives
• Part II: Issues of Jurisprudence and Political Philosophy in the Debate on Marriage and Same-Sex Unions
• Part III: U.S. Constitutional Law Issues Concerning Same-Sex Marriage or Domestic Partnership
• Part IV: Issues of State Constitutional Law and International Law Concerning Marriage and Same-Sex Unions
• Index of Cases
• Index
• About the Editors and Contributors