EBOOK Debating Same-Sex Marriage

Taking a "e;point/counterpoint"e; approach, John Corvino (a philosopher and a        prominent gay advocate) and Maggie Gallagher (a nationally syndicated columnist and        co-founder of the National Organization for Marriage) consider key questions about        the institution itself: What is marriage for? Is marriage meant to be a gendered        institution? Why is the state in the business of sanctioning marriage? Where do the        needs of children fit in? Will legalization of same-sex marriage lead to        legalization of polygamy? Corvino argues that society should support same-sex        marriage because of its interest in supporting stable households for all its        members, gay and straight alike. Gallagher argues that government recognition of        same-sex unions as marriages will disconnect marriage from its key public mission        furthering responsible procreation, while stigmatizing traditional views of sex,        marriage and family as bigotry. Both agree that the issue deserves thoughtful,        rigorous engagement.