Tradition! Tradition? A new book provides gays with a road map on how to argue for same-sex marriage rights.
It seems that many gay men and lesbians aren't paying attention to the marriage debate. They can't argue as to why they should have the right to wed. They don't talk about the issue with their friends and families. In fact, a poll released in February by the national gay fights advocacy group Human Rights Campaign showed that nearly half of GLBT Americans thought civil unions and marriages were the same thing,Therefore, Evan Wolfson's Why Marriage Matters should be required reading, Wolfson, the gay lawyer who heads the group Freedom to Marry, has spent years fighting for gay men and lesbians' right to marry in court eases, and he explains why we should have that right, breaking down the arguments used by conservatives who claim that same-sex unions will destroy the country, Wolfson addresses the cultural aspects of marriage relating to children, religion, the law, civil fights, and procreation.
Sprinkled throughout are fascinating tidbits that show just how hypocritical and bizarre the conservative right can be when arguing for "traditional marriage." For sheer nuttiness, no one seems likely to top Republican U.S. senator Rick Santorum's now-classic quote linking gay marriage with man-on-dog sex. But it's also intriguing that Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney--a tireless opponent of same-sex marriage in his state--had Mormon ancestors who fled to Mexico to avoid being prosecuted on charges of polygamy.
Once gay readers are finished with Why Marriage Matters, it should be passed on to loved ones, Wolfson's clearly articulated arguments will encourage discussion and, hopefully, mobilize votes.
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| Author: | Graham, Chad |
|---|---|
| Publication: | The Advocate (The national gay & lesbian newsmagazine) |
| Article Type: | Book Review |
| Geographic Code: | 1USA |
| Date: | Aug 31, 2004 |
| Words: | 254 |
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