ABSTRACT

This chapter presents some background to frame the controversy of same-sex marriage. It considers how reducing the involvement of states in marriage is an alternative to consider in public policy debates. When the political stakes are reduced, the controversy decreases as well. Much is at stake in disputes about same-sex marriage. Opponents of same-sex marriage point to the sanctity of marital unions and the welfare of children. Proponents point to equality before the law and the chance for gays and lesbians to enjoy all the benefits of life as loving and committed couples. Same-sex marriage is available in over a dozen developed countries. Some additional countries restrict marriage to heterosexual couples but grant same-sex couples many of the rights and privileges of marriage through civil unions. Proponents of same-sex marriage appeal to significant moral and policy considerations such as equal citizenship, freedom of association, and the special value of intimacy.