Legalizing Gay Marriage: Vermont And The National DebateTemple University Press, 20. 11. 2008. - 352 страница Every day seems to bring news of legal challenges to existing marriage laws and the constitutionality of any form of union for same-sex partners. In this timely and accessible book, Michael Mello argues that the public debates and political battles that have divided Vermont and Massachusetts will be repeated across the country as state after state confronts the issue of legalizing gay marriage.Michael Mello examines recent landmark decisions in state and federal high courts granting civil rights protections to homosexuals. In Vermont, the Supreme Court's recommendation that legislators recognize the "common humanity" that links all individuals irrespective of sexual identity and consider the question of same-sex marriage resulted in the first state legislation to establish civil union. In Massachusetts, the court's ruling that gay marriage is a right protected by the state constitution has plunged the legislature into a contentious debate about a constitutional amendment. In both states, as in California and New York, public discussion of equal civil protections for gays and lesbians soon become mired in contending views of morality, religion, social mores, and the sanctity of heterosexual marriage.Mello regards the widespread and virulent opposition to any form of same-sex unions as proof that in Vermont, as elsewhere, homosexuals are indeed a "despised minority" in need of the law's protection. Thus, civil union laws represent only a partial victory because they create a separate and inherently unequal category of relationships for gay people. Mello's analysis of the issues provides an invaluable guide to the battles being waged in state legislatures and by politicians at the national level. |
Из књиге
Резултати 1-5 од 45
Страница xii
... mean to be referring to the two of us when he spoke. He had disso- ciated us, whom he loved, from an impersonal menace that he feared. John said little that evening, but wrote Les a long letter telling him how offended and hurt he was ...
... mean to be referring to the two of us when he spoke. He had disso- ciated us, whom he loved, from an impersonal menace that he feared. John said little that evening, but wrote Les a long letter telling him how offended and hurt he was ...
Страница 3
... mean toppling an entire edifice of antigay law.”18 The surprise in Lawrence was the broad sweep of the Court's reason- ing. Writing for the five-Justice majority, Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote that gays are “entitled to respect for ...
... mean toppling an entire edifice of antigay law.”18 The surprise in Lawrence was the broad sweep of the Court's reason- ing. Writing for the five-Justice majority, Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote that gays are “entitled to respect for ...
Страница 5
... mean that other laws distinguishing between heterosexu- als and homosexuals would similarly fail under rational basis ... means by which to protect and promote marriage as the union of a man and a woman . ” 32 A brief filed by 69 members ...
... mean that other laws distinguishing between heterosexu- als and homosexuals would similarly fail under rational basis ... means by which to protect and promote marriage as the union of a man and a woman . ” 32 A brief filed by 69 members ...
Страница 7
... means little if it does not include the right to marry the person of one's choice . ” 57 The lead opin- ion in Goodridge explained that the “ Massachusetts constitution affirms the dignity of all individuals ” and “ forbids the creation ...
... means little if it does not include the right to marry the person of one's choice . ” 57 The lead opin- ion in Goodridge explained that the “ Massachusetts constitution affirms the dignity of all individuals ” and “ forbids the creation ...
Страница 8
... mean “ the voluntary union of two people as spouses , to the exclusion of all others . ” “ Marriage is a vital social institution , ” wrote the chief justice.63 “ The exclusive commitment of two individu- als to each other nurtures love ...
... mean “ the voluntary union of two people as spouses , to the exclusion of all others . ” “ Marriage is a vital social institution , ” wrote the chief justice.63 “ The exclusive commitment of two individu- als to each other nurtures love ...
Садржај
1 | |
27 | |
45 | |
Enacting Civil Unions as an Alternative to Civil Marriage | 74 |
Whats Wrong with Vermonts Civil Marriage Substitute | 142 |
Three Years After | 193 |
Vermont Supreme Court Decision for Baker v State | 197 |
Notes | 257 |
Index | 331 |
Друга издања - Прикажи све
Чести термини и фразе
2000 hereinafter Adam Lisberg African Americans April 26 argued argument Baker decision benefits and protections Boston Globe Burlington Free Press Carey Goldberg Christopher Graff civil marriage civil rights civil unions bill civil unions law classification Common Benefits Clause constitutional amendment debate Democrats denied discrimination domestic partnership Editor equal protection Eskridge federal gay and lesbian Gay Couples Gay Marriage Gay Rights Gay Unions Governor Greg Johnson heterosexual homosexual Howard Dean issue Jack Hoffman July June Justice lawmakers legislative lesbian lesbian couples letter majority March marriage laws marriage license marriage statutes moral newspaper opinion opponents partners persons plaintiffs ples political quoting Rep recognized Remsen Republican riage right to marry Ross Sneyd Ruling Rutland Herald S.Ct same-sex couples same-sex marriage same-sex unions segregation separate-but-equal sodomy State’s statutory supra note tion Valley Vermont Civil Unions Vermont Constitution Vermont Supreme Court vote woman