Defense of Traditional Marriage by Ryan T. Anderson

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Ryan T. Anderson discusses the legal status of same-sex relationships in his article “In defense of traditional marriage” (2013). He contends that marriage is defined historically, socially and legally as existing between a man and a woman and should remain so defined for the benefit of society. Anderson is correct in his historical interpretation of marriage; yet present day usage would imply that the definition of marriage is undergoing a social change which should be reflected in the law. The premises Anderson puts forth are not new. For the most part they are steeped in as much tradition as the notion of marriage itself. Initially, he argues that marriage is one of the primary ingredients in civilization. It is so integral to society that all other enlightenment rests on its bulk. Additionally, he stresses that same-sex couples already have protection for basic civil rights but that legalizing gay marriage would amount to adding new civil rights – the ability to have the government recognize their marriage - to those already in existence. Marriage, as Anderson defines it, exists solely for the benefit of bearing and raising children. Those children fare better when raised by both a mother and a father, thus, marriage also protects the happiness and prosperity of future generations. Additionally, marriage acts as a social incentive to commit to a lasting relationship, again, ensuring happy, healthy children. The second half of Anderson’s argument relates to his premise that marriage is for dual-sex couples only. He offers 41 states that legally define marriage in this way as proof to his way of thinking. Furthermore, every marriage policy draws a line excluding one type of couple or another from marrying. This... ... middle of paper ... ...-traditional-marriage/2013/03/20/dl9a0c08-915a-11e2bdea-e32ad90da239_story.html Dictionary.com (2013). Retrieved from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/marriage Hanna, C. (2011). STATE CONSTITUTIONAL DECISION-MAKING AND PRINCIPLES OF EQUALITY: REVISITNG BAKER V. STATE AND THE QUESTION OF GENDER IN THE MARRIAGE EQUALITY DEBATE. Albany Law Review, 74(4), 1681-1700 Johnston, R. (2013). Marriage and the Metaphysics of Bodily Union: Framing the Same-Sex Marriage Debate. Social Theory and Practice, Vol. 39, No. 2 (April 2013): 288-312 DOI: 10.5840/soctheorpract201339216. Planita, C. (2014). For Better or for Worse: Will the Repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act Bring Couples Happiness? Journal of Financial Service Professionals, (January 2014). Procon.org (2014). Gay Marriage. Retrieved from http://gaymarriage.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=004857

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