TWO THEORIES ON MARRIAGE
The first theory that will be discussed is the theory of marriage as a “love license” which, in the words of Judge Vaughn Walker of California’s Proposition 8 notoriety, is granted by the state in “recognition and approval of a couple’s choice to live with each other, to remain committed to one another and to form a household based on their own feelings about one another and to join in an economic partnership and support one another and any dependents.”
The love license theory emphasizes and puts first the happiness and fulfillment of adults and the state’s important role in helping to achieve this. It holds that the maximum achievable number of happy adults is best for the general well-being of society, that this will have a positive effect on the future of society, and that the government’s role must be to promote this goal. This theory is wholly embraced by the advocates of same-sex marriage and is their foundational premise.
The second is the theory of responsible procreation. This theory holds that the union of a man and a woman is an important part of responsible procreation and raising children because, among other things, it also sets the important example for children to follow what is historically recognized as the best relationship for procreation and parenting. It holds that well adjusted citizens, which are essential to a successful and enduring society, are the product of good parenting and that this is best achieved by a mother and a father in a monogamous relationship. It holds that the government has an important role in promoting this ideal and that this will best serve the well-being of any society that hopes to endure.
Evidently, if the opposite-sex union is the best model for procreation and parenting, then same-sex unions and others must occupy some inferior place for that purpose. This may be perceived by same-sex couples to mean that their unions are not as good as opposite-sex ones, which for the purposes of procreation and parenting is true.
there would come to exist the notion, if not eventually the obligation, that people do officially approve of homosexual unions.
ReplyDeleteSame thing happened with adulterous marriage. Once, such marriages were illegal. Now, you get called a bigot if you criticize them.