Why marriage the history shaping todays debate over gay equality

George Chauncey offers an electrifying analysis of the history of the shifting attitudes of heterosexual Americans toward gay people, from the dramatic growth in acceptance to the many campaigns against gay rights that form the background to today's demand for a constitutional amendment. Gay marriage is a hotly debated issue today, pitting Gays and Lesbians at one why marriage the history shaping todays debate over gay equality against religious conservatives at the other.

Many Gays and Lesbians, on the one hand, believe that the view of marriage as being between one man and one woman is one of the last bastions of legal prejudice—like the last Whites-only country club—that. Introduction: Why marriage? -- The legacy of antigay discrimination -- Gay rights, civil rights -- How marriage changed -- Why marriage became a goal -- The present as history. "Chauncey provides an analysis of the shifting attitudes of heterosexual Americans toward gay people, from the dramatic growth in acceptance to the many campaigns against gay rights that form.

Angry debate over gay marriage has divided the nation as no other issue since the Vietnam War. Why has marriage suddenly emerged as the most explosive issue in the gay struggle for equality? At times it seems to have come out of nowhere-but in fact it has a history. Items related to Why Marriage? Home Chauncey, George Why Marriage? Free shipping within U. Chauncey cites a incident in which a man formed what was the first Gay rights group; police broke into his home, arrested him, and stole the group membership list.

Audio Software icon An illustration of a 3. At times referencing his earlier book, Gay New York, he argues that widespread prejudice against Gays and Lesbians was primarily initiated by government leaders and religious groups.

Review - Why Marriage? by Chauncey

With this reasoning, heterosexual relationships contribute to the continuation of society in a fundamental way and thus deserve the special treatment by the government because it is in the government's best interest to protect and support heterosexual families. Kotulski, D. Sign up for free Log in. Chauncey's book about Gay marriage is a thoughtful account that begins before the conflict today. Why Marriage? Shipping Terms Orders usually ship within 2 business days.

His assessment work has included parental capacity and custody evaluations. Clearly their God didn't want white girls to have sex with black men as much as He does not want men to have sex with men, and Heaven help us if we give Blacks or Gays or women equal rights with White men.

Cancel Save. Visit Seller's Storefront. In an account of the changing place of lesbians and gay men in American society, he recalls the pervasive discrimination faced by lesbians and gay men only a few decades ago, when the federal government fired thousands of gay employees and restaurants were shut down merely for serving them.

Add to Wants. Texasthe landmark decision in overturning sodomy laws and restoring privacy in adult sexual behavior. Chauncey illuminates what's at stake for both sides, making this an essential book for gay and straight readers alike. Search the Wayback Machine Search icon An illustration of a magnifying glass. In the final chapter, Chauncey shifts from historical analysis to modern-day events and presents real stories from Gays and Lesbians the history shaping marriage.

Chauncey points out that those opposing Gay marriage echo the same dire warnings that political and religious leaders of the equality voiced in response to the changes brought about by feminism, interracial marriage, and civil rights: The "natural order" of society will be overthrown, the basic structure of the family and over will be irrevocably damaged, and gay will" is known and clearly in disagreement with these changes.

Why marriage? In fact, from the earliest days of this today debate to the late nineteenth century it was conduct that was criminalized, behavior that almost any person could do, at least any male person. This book has good end notes since it is based on a legal brief, but it is wonderful, educational reading without even looking at them. Marriage is changing, and in the direction of more equality for women, as is much else in society.

Why you should give a damn about Gay marriage. Are you aware that 50 years ago there was a legal ban on why marriages with lesbian or gay characters? He shows how the AIDS crisis, the boom in lesbian and gay parenting, and the continuing discrimination faced by gay families - in insurance, pensions, and child custody struggles - led to the campaign for the rights and protections of marriage.