Liberty and Equality: In Defense of Same Sex Marriage

Author/Creator ORCID

Date

2015

Department

Program

Citation of Original Publication

Wyatt-Nichol H. & Naylor, L. A.. (2015). Liberty and Equality: In Defense of Same-Sex Marriage, Public Integrity, 17:2, 117-130, DOI: 10.1080/10999922.2015.1000108

Rights

Abstract

Marriage equality has gained international attention in public discourse. Laws that prohibit same-sex marriage may be categorized as both paternalistic and moralistic. This article addresses ethical and legal considerations surrounding the right of same-sex couples to marry. Three subject areas are analyzed: equality, individual liberty, and morality. The implications of the analysis reveal that prohibition of same-sex marriage is not justified based upon the criteria necessary for paternalistic and moralistic policies.