Liberty and Equality: In Defense of Same Sex Marriage

Author/Creator

Author/Creator ORCID

Date

2015-03-24

Department

Program

Citation of Original Publication

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

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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.