I can only conclude that the radicals have no argument in favor of their radical reform of marriage. I keep listening for one but I never hear IT.
I don't think there is an argument FOR gay marriage. I know of no reason for society to promote homosexuality, although there is an affirmative argument that, since we're going to have homosexuals anyway, we'd be better off if they were in committed relationships just as we're better off if heterosexuals are in committed relationships so there's a societal advantage in supporting marriage.
The main argument is not FOR gay marriage but against bigotry or unequal treatment, which are blots on society.
The argument, like most arguments, comes down to what you consider the default. If you're a social conservative, you consider the societal status quo the default, so you put the onus on the advocates to justify why gay marriage should be allowed. If you're a libertarian, then you put the onus on the social conservatives to justify unequal treatment, aka discrimination.
If you're a liberal, society has an obligation to ease the suffering of people who can't access their partners when they're hospitalized or who are made to feel like second class citizens so the onus is on those who would allow government to cause suffering. If you're a progressive, well, gay is cool.
It's always about the defaults. |
