same-sex marriage

1. same-sex marriage The economic Argument

2. Marriage

3. Marriage …homosexual unions are not wrong primarily because of their disproportionately high incidence of promiscuity (especially among males) and breakups (especially among females). They are wrong because “gay marriage” is a contradiction in terms.   Robert A. J. Gagnon “Why ‘Gay Marriage’ is wrong”

4. The Definition of ‘Marriage’

5. The Dictionary Definition Main Entry: mar·riage Pronunciation: \mer-ij, ma-rij\ Function: noun Etymology: Middle English mariage, from Anglo-French, from marier to marry Date: 14th century 1 a (1) : the state of being united to a person of the opposite sex as husband or wife in a consensual and contractual relationship recognized by law (2) : the state of being united to a person of the same sex in a relationship like that of a traditional marriageb: the mutual relation of married persons :wedlockc: the institution whereby individuals are joined in a marriage

6. The Legal Definition In determining the meaning of any Act of Congress, or of any ruling, regulation, or interpretation of the various administrative bureaus and agencies of the United States, the word “marriage” means only a legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife, and the word “spouse” refers only to a person of the opposite sex who is a husband or a wife. US Code, Title 1, Chapter 1, Section 7

7. The Legal Definition Marriage is one of the "basic civil rights of man," fundamental to our very existence and survival.... To deny this fundamental freedom on so unsupportable a basis as the racial classifications embodied in these statutes, classifications so directly subversive of the principle of equality at the heart of the Fourteenth Amendment, is surely to deprive all the State's citizens of liberty without due process of law. The Fourteenth Amendment requires that the freedom of choice to marry not be restricted by invidious racial discrimination. Under our Constitution, the freedom to marry, or not marry, a person of another race resides with the individual and cannot be infringed by the State. Loving v. Virginia

8. The Etymological Definition

9. The Etymological Definition 2: to unite in close and usually permanent relation.

10. The Etymological Definition Marriage is a commitment “to have and to hold; from this day forward; for better or worse; for richer, for poorer; in sickness and in health; to love and to cherish; ‘til death do us part.” John Corvino, “What Marriage Is”

11. The Purpose of Marriage When a state recognizes a marriage, it bestows upon the couple certain benefits which are costly to both the state and other individuals. Collecting a deceased spouse’s social security, claiming an extra tax exemption for a spouse, and having the right to be covered under a spouse’s health insurance policy are just a few examples of the costly benefits associated with marriage. In a sense, a married couple receives a subsidy. Why? Because a marriage between two unrelated heterosexuals is likely to result in a family with children, and propagation of society is a compelling state interest. For this reason, states have, in varying degrees, restricted from marriage couples unlikely to produce children.

12. The Purpose of Marriage A family is not an association of independent people; it is a human commitment designed to make possible the rearing of moral and healthy children. Governments care—or ought to care—about families for this reason, and scarcely for any other. James Q. Wilson, The Moral Sense

13. The Economic Argument The basic rationale for marriage is to promote the production and rearing of children. Same-sex marriage would cost the state money, without providing those benefits. If (1) and (2), then same-sex marriage should not be legalized. [So] Same-sex marriage should not be legalized.