Same-Sex Marriage (historical Guides To Controversial Issues In America) [Hardcover]

The same-sex marriage debate is currently a central preoccupation of Western society, and both those for and against it have their points of view. After examining religious and social attitudes toward homosexuality and marriage throughout history, Phy-Olsen examines the strongest arguments on both sides of this highly contested issue. Readers are presented with both sides of the debate in an objective manner, and are thus able to form their own opinions.

Written for students and the general public, the work provides historical and cultural context for examining the issue of same-sex marriage. Included are leading spokespeople for both positions, a discussion of the role of the media, as well as a concluding chapter discussing where the issue seems to be headed, based on present trends that both favor or bode ill for the future of same-sex marriage. An annotated bibliography lists print and electronic resources for those seeking additional information.

Phy-Olsen outlines the taboos against, or tolerance of, homosexuality in varying periods and cultures; presents key arguments for and against the extension of marriage by leading proponents on both sides; describes alternatives that exist to traditional heterosexual marriage; and provides the history of the LGBT subcultures/liberation movements and a discussion of the future of gay rights and heterosexual matrimony as an institution. An appendix lists pro-gay marriage movies (noting that few movies opposing same-sex marriage are made), and an annotated bibliography provides researchers with primary source materials&.A highly useful, balanced presentation of the arguments for both sides of the debate. Highly recommended. A good resource for public libraries and high school and undergraduate level collections. Choice

[B]est suited to high school students or lower-division college students. It provides a usefullã7