Alone and Unobserved

Probably the definitive argument for gay marriage. What is especially interesting is that Rauch is a strong believer in marriage as an institution, and makes a strong case for gay marriage because of, rather that in spite of, this belief.

Rauch begins by searching for a logical definition of marriage, and demonstrates that no truly consistent definition automatically excludes same-sex unions. He then attempts to outline the benefits gay marriage would bring to gays, straights, and the institutions of marriage itself (the last is particularly intriguing). This accomplished, he presents and counters several of the more common reasons given against the legalization of same-sex marriage, starting with the easiest and proceeding to the subtler, more difficult ones. He concludes the book by advocating a federalist, state-by-state, legislative approach to legalizing gay marriage, as opposed to a constitutional amendment, a court order, or a Congressional act.

This book was published in 2004, before any good data from Massachusetts and Canada was available, but its arguments are still valid. Rauch wrote primarily to those who are already open to the idea of same-sex unions in one form or another, but readers should feel free to use his logical points in discussions with all types of people, from gays to staunch members of Focus on the Family.

Some arguments for same-sex marriage can be found in sound-bite form on the HRC website, but don’t expect them to be presented as powerfully or as clearly.