Grand Divisions

Tennessee Equality Project seeks to advance and protect the civil rights of our State’s gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons and their families in each Grand Division.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Uncivil Union: David Fowler and I face off on marriage

The Family Action Council of Tennessee's president David Fowler and I discuss the California Supreme Court's marriage ruling in today's Tennessean. Fowler argues that "marriage is different from any other relationship." In other words, benefits are given to the relationship because of its uniqueness. Although I certainly don't agree with the implication of his position, namely, shutting out same-sex couples, I will credit him for not making the argument in a hateful manner. He stuck to the issue and gave the logic of the "definitional" position.

I am arguing that the rapid growth in the number of same-sex couples in Tennessee and the reality of the constitutional amendment create a collision course, resulting in a need for policy that recognizes and protects same-sex couples in our state.

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