Introduction: Law and Social Change -- 1. Law and Rights Discourse in the Gay and Lesbian Social Movement in the United States -- 2. The History of Judicial Rejection of Same-Sex Marriage -- 3. Judicial Acceptance of Same-Sex Marriage -- 4. The Political Response to the Courts -- 5. Vermont's Supreme Court Grants Benefits of Marriage -- 6. Comparative Perspectives on the Recognition of Same-Sex Relationships -- 7. Conclusion
Summary
"The civil rights of lesbians and gay men are a prominent issue on the public agenda today, and one of the most contentious debates is the recognition of same-sex relationships. Same-sex marriage is being addressed in legislatures and courts throughout the world. This book highlights the legal and political battles of same-sex marriages in the United States. In addition, a survey of the status of gay relationships in other countries is outlined in order to compare these claims for equal rights in various political and social contexts. The movement to recognize gay and lesbian relationships demonstrates that law and conceptions of rights are important political resources for creating social change."--BOOK JACKET
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references (pages [177]-194) and index
