Traditionally, proponents of gay and lesbian rights have ceded the turf of 'morality' to their opponents and have usually advocated the privatization of moral values. The essays in this fine collection engage social conservatives on their own terms in a variety of ways, and they demonstrate convincingly that recognition of same sex attraction and union can be defended vigorously on moral and ethical grounds. The contributors to this volume show that recognition of the legitimacy of same-sex unions is not simply a matter of morally neutral 'tolerance,' but that such unions can make positive contributions to the public interest. This volume represents an important contribution to political science and to the discourse of practical politics.

Ted G. Jelen, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Moral Argument, Religion, and Same-Sex Marriage contains timely and provocative essays on a subject rightly taking center stage in national debate.

H. N. Hirsch, Oberlin College

The strength of this book is to assert that American history, law, democracy, and morality is on their side....A good analysis.... Takes debates about same-sex marriage into a new direction, looking at how it raises important questions about democratic theory and the way progressives should use moral arguments in defending their views.... Recommended.

D. Schultz, Choice Reviews

This important and timely book powerfully shows how and why the contemporary case for gay rights in the United States can and should be made in substantive moral terms, appealing to the values that unite us as a free people under the rule of law.

David A.J. Richards, New York University