What Is Marriage?
Conservative commentary on the marriage debate and other topics influencing marriage culture and policy.
Marriage
Arguments for and against:
- Same-sex marriage
- Polyamorous marriage
- Platonic consanguineous marriage
- Sologamy (self-marriage)
Civil Unions
Civil unions influence marriage culture and policy by offering an alternative to marriage. Civil unions are often understood to be “light” marriages, with many of the same benefits as marriage but with less tradition and social expectations.
Cohabitation / Casual Sex
Cohabitation and casual sex influence marriage culture and policy by offering an alternative to marriage. Those who engage in cohabitation likely wish to access the same rights as those who are married.
Contraception / Abortion
Contraception and abortion influence marriage culture and policy by competing with marriage as a means of regulating procreation. The potential to procreate has traditionally been a crucial aspect of marriage and one which influences who can and cannot marry.
Divorce
Divorce influences marriage culture and policy by affecting the public understanding of marriage, and the social expectations of those who marry.
Gender Identity
Gender identity influences marriage culture and policy by affecting the opposite-sex requirement of marriage. If gender identity replaces biological sex as a means of legal classification, then there is likely no legal basis to limit marriage to opposite-sex couples.
Pornography
Pornography influences marriage culture and policy by affecting attitudes towards sexual relationships, which in turn affects attitudes to socially approved sexual relationships.
Surrogacy
Surrogacy influences marriage culture and policy by allowing couples to procreate who otherwise could not. The potential to procreate has traditionally been a central aspect of marriage and one which influences who can and cannot marry.
