MARRIAGE AND HOMOSEXUALITY: Maggie Gallagher replies to Mark Barton

There is no doubt that one's view on gay marriage are often influenced by views about homosexuality and about moral norms related to sexuality in general. No doubt many people are opposed to gay marriage because they don't wish to normalize or affirm gay sexual relationships. Nor am I claiming my views on these things the same as Andrew Sullivan's. But I have been in the public arena for 20 years, without focusing on the gay debate. And I quit my job to found a think tank to address the gay marriage issue as a marriage issue (which has been my central focus for 20 years). So, I think you ought to believe me, wrongheaded as it may seem to you, that I'm here in the thick of things because I think it really is a big deal for marriage.

Moreover about 40 to 50 percent of Americans think homosexual acts are wrong. About 60 to 75 percent of Americans are opposed to gay marriage.

So while some people may oppose gay marriage solely because they oppose homosexuality, some other things are at work here in the public mind. I'm always surprised at the extent to which many (not all) advocates of gay marriage do not seem to fathom what a radical transformation in a basic institution they are asking for. I suppose its because in their own heads they've already redefined marriage, such that same-sex marriage is not a big deal. So its hard for them to see what they are asking the rest of us.

posted by Eve at 4:11 PM VOTE

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