Same_Sex_Marriage_(Jordan)...doc

Same Sex Marriage 3/29 Jeff Jordan vs. David Boonin Common arguments against same sex marriage Marriage is a union between a man and a woman (definition): can/ maybe should be changed Marriage is traditionally a union between a man and a woman: traditions are not always morally right Marriage is about procreation: not the only reason why people marry in reality Gay marriage will lead to allowing bestiality and incest: slippery slope argument The State has an obligation to promote reproduction Jeff Jordan?s ?Wrong to Discriminate on Basis of Homosexuality? Does homosexuality have same moral status as heterosexuality? Parity: same moral status (with regards to private actions only) Difference: morally permissible to discriminate against homosexual behavior Public actions not OK. Government should be doing something about morally objectionable actions Public actions vs. private actions Moral impasse: no resolution due to opposing views Public policy issues at hand Public dilemma: when we both think that the government do something about the issue Both sides cannot be right or wrong Resolution to Public Dilemma Resolution by declaration Declares one side as right and the other wrong Resolution by accommodation Be neutral and accommodate both sides Jordan says that the government really should not declare anything without having an overriding reason to pick a side. Argument against Jordan: Gay rights is an overriding reason To do otherwise, is for the state to act in a tyrannical way and will probably violate the rights of the government?s citizens. Jordan is equivocating between marriage and just homosexuality. In order to accommodate both sides, Jordan argues Sanctioning marriage is picking one side (homosexuals get what they want) Not sanctioning marriage is more accommodating Government?s job is to protect basic rights: therefore an overriding reason is gay rights. 3/31 more same sex marriage Jordan?s Argument Outline Issue of same-sex marriage is a public dilemma Accommodation is possible if the State does not recognize same sex marriage Accommodation is not possible if the State does recognize same sex marriage There is no overriding reason for a resolution via declaration Thus, the State ought not sanction same sex marriage He does not believe marriage is a right. Therefore not a civil right?s issue in his mind. Question to consider: Is equality a fundamental right?