Why Marriage Matters : America, Equality, and Gay People's Right to Marry

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Summary: The most important benefit of marriage is marriage
Review: "The most important benefit of marriage is marriage." This simple statement has haunted me for more than a week after reading this rather enjoyable book. Evan Wolfson dissects the arguments for and against state recognition of marriage between people of the same-sex and why nothing can compare with marriage itself. Civil unions, domestic partners and the rest can never compare with the basic recognition, portability, and personal fulfillment that one gains through marriage.

Wolfson is one of the smartest and influential human rights leaders today. He brings a wealth of historic, legal, and personal perspectives and stories together in a surprisingly quick read aimed at the general public but a great resource for anyone interested in the institution of marriage, its history, and its future.

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Summary: If you care about Marriage, read this book!
Review: After reading WHY MARRIAGE MATTERS, AMERICA, EQUALITY AND GAY PEOPLE'S RIGHT TO MARRY, by Evan Wolfson, I felt proud to be an American again! I have struggled with the direction that this country has been going in and wanted to believe that we're truly are a country of the people, by the people and for the people. The underlying patriotism and sense of hope that is the basis of this book struck a chord in my heart.

America is struggling with the issue of marriage and who should be allowed to marry. WHY MARRIAGE MATTERS addresses the concerns of the everyday American with respect and accuracy. Wolfson touches on issues from the religious response to the historical argument, from racial equality to what the opponents of marriage equality DON'T want you to know. He does this with and consistent reverence to the founding principles of our great country and reminds the reader of those principles with inspiring quotes from American leaders through the ages. It is the duty of every American to read this book so that they will be able to discuss the issue of marriage with their friends and families.

The final message of this book is one of unity and hope. We all need this. I strongly recommend that every person who cares about marriage buy 2 copies of this book, one to read and one to share with those they love. There is nothing greater about this country than the importance we all place on communication and communion of truth. If everyone approached the issue of marriage from Wolfson's point of view, there would be far less misunderstanding surrounding this very important American institution. Please do yourself, and your family, a favor and read WHY MARRIAGE MATTERS.


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Summary: Thanks, Mr. Wolfson, for your book and your struggles!
Review: As the debate for marriage equality for same-sex couples moves to the ballot box in a dozen states this Fall, Evan Wolfson's thought-provoking and well-laid-out book, Why Marriage Matters, could not have appeared at a better time.

Addressed to a gay, as well as non-gay, audience, Mr. Wolfson builds up a steady and powerful case for marriage equality in our country's legal system. He addresses this subject in layman's terms but without being too simple. He doesn't preach, but answers the questions (and explains his answers) that are most often on the minds of those on both sides of the fence.

One of the most interesting and significant concepts Mr. Wolfson lays out and clarifies is that of marriage equality as a civil right. He explains how marriage equality parallels other civil rights issues, dissecting arguments made against marriage equality. He shows how the same arguments that have been used at various points over the past two hundred years to deny other citizens their constitutionally guaranteed civil rights continue to be used to this day to deny marriage equality.

The book reads as much like a thoughtful and provocative essay for the general public as it does a primer for concerned gay and lesbian citizens interested in how marriage equality could affect their personal and legal lives. Addressing the anti-same-sex marriage constitutional amendments being voted on in several states this Fall, Mr. Wolfson shows why, after these battles are over, there will still be much to struggle for in the days beyond. Mr. Wolfson not only forecasts trends, but he prepares his audience for their realization through a series of recommendations and ideas for educating Americans and dealing with fairness issues.

Having worked with various human/gay/civil rights organizations and seen how real this struggle is for the gay and lesbian community, I was impressed with the succinctness of Mr. Wolfson's arguments. He clearly outlines and explains the fairness of bringing about marriage equality in America while showing how this issue is ultimately everyone's struggle.

I would suggest that you read this book if you are concerned for personal reasons about marriage equality. Or read it if you have friends, relatives or co-workers who are affected by its message. But most of all, read Why Marriage Matters if you are concerned about the fairness and equity of all of our laws to all of our people. Because it really truly boils down to the words of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., who wrote in his letter from Birmingham Jail: "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

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Summary: I Wish I Had Said That
Review: Evan Wolfson has been called the Martin Luther King, Jr. of the gay rights movement. Since 1983, when he wrote his Harvard Law School thesis on the subject of marriage equality, Wolfson has focused his keen intellect on the subject. Now, he has done all of us a great service by writing Why Marriage Matters: America, Equality and Gay People's Right to Marry.

Why Marriage Matters addresses the concerns of everyday Americans as they struggle with the issue of marriage equality. He touches on all of the issues-from the religious response to the historical argument, from racial equality to what the opponents of marriage equality don't want you to know-in an easy to read, easy to follow way. In fact, the book becomes downright compulsive as Wolfson draws the reader into the compelling stories of real people whose lives are affected by society's injustice.

Never didactic or preachy, Wolfson explains carefully and respectfully exactly why marriage matters to the millions of us who can't have it. And he does it in the way that we could (if only we were so articulate). In fact, the next time you're discussing marriage equality with family or friends and you find you don't have the words, give them Why Marriage Matters instead.

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Summary: If you read one book on this topic, this is it
Review: Having known Evan Wolfson and his work for years, I expected the book to be brilliant. What astounded me was that Wolfson has found a way both to cover all the issues and to provide a great read. After I began the book, I couldn't put it down. Integrating personal stories and analysis,the book is compelling from cover to cover. He is truly the Martin Luther King, Jr. of this movement.

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Summary: Why Marriage Matters
Review: In penning "Why Marriage Matters" Evan Wolfson has captured, in a calm and persuasive manner, the reasons why gays and lesbians should be granted the right to marry. If one views the family as the "basic unit" of society, it is not, as the opponents of equal access to marriage claim, restricted to one man and one woman united for procreation. As Wolfson notes, not all couples have children, not all children have two parents, and the only common theme for those wanting to get married is love and commitment.

Wolfson confronts and dismantles each emotional, religious, and social reason put forth in this raging cultural war. And as he observes, the arguments are not new, unique, nor confined to homosexuals. The same arguments have been repeatedly used to deny other minority groups their civil rights. Wolfson demonstrates that marriage is a legal right, not a religious one and the government has no compelling reason to discriminate against homosexuals in this most basic of all civil rights - the right to chose your spouse.

Although Wolfson's book is unlikely to change the mind of his staunchest opponents in the "rites and rights" battle, it will convince many who come with an open mind that there is no good or just reason to deny homosexuals the right to legally marry. "Why Marriage Matters" is a compelling book written by a man at the heart of a struggle. It is must read for anyone interested in this important issue.


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Summary: misguided - intellectually dishonest
Review: Mr. Wolfson's first mistake in his thesis is the lack of acknowledging that he is working to re-define marriage. I completely discredit his work. Do not waste your time with this book. Instead try Mr. Sullivans recent contribution to the spirited debate.

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Summary: The Definitive Argument for Equal Marriage Rights
Review: This book achieves the rare feat of making a non-fiction book into a page- turner. The arguments of course are compelling, reflecting the most persuasive points in a pithy fashion. It is the examples of how marriage impacts individual lives that keeps you reading it. Quite simply, the combination of effective argument and people's lives will convince the most skeptical. Even those who disagree with equal marriage rights should read this to see what arguments they need to defeat. A great book for anyone - you won't put it down.

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Summary: The Definitive Polemic
Review: This is the definitive polemic on why marriage rights must be preserved for same sex couples; not civil unions, not "gay marriage," just marriage.

Wolfson, a nationally renowned attorney and the director of Freedom To Marry, tackles the political, ethical, religous and legal arguments, and does so with grace, elegence and rigorous logic.

He frames the entire discussion in terms of civil rights, and makes a compelling and irrefutable case.

This is the book to give to your friends who "still don't get it" and say "ok, here, read this, and come back with questions."