Why We Should Oppose Same Sex Marriage - David Novak

David Novak’s article summarises the content of a recent discussion he had with the philosopher Martha Nussbaum regarding the institution of marriage. His argument stems from the fact that since the state has inherited marriage as an institution from a pre-political tradition, it has no place in attempting to redefine the meaning of what marriage is. He draws on Nussbaum’s distinction between the private, or ‘expressive’, elements of marriage, (sexual relations, friendship and companionship, love, conversation, mutual responsibility), and the public aspects, (procreation and child-rearing). Since the state only has a valid interest in the public aspects of marriage – for replenishing its citizenry and ensuring national continuity – then it follows that marriage is inherently endorsed as a heterosexual union, since homosexual couples cannot naturally conceive children.

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