The Same-Sex Future: Review of Recent Books By Law Professor David Cole

07/02/09 NY Review of Books, written 06/04/09, by Georgetown University law professor David Cole:

Cole reviews several books on same-sex marriage whose authors are law professors and constitutional scholars. He describes recent court decisions and laws, and the historical context for them; examines three arguments against same-sex marriage and the authors' responses to them; assesses the strategy underlying Perry et al. v. Schwarzenegger, while favoring the benefits of incrementalism and state court victories; considers proposals to separate the civil and religious aspects of marriage; and concludes that same-sex marriage fulfills "the constitutional principle of equality."

Although Cole reviews Same-Sex Marriage and Religious Liberty: Emerging Conflicts, he says nothing about a topic of keen interest - the debate on the grounds for, and scope, of religious-liberty exemptions in same-sex marriage laws.