A new book on same-sex marriage adds compelling evidence to the debate, while also making some controversial recommendations. Gay Marriage: For Better or For Worse? claims to be “the first of its kind to present empirical evidence about same-sex marriage.” The authors, attorneys Darren R. Spedale and William N. Eskridge, Jr., study the example of Scandinavia, where same-sex couples have enjoyed the rights and benefits of marriage (under the name “registered partnership”) since 1989.
After examining the history and current state of Scandinavian registered partnerships, they debunk claims that marriage in Scandinavia “withered” after the legalization of same-sex partnerships, and conclude:
Not only does same-sex marriage not harm the institution of marriage, but it actually benefits the institution. . . . Gay marriage keeps relationships stronger, strengthens families, protects children, promotes tolerance, and can even lead to benefits on a national scale.
This is useful evidence, assuming the methodology behind it is sound. One of Spedale and Eskridge’s recommendations, however, may provoke debate within the LGBT community. They say that both gay and straight Scandinavians usually don’t distinguish between registered partnership and marriage. Sweden, Norway, and Denmark may in fact switch legally to the term “marriage” within a few years. Scandinavia is thus a good model for the U. S. marriage debate.
So far, so good. They then propose:
A lesson for American gay activists is this: by taking 97 percent or so of the benefits of marriage now, the remaining 3 percent will come in the near future. Moreover, an all-or-nothing approach – marriage or nothing – may not be the best strategy for lesbian and gay rights. . . .
With that in mind, gay activists seeking same-sex marriage in many states will be best off following the Connecticut example – to make small compromises, work with the state legislature, take almost all of the benefits of marriage now, and save the “fight” for the last 3 or 4 percent of benefits that take you all the way to same-sex marriage, including the name.
This is one of those issues that incites strong feelings among LGBT citizens. It’s right up there with questions like whether The L Word is a fun bit of escapism or an unrealistic and damaging portrayal of lesbian life. (For parents, it’s akin to such issues as when to stop breastfeeding or whether to use the Ferber method.)
Regardless of whether you agree with Spedale and Eskridge’s recommendation for the future, you may want to read their book for its analysis of the Scandinavian past. Sixteen years of legalized same-sex relationships, and their societies aren’t falling apart. Break out the aquavit.
