Problems with Same-Sex Marriage Bill

In principle, I don’t object to federal same-sex marriage legislation. I could not object more intensely, however, to the federal “Respect for Marriage Act” that Congress is about to enact.

If the legislation were merely about the merits of shoring up a federal entitlement to same-sex marriage through the appropriate route of federal legislation, I would lay my philosophical reservations aside. In the name of domestic tranquility regarding an issue on which my opposition is ambivalent while the pro-side is invested and passionate, I would accede. Alas, the legislation is not about enabling same-sex marriage. It is about extorting the progressive version of virtue, with emphasis on extortion.

About the Author

Andrew C. McCarthy

Andrew C. McCarthy is a senior fellow at National Review Institute, an NR contributing editor, and author of Ball of Collusion: The Plot to Rig an Election and Destroy a Presidency.

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In principle, I don’t object to federal same-sex marriage legislation. I could not object more intensely, however, to the federal “Respect for Marriage Act” that Congress is about to enact.

If the legislation were merely about the merits of shoring up a federal entitlement to same-sex marriage through the appropriate route of federal legislation, I would lay my philosophical reservations aside. In the name of domestic tranquility regarding an issue on which my opposition is ambivalent while the pro-side is invested and passionate, I would accede. Alas, the legislation is not about enabling same-sex marriage. It is about extorting the progressive version of virtue, with emphasis on extortion.

About the Author

Andrew C. McCarthy

Andrew C. McCarthy is a senior fellow at National Review Institute, an NR contributing editor, and author of Ball of Collusion: The Plot to Rig an Election and Destroy a Presidency.