The Morality of Gay Rights

Does society have a moral obligation to recognize gay rights? Carlos Ball says it does. Supporters of gay rights typically argue that the state should maintain a neutral stance on the morality of gay and lesbian sexuality and relationships. But Ball takes the unconventional view that supporters of gay rights should make explicitly moral arguments. In particular, Ball argues that the human needs and capabilities of lesbians and gay men deserve the moral respect of society. InThe Morality of Gay Rights, Ball presents a comprehensive exploration of the connection between gay rights and political philosophy. He discusses the writing of contemporary political and legal philosophers-including Rawls, Walzer, Nussbaum, Sandel, Rorty and Dworkin-to evaluate how their theoretical frameworks fit the specific gay rights controversies, such as same-sex marriage and parenting by lesbians and gay men, that are part of our nation's political and legal debates.The Morality of Gay Rightsalso takes theunusual position of using the work of the postmodernist philosopher Michel Foucault to support liberal ideas. With its well-written descriptions of the key texts and its accessible, persuasive arguments, this book belongs on the shelf of every citizen who is serious about gay rights.