Same-Sex Marriage in the United States

June 1, 2013

As the Supreme Court considers two major same-sex marriage cases, Pierceson (political science, Univ. of Illinois, Springfield) provides a detailed account of the rise of this issue as a major national focus. Both chronologically and geographically, he examines legislative and judicial action on the matter as it has arisen in state after state, producing an excellent survey of the litigation and legislation related to same-sex marriage, beginning in the 1950s. His book also explains the political forces--both progressive and conservative--that have shaped the national conversation on the subject. Though Pierceson's major focus is on the United States, he includes a chapter devoted to the politics and laws related to same-sex marriage elsewhere. At the time of writing, the author projected that the Supreme Court would hear cases related to the Defense of Marriage Act and to California's Proposition 8, which has come to pass, and concludes by offering predictions about how the court will rule. VERDICT A fine source for studying the same-sex marriage debate, especially in the United States, this title offers useful insights for researchers. Though academic, the writing here is approachable and its style agreeable enough for general readers interested in the development of this important national topic.--Rachel Bridgewater, Portland Community Coll. Lib., OR

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