Books & DVD's — LMA Recommended Reading & Viewing

When you buy any of these books and DVD's through Amazon.com links on this page, a portion of your purchase goes to fund LMA's efforts.

We recognize that you may prefer to support your local independent book seller by buying any of these books directly through them.

Order from Wolfe Video	Gray, Catherine—Editor Betty DeGeneres—Narrator I Can't Marry You Wolfe Video (2004). DVD. 57 minutes. A film about same-sex marriage, narrated by Betty DeGeneres, mother of comedian and talk show host, Ellen DeGeneres. This educational film explores the real life stories of 20 long term (10-55 years) gay and lesbian couples, and reveals the obstacles they encounter due to not being able to marry in the U.S. Included are pertinent facts and information from specialists on this topic, including renowned civil rights attorney Evan Wolfson of The Freedom to Marry Organization, and John J. McNeill, author of "The Church and the Homosexual." "I Can't Marry You" has been shown on many PBS stations around the country.
	De Sève, Jim Tying the Knot Outcast Films (2003). DVD. 82 minutes. Extremely relevant, highly entertaining and utterly humanist, the critically-acclaimed film festival favorite TYING THE KNOT poignantly explores one of today's hottest issues, the ferocious political battle in the US between gay people who want to marry and those determined to stop them.
	Wolfson, Evan Why Marriage Matters Simon & Schuster (2004) Hardcover. 242 pages. From renowned civil rights attorney Evan Wolfson, an engaging and logical discussion of a crucial issue at the forefront of our national consciousness: equal marriage rights for same-sex couples. Why is marriage so important? Why not just use another word? Will marriage for gay couples affect my church? Is it harmful to children? Preeminent civil and gay rights attorney Evan Wolfson provides clear, straightforward answers to these and many other questions in Why Marriage Matters. Following the recent landmark Massachusetts ruling that gay people have the right to marry, and in anticipation of the impact this issue will have on the 2004 presidential election, Evan Wolfson presents a compelling, commonsense argument for same-sex couples' right to marry. As a nationwide decision grows imminent, Americans are seeking answers as to why civil marriage equality is right- indeed necessary-for all couples and for the country. Aimed at non-gay and gay individuals alike, Why Marriage Matters addresses these concerns with persuasive, fair-minded reasoning based on constitutional and humane evidence and inspires intelligent, informed dialogue. More enlightening than incendiary, Wolfson abstains from using legal rhetoric in favor of simple, forthright explanations grounded in legal precedent. Powerful, thorough, and provocative, this volume promises to become a touchstone work for one of the most significant issues of our time. Highly recommended. Key Resource.
	Katulski, Davina Why You Should Give a Damn About Gay Marriage Advocate Books (2004) Paperback. 202 pages. From the cover of Newsweek, to the Rose Garden at the White House, the long simmering issue of gay marriage has erupted into full boil. While countries such as Canada and Belgium have recently legalized gay marriage, the US seems steadfastly locked in the past. Change, Davina Kotulski argues, will only come through organized activism, but the importance of legalized gay marriage remains unclear to many in the GLBT community. There are no less than 1049 federal rights granted to hetero-sexuals that remain out of reach to gays and lesbians as long as they don?t have the right to marry. This quick and simple read outlines the rights, benefits and protections afforded through marriage, exploring the negative effects of not having these rights through case examples of real couples who have experienced hardships and composite vignettes illustrating how couples can be hurt by lacking access to these protections. Through learning of the great disparity between how same-sex couples are treated compared to heterosexual couples, and of the membership privileges society affords married couples readers of this book will begin to see new possibilities in their lives, and be inspired to join the growing freedom to marry movement. (Review from Amazon.com)
	Rauch, Jonathan Gay Marriage: Why It Is Good for Gays, Good for Straights, and Good for America Times Books (2004) Hardcover. 207 pages. Two people meet and fall in love. They get married, they become upstanding members of their community, they care for each other when one falls ill, they grow old together. What's wrong with this picture? Nothing, says Jonathan Rauch, and that's the point. If the two people are of the same sex, why should this chain of events be any less desirable? Marriage is more than a bond between individuals; it also links them to the community at large. Excluding some people from the prospect of marriage not only is harmful to them, but is also corrosive of the institution itself. The controversy over gay marriage has reached a critical point in American political life as liberals and conservatives have begun to mobilize around this issue, pro and con. But no one has come forward with a compelling, comprehensive, and readable case for gay marriage-until now. Jonathan Rauch, one of our most original and incisive social commentators, has written a clear and honest manifesto explaining why gay marriage is important-even crucial-to the health of marriage in America today. Rauch grounds his argument in commonsense, mainstream values and confronting the social conservatives on their own turf. Gay marriage, he shows, is a "win-win-win" for strengthening the bonds that tie us together and for remaining true to our national heritage of fairness and humaneness toward all. (Review from Amazon.com) Highly recommended.
	Moats, David Civil Wars: A Battle for Gay Marriage Harcourt (2004) Hardcover and paperback. 280 pages. In 2000 Vermont became the first state to grant gay and lesbian couples the right to join in civil unions-a groundbreaking decision that has inspired similar legislation in six states thus far. But it was not an easy victory; the ruling sparked the fiercest political conflict in the state's memory. David Moats was in the thick of it, writing a series of balanced, humane editorials that earned a Pulitzer Prize. Now he tells the intimate stories behind the battle and introduces us to all the key actors in the struggle, including the couples who first filed suit; the lawyers who spent years championing the case; and the only openly gay legislator in Vermont, who ensured victory with an impassioned, deeply personal speech on the House floor at a crucial moment. Civil Wars is a remarkable drama of democracy at work on a human scale. (Description from Amazon.com) Highly recommended.
	Graff, E. J. What Is Marriage For? The Strange Social History of Our Most Intimate Institution Beacon Press (1999) Hardcover and paperback. 303 pages. The author uses her own same-sex relationship as a starting point for this engaging yet academically rigorous examination of the history and purpose of civil marriage. Useful for gay and non-gay readers alike. Advocates, debaters, and the general reader will find much to like in this book. Highly recommended.
	Curry, Hayden, et al. Legal Guide for Lesbian and Gay Couples (12th edition) Nolo Press (2004) Paperback. Now more than ever, it's important that you define and protect your relationship in the eyes of the law. If you don't, you run the risk of being shut out each other's lives -- and the lives of children you co-parent -- in times of medical, financial or personal crisis. This practical, plain-English guide shows lesbian and gay couples how to: make practical decisions about living together obtain domestic partner benefits make medical decisions for each other when needed take care of your partner's finances when your partner can't leave property to each other understand the practical and legal aspects of having and raising children through adoption, donor insemination, surrogacy or foster parenting A Legal Guide for Lesbian & Gay Couples, now in its 12th edition; is completely revised and updated to cover new domestic-partnership laws in California and New Jersey, same-sex marriage in Massachusetts and Canada, the latest on raising children and updated estate planning laws.
	Eskridge, William N., Jr. The Case for Same-Sex Marriage: From Sexual Liberty to Civilized Commitment Free Press (1996) Hardcover. 296 pages William Eskridge is one of the nation's most eloquent and knowledgeable writers and speakers on same-sex marriage. The author sees the roots of civil marriage in the nation's legal/constitutional traditions and the realities of coupled life. Those who intend to write or debate on the topic will find the author's objection-handling especially useful. The notes, references, and lists of relevant court cases (some of which are listed here on the LMA site) will be useful for further reading.
	Strasser, Mark The Challenge of Same-Sex Marriage: Federalist Principles and Constitutional Protections Praeger (1999) Hardcover. 248 pages. Law professor Mark Strasser aims this book at lawyers, theorists, and advanced advocates. He examines the Constitutional underpinnings of marriage, the reach of Full Faith and Credit and its implications for recognition of relationships across state lines, the threat of ballot backlash, the Defense of Marriage Act, retroactive legislation, and Natural Law.
	Strasser, Mark On Same-Sex Marriage, Civil Unions, and the Rule of Law: Constitutional Interpretation at the Crossroads Praeger (2002). Hardcover. 194 pages. Contents: Vermont's Creation of Civil Unions; When Are Benefits Equal; Civil Unions and Parental Status; The Right to Travel; Retroactivity and the Hawaii Referendum; Toleration and Same-Sex Relationships; Marriage, Religion, and Free Exercise; Understanding Loving and Equal Protection Guarantees; Threats to the Right to Privacy

Order from Wolfe Video

Gray, Catherine—Editor
Betty DeGeneres—Narrator
I Can't Marry You
Wolfe Video (2004). DVD. 57 minutes.

A film about same-sex marriage, narrated by Betty DeGeneres, mother of comedian and talk show host, Ellen DeGeneres.

This educational film explores the real life stories of 20 long term (10-55 years) gay and lesbian couples, and reveals the obstacles they encounter due to not being able to marry in the U.S. Included are pertinent facts and information from specialists on this topic, including renowned civil rights attorney Evan Wolfson of The Freedom to Marry Organization, and John J. McNeill, author of "The Church and the Homosexual."

"I Can't Marry You" has been shown on many PBS stations around the country.

De Sève, Jim
Tying the Knot
Outcast Films (2003). DVD. 82 minutes.

Extremely relevant, highly entertaining and utterly humanist, the critically-acclaimed film festival favorite TYING THE KNOT poignantly explores one of today's hottest issues, the ferocious political battle in the US between gay people who want to marry and those determined to stop them.

Wolfson, Evan
Why Marriage Matters
Simon & Schuster (2004) Hardcover. 242 pages.

From renowned civil rights attorney Evan Wolfson, an engaging and logical discussion of a crucial issue at the forefront of our national consciousness: equal marriage rights for same-sex couples.

Why is marriage so important? Why not just use another word? Will marriage for gay couples affect my church? Is it harmful to children? Preeminent civil and gay rights attorney Evan Wolfson provides clear, straightforward answers to these and many other questions in Why Marriage Matters.

Following the recent landmark Massachusetts ruling that gay people have the right to marry, and in anticipation of the impact this issue will have on the 2004 presidential election, Evan Wolfson presents a compelling, commonsense argument for same-sex couples' right to marry. As a nationwide decision grows imminent, Americans are seeking answers as to why civil marriage equality is right- indeed necessary-for all couples and for the country. Aimed at non-gay and gay individuals alike, Why Marriage Matters addresses these concerns with persuasive, fair-minded reasoning based on constitutional and humane evidence and inspires intelligent, informed dialogue.

More enlightening than incendiary, Wolfson abstains from using legal rhetoric in favor of simple, forthright explanations grounded in legal precedent. Powerful, thorough, and provocative, this volume promises to become a touchstone work for one of the most significant issues of our time. Highly recommended. Key Resource.

Katulski, Davina
Why You Should Give a Damn About Gay Marriage
Advocate Books (2004) Paperback. 202 pages.

From the cover of Newsweek, to the Rose Garden at the White House, the long simmering issue of gay marriage has erupted into full boil. While countries such as Canada and Belgium have recently legalized gay marriage, the US seems steadfastly locked in the past. Change, Davina Kotulski argues, will only come through organized activism, but the importance of legalized gay marriage remains unclear to many in the GLBT community. There are no less than 1049 federal rights granted to hetero-sexuals that remain out of reach to gays and lesbians as long as they don?t have the right to marry. This quick and simple read outlines the rights, benefits and protections afforded through marriage, exploring the negative effects of not having these rights through case examples of real couples who have experienced hardships and composite vignettes illustrating how couples can be hurt by lacking access to these protections. Through learning of the great disparity between how same-sex couples are treated compared to heterosexual couples, and of the membership privileges society affords married couples readers of this book will begin to see new possibilities in their lives, and be inspired to join the growing freedom to marry movement. (Review from Amazon.com)

Rauch, Jonathan
Gay Marriage: Why It Is Good for Gays, Good for Straights, and Good for America
Times Books (2004) Hardcover. 207 pages.
Two people meet and fall in love. They get married, they become upstanding members of their community, they care for each other when one falls ill, they grow old together. What's wrong with this picture? Nothing, says Jonathan Rauch, and that's the point. If the two people are of the same sex, why should this chain of events be any less desirable? Marriage is more than a bond between individuals; it also links them to the community at large. Excluding some people from the prospect of marriage not only is harmful to them, but is also corrosive of the institution itself.

The controversy over gay marriage has reached a critical point in American political life as liberals and conservatives have begun to mobilize around this issue, pro and con. But no one has come forward with a compelling, comprehensive, and readable case for gay marriage-until now.

Jonathan Rauch, one of our most original and incisive social commentators, has written a clear and honest manifesto explaining why gay marriage is important-even crucial-to the health of marriage in America today. Rauch grounds his argument in commonsense, mainstream values and confronting the social conservatives on their own turf. Gay marriage, he shows, is a "win-win-win" for strengthening the bonds that tie us together and for remaining true to our national heritage of fairness and humaneness toward all. (Review from Amazon.com) Highly recommended.

Moats, David
Civil Wars: A Battle for Gay Marriage
Harcourt (2004) Hardcover and paperback. 280 pages.

In 2000 Vermont became the first state to grant gay and lesbian couples the right to join in civil unions-a groundbreaking decision that has inspired similar legislation in six states thus far. But it was not an easy victory; the ruling sparked the fiercest political conflict in the state's memory. David Moats was in the thick of it, writing a series of balanced, humane editorials that earned a Pulitzer Prize. Now he tells the intimate stories behind the battle and introduces us to all the key actors in the struggle, including the couples who first filed suit; the lawyers who spent years championing the case; and the only openly gay legislator in Vermont, who ensured victory with an impassioned, deeply personal speech on the House floor at a crucial moment.

Civil Wars is a remarkable drama of democracy at work on a human scale. (Description from Amazon.com) Highly recommended.

Graff, E. J.
What Is Marriage For? The Strange Social History of Our Most Intimate Institution
Beacon Press (1999) Hardcover and paperback. 303 pages.

The author uses her own same-sex relationship as a starting point for this engaging yet academically rigorous examination of the history and purpose of civil marriage. Useful for gay and non-gay readers alike. Advocates, debaters, and the general reader will find much to like in this book. Highly recommended.

Curry, Hayden, et al.
Legal Guide for Lesbian and Gay Couples (12th edition)
Nolo Press (2004) Paperback.
Now more than ever, it's important that you define and protect your relationship in the eyes of the law. If you don't, you run the risk of being shut out each other's lives -- and the lives of children you co-parent -- in times of medical, financial or personal crisis. This practical, plain-English guide shows lesbian and gay couples how to:

make practical decisions about living together
obtain domestic partner benefits
make medical decisions for each other when needed
take care of your partner's finances when your partner can't
leave property to each other
understand the practical and legal aspects of having and raising children through adoption, donor insemination, surrogacy or foster parenting

A Legal Guide for Lesbian & Gay Couples, now in its 12th edition; is completely revised and updated to cover new domestic-partnership laws in California and New Jersey, same-sex marriage in Massachusetts and Canada, the latest on raising children and updated estate planning laws.

Eskridge, William N., Jr.
The Case for Same-Sex Marriage: From Sexual Liberty to Civilized Commitment
Free Press (1996) Hardcover. 296 pages

William Eskridge is one of the nation's most eloquent and knowledgeable writers and speakers on same-sex marriage. The author sees the roots of civil marriage in the nation's legal/constitutional traditions and the realities of coupled life. Those who intend to write or debate on the topic will find the author's objection-handling especially useful. The notes, references, and lists of relevant court cases (some of which are listed here on the LMA site) will be useful for further reading.

Strasser, Mark
The Challenge of Same-Sex Marriage: Federalist Principles and Constitutional Protections
Praeger (1999) Hardcover. 248 pages.

Law professor Mark Strasser aims this book at lawyers, theorists, and advanced advocates. He examines the Constitutional underpinnings of marriage, the reach of Full Faith and Credit and its implications for recognition of relationships across state lines, the threat of ballot backlash, the Defense of Marriage Act, retroactive legislation, and Natural Law.

Strasser, Mark
On Same-Sex Marriage, Civil Unions, and the Rule of Law: Constitutional Interpretation at the Crossroads
Praeger (2002). Hardcover. 194 pages.

Contents: Vermont's Creation of Civil Unions; When Are Benefits Equal; Civil Unions and Parental Status; The Right to Travel; Retroactivity and the Hawaii Referendum; Toleration and Same-Sex Relationships; Marriage, Religion, and Free Exercise; Understanding Loving and Equal Protection Guarantees; Threats to the Right to Privacy