DOES HISTORY MATTER? Matt Taylor replies to R.K. Becker

In response to my observation that we know little about the effects of SSM on society, R.K. Becker writes: "Would Matt take a similar approach to proposed untested radical changes affecting the environment? Or the ecology? Or the weather? Or the economy? ... It seems to be tacitly assumed by SSM proponents (and sometimes even its opponents) that the burden of proof should be on those who argue against it to prove that it is harmful."

Pardon me, but I never suggested the approach to which R.K. refers. R.K. is correct that society is a complex system, and changes to it should be made cautiously. This is one reason I only support SSM when it is enacted by elected legislators, or by referendum. Wherever a majority of voters approve of SSM, the associated cultural changes have, to a large extent, already happened; government is then following cultural change, as it should, rather than driving it. In the short term, a policy of civil union or domestic partnership may be more sensible, since it addresses the tangible needs of same-sex couples without changing fundamental cultural concepts.
posted by Eve at 1:52 AM | link

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