Same-Sex Marriage, Legal Mobilization, and the Politics of Rights

The civil rights of lesbians and gay men are a prominent issue on the public agenda today, and one of the most contentious debates is the recognition of same-sex relationships. Same-sex marriage is being addressed in legislatures and courts throughout the world. This book highlights the legal and political battles of same-sex marriages in the United States. In addition, a survey of the status of gay relationships in other countries is outlined in order to compare these claims for equal rights in various political and social contexts. The movement to recognize gay and lesbian relationships demonstrates that law and conceptions of rights are important political resources for creating social change.