Arbitrary Quote by Charles Krauthammer
“In an essay 10 years ago, I pointed out that it is utterly logical for polygamy rights to follow gay rights. After all, if traditional marriage is defined as the union of (1) two people of (2) opposite gender, and if, as advocates of gay marriage insist, the gender requirement is nothing but prejudice, exclusion and an arbitrary denial of one's autonomous choices in love, then the first requirement - the number restriction (two and only two) - is a similarly arbitrary, discriminatory and indefensible denial of individual choice.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: 1995, The New York Times
Argues that if gender restrictions in marriage are seen as prejudice, then limiting marriage to two people is similarly arbitrary.
In simple terms: Equality in marriage should include both gender and number.
Key Takeaway
Advocate for inclusive marriage definitions.
Themes
civil rights
equality
marriage law
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- legal reform
- public policy debates
- activist campaigns
Key Concepts
prejudice
autonomy
discrimination
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies shift deeply rooted marriage norms?
- What legal strategies support broader marriage rights?
A Different Perspective
Cultural resistance may impede change.
