Family Quote by Christopher Ryan
““If the independent, isolated nuclear family unit is, in fact, the structure into which human beings most naturally configure themselves, why do contemporary societies and religions find it necessary to prop it up with tax breaks and supportive legislation while fiercely defending it from same-sex couples and others proposing to marry in supposedly “nontraditional” ways? One wonders, in fact, why marriage is a legal issue at all—apart from its relevance to immigration and property laws. Why would something so integral to human nature require such vigilant legal protection?””
About This Quote
The quote questions why the nuclear family is privileged by law and religion despite being presented as natural, and challenges the necessity of legal protection for marriage.
In simple terms: It asks why society legally protects marriage if it's supposedly natural.
Key Takeaway
Question the assumptions behind marriage laws.
Themes
family
law
sexuality
culture
religion
Mood
critical
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- policy debate
- family counseling
- activism
- academic research
Key Concepts
social contract
natural law
legal protection
Questions to Reflect On
- How does law shape our view of family?
- Are there alternative models that deserve equal protection?
A Different Perspective
Legal protections may ignore diverse family structures and perpetuate inequality.
![“It is because of me — I definitely think [my show] has helped the movement. Before it came out, everyone was still a little apprehensive about [same sex relationships]. Then they realized, 'Wow, everyone is really into this stuff, and it is fine.' The next thing you know, [gay marriage] is legal.” quote by Tila Tequila](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c1c/tila-tequila-20796_fine_it-is-because-of-me-i-definitely-think-m_511447.jpg)
![“[Man] has imagined a heaven, and has left entirely out of it the supremest of all his delights, the one ecstasy that stands first and foremost in the heart of every individual of his race…sexual intercourse! It is as if a lost and perishing person in a roasting desert should be told by a rescuer…” quote by Christopher Ryan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/939/christopher-ryan-4309_joy_man-has-imagined-a-heaven-and-has-left-e_187069.jpg)
