Couple Quote by John Roberts
“I'm not sure that it's right to view this as excluding a particular group. When the institution of marriage developed historically, people didn't get around and say, 'Let's have this institution, but let's keep out homosexuals.' The institution developed to serve purposes that, by their nature, didn't include homosexual couples.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Supreme Court oral argument, 2015
The quote argues that marriage historically excluded same‑sex couples because the institution was designed for opposite‑sex purposes, not to discriminate intentionally.
In simple terms: Marriage was originally meant for opposite‑sex couples, not to exclude.
Key Takeaway
Recognize historical context when evaluating policies.
Themes
history
law
marriage
sexuality
inclusion
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
legal
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- legal reforms
- educational curricula
- community discussions
Key Concepts
heteronormativity
institutional design
Questions to Reflect On
- Should institutions adapt to modern understandings of equality?
- How do we balance tradition with inclusion?
A Different Perspective
Historical origins may not justify current exclusion; societal values evolve.
![“Right now the institution of marriage feels very one-sided, and I want to live in a country where we all have equal rights. I have so many friends who are gays and lesbians who would so badly want to get married, that I wouldn't be able to sleep with myself [if I got married before they could].” quote by Charlize Theron](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e86/charlize-theron-1430_able_right-now-the-institution-of-marriage-fe_1161760.jpg)
![“While it may be true that allowing single-sex unions will not immediately and directly affect all existing marriages, the real question is how it will affect society as a whole over time, including the rising generation and future generations. ["The Divine Institution of Marriage," August 13, 2008]” quote by LDS Church](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/1da/lds-church-47854_marriage_while-it-may-be-true-that-allowing-singl_265106.jpg)
