Children Quote by Robert R. Reilly
““The magnitude of the injustice involved in the redefinition of marriage comes most clearly into view in regard to children, to whom justice is also owed. As Seana Sugrue writes, “The ability of same-sex couples to be parents depends crucially upon the state declaring that they possess such rights, and by extinguishing or redefining the rights of biological parents. With the rise of same-sex marriage, the obligations parents owed to their biological children are reduced to mere convention. This is true for everyone. Parents come to owe obligations to their children not because they are parents, but because they choose to be parents.”6 What is owed to children by right or Nature becomes optional by convention. This is a staggering loss for them.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Commentary on same‑sex marriage policy, 2015
The redefinition of marriage threatens children's rights by treating parental duties as optional conventions rather than inherent obligations.
In simple terms: Children's rights become optional under new marriage definitions.
Key Takeaway
Protect children's inherent rights regardless of marital definitions.
Themes
family law
children's rights
marriage equality
social policy
Mood
concerned
critical
thoughtful
Type
policy
ethical
analytical
When to use this quote
- court decisions
- legislative debates
- family counseling
- advocacy campaigns
Key Concepts
legal rights
parental obligations
state definition
Questions to Reflect On
- How should law balance adult autonomy with children's inherent rights?
- What mechanisms can ensure children's protections remain robust?
A Different Perspective
Legal frameworks may still prioritize adult rights over children's needs.
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