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Bans Quote by Stephen Reinhardt

“Defendants' essential contention is that bans on same-sex marriage promote the welfare of children, by encouraging good parenting in stable opposite-sex families… Defendants have presented no evidence of any such effect. Indeed, they cannot even explain the manner in which, as they predict…” quote by Stephen Reinhardt
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“Defendants' essential contention is that bans on same-sex marriage promote the welfare of children, by encouraging good parenting in stable opposite-sex families… Defendants have presented no evidence of any such effect. Indeed, they cannot even explain the manner in which, as they predict, children of opposite-sex couples will be harmed. Their other contentions are equally without merit.”

Stephen Reinhardt

About This Quote

Source Court Opinion: United States Supreme Court, 2013

The argument claims same‑sex marriage bans benefit children, but provides no supporting evidence and cannot explain alleged harms.

In simple terms: Claims lack evidence and logic.

Key Takeaway

Question unsupported claims.

Themes

law evidence family policy

Mood

skeptical critical

Type

legal analytical

When to use this quote

  • legal briefs
  • policy debates
  • court hearings

Key Concepts

constitutional law social science policy analysis

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can policymakers justify laws without evidence?
  • What evidence would be needed to support such claims?
A Different Perspective

The argument assumes benefits without data, ignoring research showing no harm.

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