Why should Americans who are not gay care about gay rights? In Created Equal, Michael Nava and Robert Dawidoff argue that the movement for gay equality is central to the continuing defense of individual liberty in America. Beginning with an examination of the determined assault on gay issues by the religious right, the authors show how this sectarian movement to legislate private religious morality into law undermines the purpose of American constitutional government: the protection of the individual's right to determine how best to live his or her life. The book starts from the premise that gay and lesbians are, first and foremost, American citizens, and then looks to what rights belong to every individual American citizen, arguing from the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Addressing their argument to the great majority of their fellow Americans, Dawidoff and Nava emphasize that what is at stake is not the fate of the gay community, but the future of constitutional principle and the rights of free individuals in American society.

ISBN13: 9780312117641

Condition: New

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Average Customer Review: ( 4 customer reviews )
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If you buy it, pass it on to a friend. If you have straight friends, buy them a copy, ask them to read it, and tell you what they think. After all, it's not that expensive, and maybe they'll even understand you better!

2 of 2 found the following review helpful:

Still a great introduction to Gay RightsMar 07, 2007
By Robert Andrews
This remains one of the best books on Gay Civil Rights, even though it was written over a decade ago - and much indeed has transpired since. The authors place the question of equal rights for GLBT persons in the broader spectrum of American Civil Rights. Consequently, the book and the arguments set forth so cogently therein retain vitality, even though it was written well before Lawrence v. Texas was decided.

3 of 4 found the following review helpful:

Very Informative/Useful InformationMay 01, 2000
By M. Mercer Smith
I think that this book is a must for anyone writing a paper on Homosexuality, Homophobia, or Gay Rights. The authors do an excellent job at debuking many stereotypes found it America. They are obviously extremely emotionally involved in the struggle for gay rights and they display their emotion excessively in this book. Maybe even to a point of indulgence, but it still is greatly helpful, so 4 Stars.

A must readJul 28, 1998
By dramirez@mailcity.com
I am so happy to have found this book. The authors have done an outstanding job of presenting and explaining the issues of Gay rights versus special rights. This book does a great service to people who are interested in understanding why the U.S government and Fundamentalist right are so opposed to extending civil liberties to all citizens. Very concise and thought provoking. I loved it! Thanks to the authors for finally explaining the real issues behind gay equality.