According to a recent poll, the majority of Americans now favor marriage equality. Yesterdays decision by Judge Vaughn Walker, while far from the final word, is yet another step in a ladder climbing inexorably toward the acceptance of marriage equality. In light of Judge Walker's ruling, it seems an ideal time to look at the core institution of same sex marriage in those nations and places where it has been the law for sometime. In doing so, perhaps we can better understand it rationale, its benefits and assuage some of the legitimate fears surrounding this issue. Yale Law Professor William Eskridge, Jr. in his book Gay Marriage: for Better or for Worse?: What We've Learned from the Evidence
looks at the empirical data from those places that have long since accepted these ideas.My conversation with Professor Eskridge:
