Defending the Sex Discrimination Argument for Lesbian and Gay Rights: A Reply to Edward Stein

21 Pages Posted: 9 Aug 2017

Multiple version iconThere are 2 versions of this paper

Date Written: August 8, 2017

Abstract

Edward Stein’s is only the latest and most systematic of a growing number of criticisms of the sex discrimination argument, from the left and from the right. Stein’s doctrinal objections to the argument misconceive the reach of present doctrine, which treats all sex-based classifications with deep suspicion. His empirical doubts misapprehend both the argument’s claims and the enduring connections between heterosexism and sexism. His only persuasive claim is his moral objection, which argues that the sex discrimination argument ignores, and may render invisible, a central moral wrong of antigay discrimination. This is a profound moral difficulty, but it is one that is present in almost any legal argument, and perhaps in language as such. It therefore cannot be an objection against any particular argument.

Keywords: gay rights, sex discrimination

JEL Classification: K10, K30

Suggested Citation

Koppelman, Andrew M., Defending the Sex Discrimination Argument for Lesbian and Gay Rights: A Reply to Edward Stein (August 8, 2017). 49 U.C.L.A. L. Rev. 519 (2001), Northwestern Public Law Research Paper No. 17-17, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3015396 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3015396

Andrew M. Koppelman (Contact Author)

Northwestern University School of Law ( email )

375 E. Chicago Ave
Chicago, IL 60611
United States
312-503-8431 (Phone)

Do you have a job opening that you would like to promote on SSRN?

Paper statistics

Downloads
92
Abstract Views
1,009
Rank
286,247
PlumX Metrics