Rawlsian Liberalism and Its Moral Support for Gay Rights

Abstract

In this paper, I will examine the various objections to same-sex marriage and homosexuality. I will include traditional moral arguments against rights to homosexual marriage and other family rights denied to homosexuals. Then, I will outline philosopher Carlos Ball's theory of a moral defense for gay rights. Next, the paper will examine Ball's criticism of John Rawls and his theory of liberalism. Ball asserts that Rawls' liberalism does not morally support the rights of homosexuals in society. I will then critique Ball's arguments against Rawls by examining the ways in which gay rights fit into a Rawlsian system of liberalism. Finally, the paper will examine Martha Nussbaum's theory of "moral liberalism," which Ball claims to be the only form of liberalism to adequately support gay rights from a moral stance. [From Introduction]