That was then, that is now
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The August 1953 issue of One, the pioneering homosexualist magazine, was devoted to the topic of gay marriage. Here's an excerpt from E.B Saunders's
essay in that issue, "Reformer's Choice: Marriage License or Just License?"
Imagine that the year were 2053 and homosexuality were excepted to the point of being of no importance. Now, is the deviate allowed to continue his pursuit
of physical happiness without restraint as he attempts to do today? Or is he, in this Utopia, subject to marriage laws? It is a pertinent question. For why should
he be permitted promiscuity when those heterosexual who people the earth must be married to enjoy sexual intercourse? [Permitting promiscuity for all]
would loosen heterosexual marriage ties, and make even shallower the meaning of marriage. It cannot be seriously claimed that this would be a good
thing. Heterosexual marriage must be protected. The acceptance of homosexuality without homosexual marriage ties would be an attack upon [heterosexual marriage].
[
O]ne would think that in a movement demanding acceptance for [homosexuals], legalized marriage would be one of its primary issues. What a logical
and convincing means of assuring society that they are sincere in wanting respect and dignity! But nowhere do we see this idea prominently displayed in
either [Mattachine] Society publications or in the magazine
One.
The concept of homosexual marriage cannot come into being without a companion idea: homosexual adultery. [Y]et nothing in [our] literature is devoted
to exploring this idea of necessary homosexual monogamy. The idea seems stuffy and hidebound. We simply don't join a movement to limit ourselves! Rebels
such as we, demand freedom! But actually we have a greater freedom (sub rosa as it may be) than do heterosexuals and any change will be to lose some of it
in exchange for respectability. Are we willing to make the trade?"
See also this issue:
Marriage Rites vs. Family Rights ; Earlier activists sought to subvert marriage's elite status. Now, GLBT groups are clamoring for access to the club. Lawyer, activist, and professor Nancy
Polikoff proposes a more equitable way.
California Marriage War; Will voters put asunder the legal opinion bringing same-sex couples together?
A Long Courtship; Gay marriage in the Golden State
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