Synopsis
Many aspects of homosexual behavior and life are currently prohibited by law. Gay rights advocates argue that they are fighting for equal treatment, while opponents claim that gays and lesbians want special privileges. Chapters include: What Rights Should Gays and Lesbians Have? Should Society Legally Sanction Homosexual Families? Should Gays and Lesbians Be Allowed in the Military? Do Gays and Lesbians Need Anti-Discrimination Laws?
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Reviews
Grade 9 Up. Another fine series entry, Gay Rights contains well-selected articles representing both sides of important topics such as same-sex marriage, homosexual families, employment issues, gays in the military, and antidiscrimination legislation. The book provides a variety of sources gleaned from magazines, newspapers, journals, books, speeches, position papers, and government documents. It is divided into four major sections, with opposing viewpoints back to back. Many articles include a short statement about the author; major points in the discussion are pulled from the text and highlighted in boxes. A bibliography containing more book and periodical sources, plus an extensive list of organizations to contact, make Gay Rights an ideal research tool for short assignments or a good starting point for more extensive research. In contrast to similar current materials, the text is suitable for average readers in the target audience. However, the most compelling reason to include this book in collections serving high school students is its balanced coverage of emotional topics, neatly packaged in one readable volume.?Sue A. Norkeliunas, Arlington Senior High School, LaGrangeville, NY
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Gr. 9^-12. Another in the Current Controversies series, Gay Rights examines the volatile issues of homosexual marriage, gays in the military, and equal protection under the law. Secondary issues such as child custody and domestic-partner benefits blend easily into the major discussion areas. True to the series format, the book offers compelling, well-reasoned arguments on both sides of the debate, allowing young people to prepare an assignment from either point of view, and encouraging thoughtful consideration of another perspective. While some snippets of information may be offensive to some, none of the selections can be considered titillating. Few surprises exist here. Yes, Barry Goldwater's Washington Post article in favor of gays in the military is included, but the Scalia,Rehnquist, and Thomas argument that discrimination laws are constitutional and the military's argument against gays in the military are included as well. Greenhaven's successful format of an annotated table of contents; succinct, illuminating quotes; and research-expanding and validating bibliographies continues to make these selections a high priority for libraries that support the information needs of high-school students. Frances Bradburn
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