"Beyond (Straight and Gay) Marriage" reframes the family-rights debate by arguing that marriage shouldn't bestow special legal privileges upon couples because people, both heterosexual and LGBT, live in a variety of relationships-including unmarried couples of any sexual orientation, single-parent households, extended biological family units, and myriad other familial configurations. Nancy D. Polikoff shows how the law can value all families, and why it must.

Reviews

With her freshman book, law professor Polikoff, who has taught, litigated and written about family law, civil procedure and sexuality for more than 30 years, deftly argues that the law's narrow definitions of "family" and "marriage" no longer work in today's society-not just for the LGBT community but the country at large. With many households following untraditional family models, Polikoff says, we need to look at ways the law can change to value all families beyond those created by marriage, including same and different-sexed, married and unmarried couples. Polikoff draws on legal history and contemporary (often eye-opening) court cases to make her argument. Topics such as inheritance, tax consequences, workers' compensation death benefits, social security, probate, adoption and health care, plus their impact the diversity of today's "family units" are simplified for the reader. Polikoff wades through legislation and legalese with style and substance, plus a touch of flair. Impeccably researched, the book offers an evocative read that takes in the full breadth of the issues affecting marriages and avoids pedantry while remaining persuasive. (Feb.) Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.

Polikoff wades through legislation and legalese with style and substance, plus a touch of flair. Impeccably researched, the book offers an evocative read that takes in the full breadth of the issues affecting marriages and avoids pedantry while remaining persuasive.--"Publishers Weekly"
"Polikoff's argument is provocative, illuminating, and original."--John D'Emilio, author of "Lost Prophet: The Life and Times of Bayard Rustin"
"The book many have been waiting for . . . Polikoff provides answers worth contemplation and implementation." --Ruthann Robson, Professor of Law and University Distinguished Professor, City University of New York School of Law, "Women's Review of Books"
"Polikoff's book comes just in time . . . Using real case studies, Polikoff makes a strong case that furthering the legal protections for all people, regardless of relationship status, will help the LGBT community more than marriage itself."--Rachel Pepper, "Curve Magazine"
"A bold, de