Andrew Sullivan

About the author: Andrew Sullivan, the former editor of the weekly magazine New Republic, is the author of Virtually Normal: An Argument About Homosexuality.

Gays and lesbians want to marry for the same reason as heterosexual couples—to demonstrate their love and commitment. The definition of marriage has changed over the centuries to recognize the human dignity of women and minorities; it should be changed again to recognize the dignity of gays and lesbians. Allowing gays and lesbians to marry would not lead to polygamy or bestiality, but would instead promote stability, responsibility, and family values.

Editor's note: Andrew Sullivan testified against the Defense of Marriage Act before the House Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on the Constitution on May 15, 1996. The act, which was signed into law by Bill Clinton in September 1996, defines marriage as "a legal...