The NPR Politics Podcast Why Was Marriage At The Center Of The Fight For LGBT Civil Rights?
Dec 28, 2021
Sasha Issenberg is a journalist and author of "The Engagement," which details the path to marriage equality in the U.S. He discusses the evolution of marriage as a pivotal civil rights issue, revealing the internal conflicts within the LGBT movement and the impact of wealthy donors on advocacy strategies. Issenberg also highlights how public opinion shifted dramatically, influenced by personal connections and pop culture. Lastly, he addresses future legal challenges to marriage equality, framing it as a unique struggle in the broader civil rights narrative.
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A Generation's Movement
- Sasha Issenberg, at 41, noticed same-sex marriage becoming a defining civil rights issue.
- He realized he'd lived through the entire history of the issue without fully understanding its rise.
Money and Movement
- Wealthy donors, led by Tim Gill, prioritized marriage equality over other LGBTQ+ issues.
- This financial focus influenced the movement's direction and legal strategies.
Court and Public
- The Supreme Court considers public opinion to maintain legitimacy and avoid imposing policy.
- This awareness influenced the court's timing on same-sex marriage rulings.
