This volume presents previously published articles and essays that examine opposing viewpoints on issues surrounding gay marriage. Though the many photographs, sidebars, and charts make the book visually approachable, the lack of information about primary sources results in a text that is more inflammatory (e.g., "Gay Marriage Would Lead to Polygamy") than useful. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Gr 7 Up-This title provides 15 well-balanced articles written by different authors. Like books in the "Opposing Viewpoints" series (Gale), it has a pro/con format. The text is broken up with color photographs, fact boxes, political cartoons, and questions to engage readers. Each piece ends with a section called "Evaluating the Author's Arguments." The essays are grouped under the questions: "Should Homosexuals Be Allowed to Marry?" "How Should Marriage Be Legislated?" and "Does Gay Marriage Threaten Society?" A short glossary, facts about gay marriage, a list of organizations (with several missing Web sites) and an annotated list for further reading are appended.-Betty S. Evans, Southwest Missouri State University, Springfield Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.