Framing classroom discussion of same-sex marriage

Assuming that the issue of same-sex marriage should be discussed in schools, how should the discussion be framed? I first distinguish this question from the related but distinct question of whether discussion on this topic should be steered. I then examine three possible frames for discussion of same-sex marriage: the perfectionist frame, the anti-perfectionist frame and the practical accommodation frame. I defend the perfectionist frame over the two alternatives: the purpose of state involvement in marriage is to promote valuable forms of intimate relationship, so the case for enabling same-sex couples to marry turns on the ethical claim that same-sex and opposite-sex intimate relationships are similarly valuable. Interrogation of this ethical claim must be central to classroom discussion of same-sex marriage.