The document discusses the evolution of the gay marriage debate from 1999 to 2009. It summarizes Michael Warner's argument from his 1999 book that gay marriage would create a dual-class system and continue inequality. However, it notes that the 2003 Supreme Court decision in Lawrence v. Texas, which struck down sodomy laws, fundamentally changed the legal arguments regarding state regulation of relationships between consenting adults. The document also outlines developments in gay rights and same-sex partnerships across various states in the intervening decade.