In “For Gay Marriage” by Andrew Sullivan, former editor of the New Republic Magazine and author of the book Virtually Normal: An Argument about Homosexuality, expressed his thoughts on the legalization of marriage between people of the same sex. Within this article, Sullivan shared his pro-gay marriage ideas and beliefs as to why such couples should share the same right to marry as heterosexual couples. Sullivan believed that marriage was not simply a private, written commitment; it is a social and political recognition of the mutual commitment of two individuals. He said that marriage, being a public institution, should be allowed to any two citizens. Sullivan expressed his thoughts on the meaning of marriage beyond its definition of being between a man and a woman. He explained that the bond of two individuals must be centered on emotions, finances and psychological relationships. He supported this by stating the fact that some heterosexual marriages cannot or do not have children, but that doesn't make it any less legal to be married. While this may be true, it did not take into account the fact that having children does not fall within the definition of marriage. Sullivan simply meant if marriage licenses were granted on the condition of having children. Therefore, his argument is invalid when it comes to the centuries-old definition of marriage. Another reason why Sullivan believed that same-sex marriage should be accepted and legal is due to the fact that the contract should only be given to people who can honestly abide by it. Since marriage is denied to minors and close relatives, he didn't see where gay marriage fit into the reasoning. Sullivan didn't realize that same-sex marriages are similar to not being realized by at least one party because one can easily make the mistake with the opposite sex of having a child, only causing more problems for married same-sex couples.