Below we consider a further reason behind Rawls's rejection of the state of nature: it does not adequately allow for impartial judgment and the equality of persons.

In 1779, as Virginia's governor, Thomas Jefferson had drafted a bill that guaranteed legal equality for citizens of all religions-including those of no religion-in the state.

The New York state assembly approved the marriage equality bill, for the fourth time, last week and it is now up to the New York Senate.