"The very idea of marriage is basic to recognition as equals in our society; any status short of that is inferior, unjust, and unconstitutional"

Ted Olson's quote underscores the essential function that marital relationship plays in accomplishing social equality and acknowledgment within society. At its core, this statement argues that marriage is not merely a personal or spiritual institution however a fundamental component of societal structure that provides legitimacy and equality upon people. Olson asserts that the rejection of marital relationship rights to certain groups, such as LGBTQ+ individuals, inherently creates a second-class status, which is prejudiced, unfair, and in infraction of constitutional concepts.

By describing marital relationship as "standard to recognition as equates to", Olson stresses that marriage acts as a benchmark for equality in social and legal systems. It implies that the ability to wed provides particular social advantages, acknowledgment, and legitimacy that are unavailable to those who are excluded. Therefore, restricting any group from weding rejects them full participation in society's legal and social organizations.

Olson's use of the words "inferior" and "unfair" talks to the moral and ethical dimensions of denying marital relationship rights. The ramification is that any legal structure that offers rights and acknowledgment to one group while withholding them from another is inherently inequitable. This talks to wider themes of human rights and equality, suggesting that discrimination based upon sexual preference or other characteristics has no place in a just and egalitarian society.

Lastly, by utilizing the word "unconstitutional", Olson frames the exclusion of specific groups from marriage not just as a social and ethical problem but as a legal one that contravenes constitutional assurances of equality and justice. This aligns with analyses of constitutional law that stress equal security and non-discrimination as core principles.

Overall, Olson's quote is an effective require a legal and social recognition of marriage equality as a fundamental right vital to individual self-respect and equality within society.