Corvino has focused his works on the moral and legal standing of homosexuality, often partnering with ideological opponents to present both sides of a debate fairly and accurately. He has received widespread praise for his civil, articulate approach to controversial issues and his respectful dialogue with opponents. Several prominent opponents of same-sex marriage have expressed respect for Corvino, albeit still disagreeing with him, and LGBT rights activists have commended him for engaging the other side with patience and geniality.
Debating Same-Sex Marriage Corvino co-authored
Debating Same-Sex Marriage (2012) with
Maggie Gallagher, co-founder of the
National Organization for Marriage (NOM). The book received praise from both proponents and opponents of same-sex marriage. In the
San Francisco Book Review, Elizabeth Raymond wrote, "
Debating Same-Sex Marriages format is quite interesting – and massively effective . . . It's like witnessing a live debate between these two lively characters . . . I highly recommend this to all – if only for a manual on how to respectfully debate a member of the opposing viewpoint. Well done!" Among other positive reviews were those from
LGBT rights activist Dan Savage, and Ryan T. Anderson of
National Review. In
The Times Literary Supplement,
libertarian Nigel Ashford commented that "the tone of the book—of reason and logic, respect for opponents and willingness to engage in intellectual combat—is set by Corvino himself in his examination of the case against homosexuality, and by the inclusion of a rebuttal of his own arguments."
''What's Wrong with Homosexuality?'' ''What's Wrong with Homosexuality?
(2013) received several positive reviews, including from Episcopal bishop Gene Robinson and feminist philosopher Martha Nussbaum. Conservative intellectual Robert P. George wrote, "John Corvino is a philosophically sophisticated, lucid writer who makes a serious effort here to engage those (like me) with whom he disagrees. He argues aggressively, to be sure, but does not resort to calling his critics names or impugning their motives. Moreover, he is commendably willing to come to grips with challenges to the presuppositions and implications of the position he holds. He is, in short, a worthy intellectual opponent in the debate over the ethics and meaning of sex and marriage." Albert Mohler of The Gospel Coalition, In Commonweal, Robert K. Vischer wrote, "Debating Religious Liberty and Discrimination'' is a direct challenge to our cultural moment, opting for careful analysis over clickbait, mutual understanding over demonization, and clearly demarcated disagreement over sweeping dismissal. The authors take the time to lay out their best arguments, then respond to the best arguments of their opponents. Whether or not the book ultimately causes readers to change their views is not the measure of its success. The authors provide a desperately needed model for engagement: they argue with, not at their opponent; they argue together." ==Bibliography (partial)==