April 9, 2004

A civil debate on gay and lesbian marriage

On Thursday, March 18, the Loyola Society of Civil Engagement hosted a resolution-oriented debate on same-sex marriages in the United States. The panel included two experts and four students speaking for and against same-sex marriages. Leading the opposing argument was Dorrell White, a retired judge from the Baton Rouge City Court. Proponent of same-sex marriage Michael Bronski, a journalist and cultural critic, shared his views.

The Audubon Room was packed with members of the community. The event began with opening remarks and Bronski began the debate. His speech was based on the premise that, "the sacred documents of our constitution are what we run our country on, not the Hebrew or Christian Bibles."

"I believe in the next 20 years,
gay and lesbian marriages
will be inevitable."
Michael Bronski

He offered that many heterosexual couples get married by civil marriage, which does not have a religious aspect. "Civil marriage is not religious. The state is not in business for the sacred, but it is in the business for a contract. These are the basic rights of full citizenship," he says.

White gave his stand against same sex marriages. Able to use his knowledge of present laws and precise wording of these laws, White said he was interested in, "whether or not marriage can accommodate erotic behavior or sexual attraction." According to White, same sex couples, by their very nature, participate in erotic behavior. He went on to say that the purpose of marriage is procreation and same sex partners cannot procreate. Another of White's arguments was centered on the welfare of children. "Children do best in a home with a mother and father. Two fathers or just two mothers are not sufficient for raising a child."

Bronski said, "I believe in the next 20 years, gay and lesbian marriages will be inevitable." We will just have to wait and see.

—Josephine Porter, A'05, Intern in the Offices of Public Affairs and Publications