October 21, 2008
For Immediate Release
For an Interview:
Dave Smith
(801) 473-4669
Utah Valley University’s UVU Student Association (UVUSA) will host a same-sex marriage debate on Oct. 23 at 1 p.m. in the Ragan Theater. Same-sex marriage has become a hot topic since it recently became legalized in California, Massachusetts and Connecticut and has led to Proposition 8 - an initiative to create a constitutional amendment defining marriage as being only between a man and a woman.
"UVU’s debate is not in direct response to Proposition 8, but will undoubtedly answer some of the concerns embodied in this potential legislative act," said Dave Smith, vice president of academics of UVUSA. The debate will feature those in favor of same-sex marriage: Cheryl Jacques, former Mass. Senator and former president of the Human Rights Campaign; and Eric Porter, UVU student and president of the Gay Straight Alliance at UVU. The opposing arguments will be heard from Dr. A. Scott Loveless, executive director of the World Family Policy Center; and John Ure, UVU business management major.
Porter’s main message at the debate will be about how the Constitution protects relationships between a man and a woman and how protecting alternative relationships would be no different. "I’m looking for students that come to see the side of the issues that we present, and possibly be persuaded to understand why these rights should be guaranteed to all Americans and not to just those in heterosexual relationships," Porter said.
"This is an opportunity for members of the student body and the community to gain additional perspective on an issue that is quickly taking center stage in our country," Smith said. "We hope students will open their minds to opposing viewpoints and be able to speak intelligently to the opposition's arguments on this issue."
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Erin Spurgeon
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Written by:
Britnee Nguyen
(801) 863-8504