Same-sex marriage debated
By Maggie Rhynes
IV Leader Staff
The same-sex marriage debate was played out at IVCC March 1
during a debate sponsored by POWER (People of the World to End Racism) and the
Young Republicans.
Sue Pratt, a member of Concerned Women of America, spoke on
behalf of the Young Republicans, basing her views on the traditional definition
of marriage and calling same-sex marriage, "counterfeit marriage."
Tim Gatza, an IVCC student and member of POWER, appealed to
the bible and the backing of same sex marriage by several professional
organizations to support same sex marriage.
Each speaker was given 20 minutes of speaking time, in which
no interruptions were allowed. Following the presentations, an audience of more
than 50 was allowed to ask questions of the speakers.
Pratt began her speaking time by stating that the debate was
on marriage, not homosexuality and that she is not against homosexuality in any
way.
Pratt continued to make this sentiment clear throughout the evening, once
stating, "I have had many friends who were homosexual; that doesn't mean I have
to embrace it."
The comment did not sit well with many in attendance
including Jessica Malooley who said, "She said she respects homosexuality but
shouldn't have to embrace their beliefs. Then why does she expect the country to
embrace any personal beliefs, or the beliefsof those opposed to same sex
marriage?"
Pratt's description of gay marriage as "counterfeit marriage"
also raised some concern with some students. When asked to explain herself
during the question time she responded, "It is not [marriage] by definition,
[marriage is] to make family, raise children; homosexuality can not do that by
design."
Both speakers used the bible to support their stance. Pratt
said marriage is "established by God, not man or law."
Gatza raised the question that if people chose to follow the
bible in regards to marriage, then they should consider it in other areas as
well, presenting bible verses, such as he who does not honor his mother and
father shall be put to death. The bible suggests the same punishment for working
on Sundays.
The two also presented conflicting numbers when Pratt stated
that gay men take an average of 22 partners in a year and over 300 partners in a
lifetime. Gatza presented figures stating that 75 percent of gay men are in
stable, monogamous relationships.
Gatza discussed the benefits that are given to heterosexual couples and not
homosexual couples. These include hospital visits, Social Security benefits,
retirement plans and pensions. Over 400 state benefits are denied to same sex
couples. Gatza said the point of government is "to give rights, not take them
away."
Gatza presented several organizations including American
Anthropological Association and the American Psychological Association, which
have all issued statements in support of same sex marriage.
Gatza also said that it is not same sex marriage that is
harming the sanctity of marriage, rather it is "unwed men and women living
together, divorce, 15 minute Vegas weddings and children born out of wedlock,"
that is causing the problem.
Pratt agreed that adultery, no faulty divorce and
cohabitation have a negative effect on the institution of marriage but said,
"Marriage needs protection, not redefinition."
Pratt also stated, "Once we embrace gay marriage we will not
logically be able to deny it to any group of people, number of gender. Changing
the definition of marriage eliminates it."
Questions from the audience centered on asking speakers to
define statements as well as a demand for the speakers to show sources for the
numbers and information presented.
One question from the audience, directed at Pratt, stated
that marriage has already been redefined, such as the acceptance of interracial
marriage. Pratt said, "Comparing gay and interracial marriages is comparing
apples and oranges; that was still between a man and a woman."
Audience member Chad Urnikis questioned Pratt, "Why this? Why is your
organization fighting against gay marriage and not something else?"
Pratt cited pressure from the gay community to be able to marry as well as a
concern for the loss of what marriage is as being the reason for the group's
defense.
Following the debate audience members responded positively to
the event.
Urnikis said, "I think both sides made good points but I
think the Young Republicans should have had a student speak,.
“She (Pratt) didn't represent our generation or our views.
This was very good, well put together."
Heather Ethington, president of the Gay Straight Alliance at
IVCC, was also pleased. "The gay community is lucky to have people like Tim; we
wouldn't be this far without people like him."