Gay marriage discussion continues in symposium at ACC

The issues of civil unions and homosexual marriage are currently hot topics around the nation. In response to the 19 states which already have placed amendments in their state constitutions, and as many as 17 more currently slated to have such amendments on upcoming ballots, the ACC Ethics Resource Center held a symposium at the Rio Grande Campus on Feb. 3.

ACC Government Department faculty member Marilyn Mote-Yale was the speaker for the event.

At the core of the discussion was whether the government has the right to legislate laws that affect a specific demographic population. The 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states, "No State shall enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens…"

The talk examined three major components of the anti-gay marriage movement: the political, the moral and the media.

From the political standpoint, in most constituencies, an elected representative suffers few repercussions for not clarifying a stance on this issue, and that is assuming that the elected official wouldn't gain points with the electorate for an outright condemnation of such marriages.

In addressing the morality of homosexuality, the prevalent view from the discussion was that for the religious right, this is a black and white issue that is clearly defined as sinful in the Bible. Homosexuality is considered a choice, and it is that choice that must be changed.

The final topic was the role of the media. The discussion focused on the language used, whether it is intended to create drama and move units or open the floor to public debate, and whether the language used in the media is intended to convey particular messages and thereby the accuracy of the stories being told.

Some examples cited at the symposium were those of Christian Broadcast Network anchor, Pat Robertson, who refers to rights for homosexuals as "special rights." Texas anti-homosexual marriage act co-sponsor Warren Chisum called marriage rights for homosexuals a "slippery slope."

Mote-Yale said she hoped people would be able to walk away from the discussion more aware of the "buzzwords and inflammatory rhetoric… [and be more] aware and go beyond the language."

"I hope that Americans will come to see the gay rights issue in terms of what America stands for," said Mote-Yale. "Are we really a country with a rich history that is concerned with equality, or is that equality easily thrown away in favor of discrimination?"

Mote-Yale said she hopes more events like this can take place so people are able "to step back and be better consumers of information."

The Ethics Resource Center's next event is scheduled to take place on March 3.