Eleven states passed bans on same-sex marriage on Nov. 2. Though Pennsylvania was not among them, Penn students and community members now worry more than ever about their civil rights.
Speaking Wednesday to an animated audience in Huntsman Hall, a panel consisting mainly of religious leaders discussed spiritual and political arguments in defense of gay marriage.
The event was hosted by Penn's chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union as part of a weeklong series of discussions about gay rights, which will culminate today in a rally on College Green.
The panel addressed many issues concerning same-sex marriage, but concentrated on its religious, sociological and political implications.
"The federal government has absolutely no clue of what marriage is about," said Rev. Beverly Dale, director of the Christian Association. "Commitment and love are much more sacred than the particular sex of the couple."
Other panelists were concerned with the national attention given to the topic.
"My biggest fear is that this issue will monopolize our country's political agenda, but in the meantime, understanding is the most important thing," said Rabbi Linda Holtzman of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College. "As a rabbi, nothing brings me closer to the law than performing a marriage, and this is where conflicts arise."
College senior Kathy Hunt, vice president of Penn ACLU, discussed the history of traditional marriage, noting that the marital union has strong patriarchal roots. It was not until the 20th century that women were given more autonomy.
"Gay marriage will open it to more persons wanting to make this commitment, and in the process help shake marriage free of its patriarchal past by challenging assumptions about gender," Hunt said. "If we love these 'traditional marital values' so much, why do we need the government to impose them upon us?"
The panelists' remarks were followed by a spirited question-and-answer session, after which many students remained to approach the panelists personally.
"I was very impressed by this panel," College senior Zach Gross said. "Finally someone is using religion itself as a method of defending same-sex marriage."
"The future will laugh at people who don't support gay marriage now," College senior Everett Boyle said.
The four-person panel consisted of Rev. Derrick Wilson of a local branch of the United Church of Christ, Dale, Holtzman and Hunt.
