Debate highlights differing interpretations of marriage's function, symbolic value
Olivia WickiA debate on the case for same-sex marriage between politics professorStephen Macedo and Sherif Girgis ’08 ended on the same platform from which it started: The case for same-sex marriage has a limiting principle, one side said, while the other argued changing marriage law accordingly would strengthen the institution of marriage. The debate was moderated by religion professor Eric Gregory. A limiting principle is a principle, often unquestioned, that may limit the explanations one comes up with. Girgis, who took a class taught by Macedo in 2006, majored in philosophy at the University where his senior thesis on sex ethics was awarded the title of best thesis in ethics and best thesis in philosophy. Macedo, who argued for same-sex marriage, said that gay people will benefit both physically and psychologically through the realization of their marriage commitments.
