As we waited for the conversation between Rev. C. Welton Gaddy of the Interfaith Alliance and Maggie Gallagher, founder of the National Organization for Marriage, I was curious if I would hear any new arguments concerning same-gender marriage. The audience at the Berger Performing Arts Center, about 80 in number, were largely in favor of same-gender marriage. They indicated their support with a show of hands in response to Ms. Gallagher’s request to gauge their position. I smelled blood.

It never came to that.

After the ground rules were set (audience questions had to be written down to avoid run away microphone diatribes) Rev. Gaddy, a Baptist and supporter of same-gender marriage began by summarizing his position paper. After I got over my own bias that a Baptist could be pro same-gender marriage, I listened as Rev. Gaddy told the audience that marriage is a civil issue and discussion about marriage should begin with the Constitution and not with Scripture. He did not go over the 1000 plus benefits that same-gender marriage affords, though he used one example on hospital visitation rights. Poor example as the President recently mandated any hospital that receives Medicare or Medicaid funds to allow same-gender partners hospital visitation rights. But at least he was trying to illustrate how denying marriage to same-gender couples can have a devastating effect on the GLBT community members.

Next up was Maggie Gallagher, who travels around the country defending traditional marriage. She stated and restated her position that marriage is for one purpose and one purpose only: procreation and the protection of children. That is why the government needs to be involved in marriage. I guess she discounts all the childless straight couples and their right to be married. She stated that same-gender marriage is the ultimate repudiation of marriage and child rearing.

She went on to say that the question of benefits is separate from the institution of marriage. She did seem open to idea of civil unions as long as it is clearly separate and unequal to marriage.

The speakers then took written questions from the audience. Ms. Gallagher kept on point, reiterating her mantra that marriage is about protecting children. And although she acknowledged that lesbians make good mothers, she was quick to point out that “there is absolutely no data on gay men raising children”.

At the conclusion of the evening Gallagher acknowledged the value of long term relationships. “Love is good” she said. Sitting there with my partner of 25 years, to whom I am married, I felt like she was patronizing gay couples.  Yeah, you can love your partner, you just can’t marry them.