Same-sex marriage is a hot topic as this year’s election approaches. The Center for the Study of Citizenship invites the public to learn more about the debate by joining John Corvino, professor and chair of the Wayne State University Department of Philosophy, and Maggie Gallagher, co-founder of the National Organization for Marriage, as they discuss issues from their book Debating Same-Sex Marriage (Oxford University Press, 2012).

The free event will be held from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 27, at Wayne State’s Community Arts Auditorium, 450 Reuther Mall.

In the book, Corvino and Gallagher take a point/counterpoint approach to the hot-button issue. They consider key questions about the institution itself: What is the purpose of marriage? Is sexual difference essential to it? Why does the government sanction it? And what are the implications of same-sex marriage for children's welfare, for religious freedom, and for our understanding of marriage itself?

While Gallagher and Corvino disagree on many points, they share a common conviction: Because marriage is a vital public institution, this issue deserves comprehensive, rigorous, thoughtful debate.

“It's clear that some people want to make this an election-year issue, and it will be on the ballot in four states this fall,” Corvino said. “But the issue of same-sex marriage will be with us well beyond November.”

The event, sponsored by MGM Grand Detroit and the Wayne State University Dean of Students Office, will conclude with a book signing. For more information or to RSVP, visit www.specialevents.wayne.edu/debating-same-sex-marriage.

Wayne State University is a premier urban research institution offering more than 370 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to nearly 29,000 students.