Sherif Girgis and Andrew Koppelman Debated Same-Sex Marriage

Sherif Girgis and Andrew Koppelman debated same-sex marriage. Mr. Sherif argued against same-sex marriage, saying the issue was not about equality but rather what marriage is and the reasons states are involved in the question. He said “marriage is fulfilled by the bearing and rearing of whole new children.” Mr. Koppelman made his case in favor of same-sex marriage by refuting Mr. Sherif’s thesis. Following their prepared remarks they answered questions from moderator Richard Fallon and audience members.

Sherif Girgis is the author of What is Marriage? Man and Woman: A Defense, and Andrew Koppelman wroteDefending American Religious Neutrality.

G.E.M. Anscombe Commentary:

Sherif Girgis's opponent was a tremendous disappointment. He hardly seems to offer a counter-argument at all. He seems to throw up his hands, affirm nominalism (or social conventionalism) about marriage, and then concludes that this is impossible for modern people to doubt. This is precisely what the point that Girgis and the Natural Law defense of marriage contest. Thus, he does not counter the Natural Law defense of marriage, offers no counter-argument, and entirely fails to engage in a philosophical debate with Girgis.

http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/310722-1