#TrendingTopics Returns With Same-sex Marriage Panel
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 4, 2014) — #TrendingTopics will focus on same-sex marriage in the series’ first event of the semester. An interactive panel will take place at 7 p.m. tonight, Feb. 4, in the Student Center Small Ballroom. The event, sponsored by the Student Activities Board Engaging Issues Committee, is free and open to the public.
The issue of same-sex marriage has become increasingly debated throughout the country, especially after the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act and the Supreme Court’s ruling of California’s Proposition 8 unconstitutional in June 2013. Currently, 16 states allow same-sex couple to marry, with an additional four states providing same-sex civil unions or domestic partnerships. Illinois is set to allow same-sex marriage beginning June 1, 2014, which will bring the total number allowing legally recognized unions to 21. Kentucky, along with 29 other states, does not allow same-sex marriage. A panel of UK professors will analyze the social, political, and economic effects of the topic.
“Same-sex marriage is a generation-defining topic, no matter your view on the issue,” said Emily Damron, SAB director of engaging issues. “#TrendingTopics is a forum to discuss those issues intelligently and academically, and we feel that offering those opportunities is important for our students.”
The panel will feature an interactive component that will allow attendees to voice their opinions and ask questions using the hashtag #TrendingTopicsSSM. Students are encouraged to bring smartphones in order to participate in the debate. Refreshments will be served before the event.
SAB brings more than 100 entertaining, educational and enriching programs that are reflective of contemporary issues and trends to the University of Kentucky annually. These programs are designed to enhance the college experience for students, faculty, staff, and the greater Lexington community.
Connect with SAB at www.uksab.org, follow them on Twitter at twitter.com/UKSAB or like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/UKSAB. For more information about SAB and events, email contact@uksab.org or text a question beginning with SABQ, followed by your question or comment, to 411-247.
MEDIA CONTACT: Katy Bennett, katy.bennett@uky.edu, 859-257-1909
