St. Thomas Univ professor's natural marriage debate audio available online

Both debaters argued the importance of marriage and it’s stabilizing effects on families. Gallagher argued that same-sex marriage would redefine marriage and further erode the institution.

Gallagher’s reasoning stemmed from the belief that children need both a mother and father.

“There is something special about public sexual unions of male and female in which the man and the woman make explicit commitments that are socially supported and not just privately and personally supported to the children they make,” she said. “Children should have have a father as well as a mother,” she said. “Almost not other couple provides that.”

The debaters were asked questions by the audience as well. Among the topics discussed were religious liberty, protections for same-sex couples, and why the Catholic church is invested in the issue in the first place.

Minnesotans will vote on the constitutional amendment in November 2012.

audio at Minnesota Independent