ISER Lunchtime Talk: 'When Gay People Get Married: U.S. and European Experiences,' Sept. 23

Monday, Sept. 23, 12-1 p.m. Diplomacy Building, Fifth Floor, Conference Room

Same-sex couples in 16 countries and 13 American states (as well as Washington, D.C.) can now legally marry, and other places are also considering making same-sex marriage legal. This policy change is raising questions among those opposed to and in favor of same-sex marriage: Will gay people change marriage? Will marriage change gay people? Is the world moving too quickly to recognize same-sex couples through existing institutions? Should there be different legal institutions for gay couples.

M.V. Lee Badgett, a professor of economics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, has done considerable research in the U.S. and Europe on marriage equality among same-sex couples. She draws on research data and interviews with couples in the U.S., the Netherlands and other countries to help bridge the gap between opponents and proponents of same sex marriage. She has testified on her work before Congress and many state legislatures.

Badgett holds a Ph.D. in economics from the University of California Berkeley. She has written several books; her most recent is "When Gay People Get Married: What Happens When Societies Legalize Same-Sex Marriage." Please join us at ISER to hear her talk about her work.

The Diplomacy Building is located at 4500 Diplomacy Drive, at the corner of Tudor Road and Tudor Centre Drive. Parking is free. Call (907) 786-7710 for directions.

September Archive