In recognition of Constitution Day on September 17, the Social and Behavioral Science Department of Greenville Technical College will host the annual Constitution Day program to commemorate the signing of the U.S. Constitution by offering citizens the opportunity to learn more about our founding document.
Dr. William Lasser, director of the Calhoun Honors College and alumni distinguished professor of political science at Clemson University, will lead a discussion regarding the recent Supreme Court decision on same sex marriage.
The public is invited to attend and encouraged to come prepared with questions and answers in order to participate in an interactive discussion of the constitutional interpretation of the ruling. The event will be held Thursday, September 17 on the Barton Campus of Greenville Technical College in the University Transfer Building (# 106) Auditorium (Room 136) from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
This decision reveals differing views of the Constitution of the U.S. held by members of the Court: "They [same sex couples] ask for equal dignity in the eyes of the law. The Constitution grants them that right," wrote Justice Anthony Kennedy for the majority.
"If you are among the many Americans—of whatever sexual orientation—who favor expanding same-sex marriage, by all means celebrate today's decision. Celebrate the achievement of a desired goal. Celebrate the opportunity for a new expression of commitment to a partner. Celebrate the availability of new benefits. But do not celebrate the Constitution. It had nothing to do with it," wrote Chief Justice John Roberts in dissent.