The Daily Egyptian is published by the students of SIU at Carbondale. Except during vacations and exam weeks, The Daily Egyptian is published Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters and TWThF during the summer semester."

Documentary examines same-sex marriage

As gay activists and politicians either lock horns or hold hands on the issue of same-sex marriage, a new documentary explores the evolving meaning of marriage and tells the stories of those fighting to prove their love.

"Tying the Knot" is the second of four experimental films brought to Carbondale as part of a new program from the College of Mass Communications and Media Arts called Cinematheque.

"We are hoping there will be a lot of discussion," said Cade Bursell, an assistant professor in cinema who coordinates the program. "Hopefully people will be encouraged to ask hard questions and come with an open mind."

The film tells the stories of Mickie and Sam, who, after their partners die, are forced to realize that in the eye of the law, their marriages meant nothing.

When Mickie's partner was shot on the job, Mickie was recognized as the surviving spouse, but denied pension benefits. When Sam's partner dies of cancer, estranged cousins go after everything Sam owns, claiming there were faults in the will his partner left.

Two of the panelists identify with the tribulations documented in the film. William Thielan, a visual artist and his partner of 22 years, Robert Cerchio, the director of Shryock Auditorium, said they deal with similar issues every day.

"When we travel, we both carry our wills and living wills," Thielan said. "If someone happens to get in an accident, then they can't deny us the right to see each other in the hospital. But, you know, if we could legally marry, that wouldn't even be an issue."

To help curb some legal problems, the Rev. Kim Magwire, a panelist from the United Church of Christ, requires all same-sex couples to seek legal counsel before she will perform a marriage ceremony.

She realizes that among the Christian community her church represents a tolerant minority, but Magwire believes that God determines if someone is homosexual, and the Christian community should embrace that.

"We are all created as children of God, and some of our brothers and sisters are telling us that they are gay or lesbian or bisexual or transgender," Magwire said. "This is an important part of them, and the measure of a great relationship should be based on love and integrity. The measuring stick shouldn't be a heterosexual couple."

Although the panelists expect most of the filmgoers to be supportive of same-sex marriages, all welcome those with differing opinions.

"I think that those who support gay marriage have some questions for those who don't," Magwire said. "Personally, I want to ask those people who say being gay is a choice if they think heterosexuality is a choice. I mean, when do you honestly decide that you want to be a heterosexual?"

The first screening of the film is at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Davis Auditorium. Admission is $3.00 and a panel discussion will follow. A second screening will be at 6 p.m. Sunday at the Big Muddy Independent Media Center, 214 N. Washington St.

 

 

[Macro error: Can't include because the file is larger than 32767 characters.]

Today's News | Sports | Voices - Editorial | Letters
Newsbriefs | pulse - Arts & Entertainment | Calendar | Photo Staff
Apts & Rentals | Photo Personals | Live DE NewsCam | Classified Ads