Spectrum and the Multicultural Center members will be hosting the event "The Freedom to Marry" Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. in the Multicultural Center.
They will also be showing the film, "In Sickness and in Health," a story of three homosexual couples fighting for the right to marry.
"It's kind of a big deal," said Damon Clevenger, president of the student group Spectrum. "It's the first time the Multicultural Center and Spectrum have worked together."
Marteze Hammonds, assistant director for the Multicultural Center, said the event is part of their ongoing "Perspectives" discussions.
He said that after the film Spectrum will have a panel discussion about the topic of gay marriage.
Clevenger said the discussion will be about what it means to be gay, have a long-term partner and want to be married with the title.
But, he added, there are more benefits to being married than just the title.
Married couples receive tax benefits and are able to divide income among spouses. They also are able to receive social security, Medicare and disability benefits for spouses. Married couples are eligible for benefits if their spouse was in the military, and can visit spouses if they are hospitalized in intensive care units.
Sarah Donaldson, a freshman acting major, said the gay community has had to experience many more obstacles than the straight community, including the marriage debate.
"It's not even a gay rights issue, it's a human rights issue," she said.
Representatives from Spectrum and the Multicultural Center say they are hoping for a large turnout and diverse opinions at the discussion.
"We invite everyone to come regardless of opinion," said Hammonds.
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