In his return to USI, John Corvino presents “Haters, Sinners, and the Rest of Us: The Gay Debate Today” at 4:30 p.m. on  March 26 in FA III.

Corvino is the co-author of “Debating Same-Sex Marriage” and sole author of “What’s Wrong with Homosexuality?”

The speech, hosted by the College of Liberal Arts, will focus on the topics of homosexuality and same-sex marriage, followed by a short Q&A.

Corvino said he wants to use his experiences in philosophy and personal life to help his audience understand same-sex marriage and sexuality from all perspectives.

He plans to put common ideas to critical examination, such as “Love the sinner, hate the sin” and “Born this way,” he said.

His speech is not geared solely toward “gay” observers but also for a “general audience.”

“I’m hoping that people from various perspectives, including critical perspectives, will attend,” Corvino said.

Whatever someone’s view on same-sex marriage, Corvino said he intends to lay this relevant subject in front of his audience and examine it for everyone to see.

Ultimately, he said he wants this analysis to lead toward other, deeper conversations.
The Distinguished Scholar Lecture series gave the College of Liberal Arts the opportunity to choose a presenter.

Assistant professor of philosophy and the event’s organizer Mary Stoll her and colleagues jumped at the opportunity and chose Corvino after seeing his previous appearances.

Stoll said one reason for choosing him and his speech was its timeliness to HJR-3 – a recently proposed amendment which could make same-sex marriage constitutionally illegal in the state of Indiana.

“He loves hearing objections,” Stoll said.

She said Corvino will argue against the opposition of same sex marriage from a philosophical and ethical standpoint, which allows the audience to understand the concepts of certain topics and opinions.

“He thrives off the energy of the crowd,” Stoll said. “He uses concrete applications to public policy. He speaks clearly and succinctly.”

Corvino breaks down his presentation in a listener friendly way, which allows for anyone to attend and achieve understanding of sexuality and same-sex marriage, she said.

Stoll said what is happening with gay rights today imitates civil rights issues like segregation in schools. If people did not take action, the rights for some might not be what they are today.