University of Northern Iowa students gathered at an event last week to listen to and discuss two sides of legalizing same-sex marriage.

The American Democracy Project hosted the event Feb. 24.

“The purpose is to help you be more willing to talk with someone you disagree with,” said Gerri Perreault, co-chair of the American Democracy Project. “We’re trying to encourage more openness.”

The two panelists at the event were Brad Clark, the campaign director of One Iowa, an organization advocating for gay, lesbian, transgender and bisexual rights, and Reggie Hovenga, the family life pastor at Heartland Vineyard Church in Cedar Falls. Perreault said that although the panel only featured two speakers, viewpoints on same-sex marriage are diverse.

“We recognize there’s more than two sides to any issue,” Perreault said.

Clark spoke first about growing up gay in Iowa.

“Like a lot of young people in our state, I faced a lot of challenges when I came out,” he said.

Clark said coming out as a student at Central College created controversy in his campus community, especially after he was asked to leave his position as a president of a college Christian organization. Ultimately, though, Clark said the experience was freeing.

“I could be open about who I was,” he said.

According to Hovenga, it is possible to turn away from being homosexual. He cited the example of two friends who have “both come out of the homosexual lifestyle” and are now in heterosexual marriages.

Hovenga spoke about a phone call he received from his sister a few years ago, when she told him she was a lesbian and worried she would go to hell.

“(Jesus) loves you, and he is pursuing you,” Hovenga said.

Hovenga also spoke about his understanding of God’s vision.

“I think the Lord would say he has so much better for us. He’s created a unique bond between a man and a woman that can only exist between a man and a woman.”

Clark said that he had a hard time understanding why some religious organizations opposed the ruling.

“Religious organizations are exempt from the states’ civil rights code … This does not change any religious (organizations’) right to choose who they will and won’t marry,” Clark said.

Hovenga said he would not perform a wedding ceremony for a gay couple.

“It’s what we believe. That’s not how God created you to be.”

Clark also discussed his religious beliefs.

“I think Jesus loves me just as I am … I have to think there is a God who loves me as I am and created me as I am,” Clark said.

Audience members with different opinions on the issue of same-sex marriage said participating in the discussion helped give them more perspective.

“I think it’s good to educate everyone … and to have a more peaceful solution,” said Allison Jacoby, a social work major.

Beth Nowell, a social work major, said parts of the discussion were upsetting to her.

“I bit my tongue a lot (during the event).

“There were a range of questions asked that helped me have a better understanding of both sides,” she added.