HOFSTRA DEBATE: From New York Newsday

New Paltz Mayor Jason West opened the debate on gay marriage at Hofstra University yesterday by declaring "same-sex marriage is already legal in New York State."

West defied long-held interpretations of state law and married 25 gay couples earlier this year and faced criminal charges as a result. Though the charges were dismissed by a judge, West is barred from continuing to perform same-sex marriages.

On the other side was Boston College Professor Susan Shell, who said, "I defend civil unions but oppose gay marriage," calling it "inadvisable as social policy." Her essay, "The Liberal Case Against Gay Marriage," formed the basis of her talk at Hofstra, which more than 100 students and faculty attended. ...

"When I became mayor [in 2003], I stepped back and read the law, and as far as I can tell, same-sex marriage is already legal in New York State for a couple of reasons," West said. He said New York does not define marriage as between one man and one woman, as other states do, but simply as "a contract between partners."

West said he was motivated by the desire he heard from many gay couples to have their relationships treated with dignity. "What they seem to want more than anything, they want their relationship recognized as equal" to others, he said to loud applause.

Shell said gay marriage "is not a civil right . ... I believe most of the benefits of gay marriage can be provided through civil unions." She also argued that it was "unwise" to tinker with marriage, which has recognized the bond between parents and children throughout different generations and cultures.

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