Atlanta conference examines institution of marriage

In an unprecedented move, the state Supreme Court of Georgia is hosting a two-day national summit on the institution of marriage that began Wednesday, tackling everything from the rise in cohabitation to custody issues and a debate on same-sex marriage.

“We must start talking about marriage as a good thing again,” said Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Leah Ward Sears, organizer of the event, which drew about 225 lawyers, judges and policymakers in its first day. “It’s politically incorrect to say marriage has benefits. Let’s not be afraid to say marriage is a good thing.”

In an interview with the AJC, she said the conference was not designed to push any political agenda, but simply to facilitate a dialogue on the state of marriage.

Q: By holding a pro-marriage conference that includes a debate about same-sex marriage, are you taking a stance against gay marriage?

A: There is a tendency of when you talk about marriage for the issue to be confused with a same-sex marriage issue. And [same-sex marriage] is an issue that needs to be resolved by legislation.

But that doesn’t mean there’s not a problem with the way marriage is defined today. Marriage as it is right now needs help. We will have a one-hour debate on same-sex marriage which I will facilitate, and I have no view. I’ve included it as a small part of the conference because I didn’t want people to think I was afraid of it.

Q: You were married for 20 years and then got divorced when your kids were 11 and 8 years old. What impact do you think your own divorce had on your children?

A: They seem more cynical about marriage, about the idea of a couple being together permanently. But one good thing is they are delaying marriage. … But there’s no question they suffered by the divorce. Their father was very involved in their lives, but it’s not the same as being there every day. We all suffered.

Q: What role will President-elect Barack Obama play in encouraging marriage?

A: Think of all of the young black men who will see a powerful and intelligent father who loves his wife and takes care of his daughters.

He and Michelle respect and love each other. It is real and it is genuine. I could almost cry. This is beautiful for all of us to see. His message is probably more powerful than this conference, but I am still proud of my conference.