The Tanner Humanities Center at the University of Utah will host a public screening of the Sundance film, “The Case Against 8” at the Salt Lake Film Society’s Broadway Centre Cinemas, 111 E. Broadway, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. The film’s director Ryan White will lead a Q&A session immediately following the screening. This event is free and open to the public. Tickets can be obtained at the theatre’s box office.
On June 26, 2015, the United States became the 21st nation to legalize same-sex marriage as a result of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Obergelell v. Hodges. The court ruled that the denial of marriage licenses to same-sex couples violated the 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution. The road to this decision was long, and began with the legal battle to overturn Proposition 8 in California.
“The Case Against 8” draws back the curtain on one of the most contentious legal cases of recent years that paved the way for the ultimate Supreme Court ruling.
“‘The Case Against 8’” captures a pivotal moment in our recent past,” said Tanner Humanities Center Director Bob Goldberg. “This law suit was a critical factor in building the momentum that pressed our society into insuring that life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness were guaranteed to all Americans.”
During his stay at the U, White will meet with faculty and students from the S.J. Quinney College of Law as well as other community leaders and activists in the fight for equal rights.
“The Case Against 8” Directors’ Statement
In November 2008, our fellow Californians passed Proposition 8, taking away the right of same-sex couples to marry. Within weeks, the American Foundation for Equal Rights was formed to fight the proposition and bring the first federal challenge to a state’s same-sex marriage ban.
We are extremely grateful for the incredible access we were given since the beginning, which allowed us to explore issues of bipartisanship, civil rights, privacy and dignity. It is our hope that “The Case Against 8” will give audiences the opportunity to experience this historical journey in an in-depth and intimate way.
– Ben Cotner and Ryan White
About The Human Experience in Documentary Films
This new Tanner Center initiative seeks to use the medium of film to explore the critical issues that face both individuals and in community. Not only will the program offer screenings of films, but will create dialogue with filmmakers who will share the experience through the lens.
University of Utah Sponsors
Tanner Humanities Center, David Eccles School of Business Daniels Fund Ethics Initiative, S.J. Quinney College of Law and Office for Equity and Diversity
Community Sponsors
Bruce W. Bastian Foundation, Salt Lake Film Society, LGBTQ-Affirmative Psychotherapist Guild of Utah and Love Utah Give Utah (2015)
About Tanner Humanities Center
Founded in 1988, the Tanner Humanities Center shares campus and community path-breaking research while engaging all groups in dialogue. Through its initiatives, the center offers perspectives that inform discussion and frame solutions to our common concerns.
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