Howard University will serve as the backdrop next week surrounding a debate on same-sex marriage.

The event, which takes place at noon on March 9, will be held at the university’s School of Law and will feature the justice involved in the controversial Proposition 8 in which the Supreme Court overturned a referendum last year that made same sex marriages legal in California.

Judge Carlos Moreno will discuss those efforts, followed by comments from professors in the School of Divinity, who will explore the legal and moral ramifications of same-sex marriage.

Meanwhile, same –sex couples in the District have begun applying for marriage licenses, and superior court officials expected a crush of applicants this week following the March 3 legalization of such unions.

Couples will have to wait three full business days before exchanging vows.