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Same-sex wedding and attempt to receive marriage licenses planned.

The Houston-based Foundation for Family & Marriage Equality, which supports same-sex marriages, is planning special events in observance of National Freedom to Marry Week.

Two events that could draw the largest protest from conservative groups include a mass same-sex marriage ceremony and an attempt to receive marriage licenses at the Harris County Clerk’s office. These events have taken place for the past three years and have attracted protesters who believe marriage should only be the union between a man and woman.

“We have more events planned than ever before, so there will be something for everyone,” President Jerry Simoneaux said in a news release. “But, if you can only make it to one event, then go to the wedding celebration on Feb.18. There is still room for more couples, but you should hurry.”

On Feb. 17, same-sex couples will ask the Harris County Clerk for a marriage license. More than 30 same-sex couples will exchange marriage vows in a union ceremony on Feb. 18. Some 20 church leaders will perform the marriage ceremony at Community Gospel Church, 4305 Lillian St. A reception will follow the ceremony, complete with wedding cake and refreshments.

In addition to the wedding ceremony and demonstration at the clerk’s office, foundation officials will sponsor a three-part discussion series on sexual orientation and gender identity.

“The discussion series is will take place over three days,” Simoneaux said. “Dr. Jeff Vannice will present the first part on psychology.

“He will show how variations in sexual orientation and gender identity are perfectly normal and uncover the dangers of ‘reparative therapy’ practiced by the ex-gay ministries and some psychologists.”

Simoneaux said the second discussion will focus on the church and same-sex marriages. Author Tom Allen will join church leaders from various denominations and explore how their religious views support same-sex marriage.

“We will show that the Christian right does not have a monopoly on God, and that there is more than one interpretation of morality,” Simoneaux said.

The last discussion will explore how same-sex marriage laws have evolved in Texas, across the country and around the world. Last year, more than 76 percent of voters favored an amendment to the state’s constitution to ban same-sex marriages. It was opposed by nearly 24 percent.

Simoneaux, who is also an attorney and professor at South Texas College of Law, will lead the discussion the evolution of same-sex marriage laws.

“As part of this discussion, we will examine the problems that arise when some states or countries recognize same-sex marriage, yet others still do not,” he said. “We will also see how gender is defined differently for the purpose of marriage from state to state and country to country.”

In its ninth year, the nonprofit group Freedom to Marry, a coalition of gay-rights and gay-friendly organizations that advocate equality for everyone, sponsors the week.

“This is a week to engage the people around us in this conversation about fairness,” founder and executive director Evan Wolfson said in an editorial published Feb. 8 in the Rutland (Vt.) Herald. “Gay people — and our friends, families and allies — cannot assume that just because a person loves us and is generally a good guy that this person understands how the denial of marriage harms us.

“We have to challenge each other and ourselves to make a more substantive, moral case for what we stand for.”