EretzHaK: Yes, a number of students held a debate about it. I am not arguing with the Rabbonim who said it should not be held. But your claim that it “sought to legitimize homosexuality” should be explained.
The debate did not try to say that homosexual relationships are ok. It sought to bring light to issues that are occurring in the Jewish world. Like it or not, there are frum Jews who are gay. Many of them struggle with it, and are ashamed to admit it. This can lead to sever depression, and in some cases, even suicide. One of the organizers said they were trying to make people realize that if they are gay, it’s ok to ask for help and support. Without it, it’s extremely tough to live a frum life.
The fact is, homosexuality itself is not wrong. Acting on those urges is what’s wrong. A regular person has urges to sin all the time, in all different areas. As long as you don’t act on them, you’re ok. Imagine if you were walking with a friend near a non-kosher restaurant. Your friend said, “Ah, that smells good. I wish I could taste the food! Oh well, it’s not kosher!” Why should that be any different than someone who is gay, who is trying to resist their own urges? If they ask for support and are instead made to feel like horrible people just for having these thoughts, do you think they’re likely to keep fighting in this area? Never mind about keeping the rest of the Torah!
We do need to show more support towards frum homosexuals. We need to encourage them, and help them resist the urges they have, as well as help them come to terms with the idea of not marrying, and likely being alone for much of their lives. That’s a scary thought I don’t wish on anybody.