Meghan McCain I Am Not Ann Coulter

Meghan McCain spoke at George Washington University Thursday evening and defended her support for marriage equality as principled, not politically expedient. Meanwhile, antigay protesters and gay rights advocates held demonstrations outside the Washington, D.C., auditorium.

Student newspaper The GW Hatchet reported on the event.

"McCain -- the daughter of former Republican presidential nominee Sen. John McCain -- was met with a protest by GW's Young America's Foundation before the event for her stance on gay marriage, but McCain fired back during her speech, telling the audience that she is outspoken on provocative issues because she believes in them," reported the Hatchet.

"'I am not Ann Coulter. I am not Glenn Beck. I am not trying to be a pundit. I am not trying to have a show on FOX,'" McCain said. "'My intention is to promote dialogue in this country.'"

According to the Hatchet, "Outside, about 20 members of GW YAF held a protest in Kogan Plaza, passing out wedding cake during their 'Defending Marriage' event. They were met by a larger counterprotest, in which students in favor of same-sex marriage chanted and held up signs that read, 'God Bless Our Gays,' 'Love,' and 'D.C. liked it so they put a ring on it.'"