Aye, a debate board sounds like the PERFECT idea. Instead of having little debate threads posted around the forum, in off-topic places, and sometimes causing fights, yes, a forum of its own is the perfect idea.
I'd suggest the board having its own separate rules from the main forum, also. Since, you know, it is a 'Debate' board, and yes, arguments WILL happen. Say an argument does break out, usually people would get a warning, or something, and well, that's not good. In the Debate board, there could possibly a rule for arguing, say, arguing is allowed, but to a certain extent, like, not too rough, keep foul language to a minimum, or better, censor it, etc etc. If you catch my drift.
Or, say, have a child board for politics, say, so the adults here on FeralHeart would also have a board of their own, away from the more younger children. Maybe, possibly, a smaller board for those looking for help, with say, personal issues, to cheer up, or to get help with personal, off-FeralHeart issues.
Also, maybe another child board for concerns. Y'know, about world issues, say, like the Japan earthquake, or the Joplin tornado.
I should really stop suggesting, I'm bombarding you, aren't I? xD