Same Sex Marriage for Dummies
What is marriage?
Marriage is a formality that is a result of domination by males and religion in the last few thousand years. Prior to that time, informal marriages obviously existed. Since that time, in the last century, we have freed ourselves of domination by men and religion. Marriage still remains as a cultural institution, but the reasons for it being a formality are long gone.
What is the connection between marriage and church?
In Australia, only 1 in 4 marriages have a religious ceremony. Consequently any religion-based argument regarding the sanctity of marriage is not in keeping with modern ways.
Which other countries have legalised same sex marriage?
As of 1 March 2017, same-sex marriage is legal (nationwide or in some parts) in the following countries: Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States and Uruguay.
Of the western nations who have yet to join in, (Australia, Germany, Italy), Australia is easily the least religious with only 32% of the population thinking that religion is important. Compare that with countries that have passed same sex laws like Ireland (54%), the USA (69%) and Portugal (72%) .
Is Australia gay friendly?
Obviously we have the Mardi Gras in Sydney. A major survey found that Australia is the 4th most gay friendly country in the world.
What do the polls say?
54% of Australian Christians support gay marriages in churches.
72% of all Australians support same sex marriages.
SUMMARY
- Leaders of the major political parties in Australia support it
- Christians in Australia support it
- Polls support it
- Most western countries support it – with many being more religious than Australia
- Any historical sanctity is based on oppression due to gender and religion
SO WHAT’S THE PROBLEM?
1. Gutless Leaders
When everything points to the majority of voters favouring a commonsense decision, that’s a cue to step up and make it happen. A strong leader wouldn’t hesitate.
2. The word “marriage”
The church would have no problem with a parallel status called a civil union, that did not use the word “marriage” – because they think they own that institution. This is not achievable by the government due to the mass of paperwork involved. Same sex marriage, on the other hand, just requires one new or amended law. All the other laws and documents that mention “marriage” would not need to be changed.
SOLUTION
It’s too late now, but if Malcolm Turnbull had just said “it’s obvious what the public wants, let’s have a conscience vote”, he’d gain enough popularity to see him through to a second term.