The Rational Argument for Gay Marriage: a guest appearance

It's something I, and most of the people I know, feel strongly about: gay marriage. Given a platform and an opportunity, I am more than likely to proselytize at length about the injustice done to the LGBT community by disallowing them basic rights granted to the more heteronormative segment of society, but in this case I am going to hand over the soapbox and let the very convincing Kurt Everard lay out his argument in what are, as always, the most rational of terms.

Australia’s current legislation regarding same-sex marriage is irrational in my opinion but furthermore it’s bigotry and without a doubt impedes the human rights of a law abiding, tax paying group in our society. Australia is definitely falling behind the eight ball in this area of politics as countries like Portugal, Mexico and Argentina have legalised same-sex marriage within the past few months. Recent statistics have demonstrated that around sixty percent of Australia citizens would like to see homosexuals be given the right to marry. There are many confusing questions I feel on the matter of same-sex marriage in Australia today and coming to a conclusion is definitely not easy.

The hardest fact to consider with these new countries is that Portugal, Mexico and Argentina are very well known Catholic countries. More often than not, it appears that the biggest argument against homosexual marriage being legalised is often fuelled by using religion as an excuse. Since according to the bible, homosexuality is not “natural,” most religious figures condemn it as it would mean breaking the sanctity of marriage. Within an Australian context Tony Abbott is opposed to legalising it and it doesn’t seem coincidental that he once tried to be a priest and is an outgoing Catholic. The hypocrisy is blatant in that Christianity and in fact all key religions stress equality, rights, respect and love for all of God’s children yet homosexuals are left out. Society, in general has the belief that religion has no place in politics and it should be governed by logic and reason rather than personal vendettas against a group that their religion targets. This is not the first time that his religious beliefs apparently haven’t had an influence on his policies. During his stint as Health Minister he cut the RU486 drug (used for abortion without a medical procedure) from Australia’s usage as it apparently had more adverse effects which according to the Australian Medical Association was only banned for political reasons and not due to the apparent heightened danger of the drug.

The Greens maintain a pro gay marriage stance and follows the pattern as they don’t claim or express any religious views or intentions. The pattern is broken with Julia Gillard, who has stated that she has no religious beliefs yet has the view that the rejects gay marriage. It’s unclear why she apposes an amendment but common belief may lead us to believe that she assumes that’s what we all want. This thought pattern couldn’t be more incorrect with studies demonstrating that at least 60% (Australian Marriage Equality Survey, 2009) of Australian’s would like to see same-sex marriage included in the Marriage Act. The fact is Labor and Liberal are both trying to do what they see is best for the country but reject common opinion which highlights that our leaders have too much personal opinion ruling their parties policy. I find it hard to side with either Labor or Liberal as they both completely reject the public’s opinion on the matter which is not governing Australia how the majority wants regarding this topic. It’s hard to understand why devout Catholic countries like Spain and Portugal have legalised same-sex marriage but an apparent secular and more open-minded country cannot reverse the wrongs of the past in which Australia continues to govern in a way that can be likened the times well before the 21st century on the matter. There is a positive move being made fortunately. It seems that the Greens will be exercising their new power in the Senate by attempting to put pressure on Labor to put a same-sex marriage bill through. As a result of the recent election the Greens will hold more power than ever before and if the Labor wants their continued support, they may have to subside and introduce this bill.

As can be seen above, it remains to be seen how our political elites came to their decision but one thing for certain, not allowing homosexuals the right to marry is a stringent violation of their human rights. Article 26 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights stresses that all people are to be given equal rights and protection under law and no group regardless of any mental or physical factor will be discriminated against under law. The fact that an entire group is not being entitled with such a fundamental right such as marriage is obviously an infringement as high as International Law. Our country evidently supports the United Nations in their bid to attempt to maintain human rights around the world as far as it is possible so why must we completely disregard a group that pays their taxes, has no higher criminal rate and really have no threat or negative on our country?

Marriage entitles couples to countless collective benefits, which obviously homosexuals can’t obtain. Some notable entitlements are joint tax returns, health benefits and rights as a result of a partner’s death. I feel Australia must take a stepforward from the outdated 19th century definition of marriage that it is the union of one man and one woman and thereis no variation. I can’t understand how anyone cannot rationally come to a conclusion that excluding an entire group from the courtship can’t be justified morally in any way. One last question that remains to be answered is how will society be hurtif homosexuals are given the right to marry? The simple answer is that society wouldn’t be hindered at all and most likely made richer if only our leaders would follow the Greens lead and end discrimination of homosexuals. They must not only take an open-minded look at it but also have to consider public opinion where it shows that a majority want same-sexmarriage. We must take a step forward and attempt to step into the 21st century on the topic.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/australian-marriage-equality-survey-shows-60-per-cent- support-gay-marriage/story-e6freuy9-1225736262110

Kurt is a young, white, straight, Australian man, who is consistently remarkable in his simultaneous adoration for sportz and carz and his undeterrable championing of justice and equality.