Just (not) Married

When will we stop classifying people into sub groups of society and start seeing each other as equals?

Gay, straight, black, white, male, female or transgender; no matter the sexuality, race or gender, every single one of us, when it comes down to it, are made up of the same cells, bones, tissue, skin and everything else in between.

When it is broken down so simply for us like that, how is it still possible to discriminate against our own kind?

It is easy for me to feel so strongly about the issue of equality after an experience I had a few months ago. A gay couple who I have grown up with and known since I was a toddler attended one of my soccer matches, something they have been doing for years.

The amount of odd looks and negative, under the breath comments they received from other people, even adults; I was shocked about.

It got me thinking, how, in such a developed and modern society can there still be people who view the gay as completely different kinds of people? It really struck a chord inside me and hence, I am writing this today in a hope for change.

The labels we as a society place on people is where the discrimination stems from. We are marginalising everyone: “he’s gay, she’s lesbian, I wonder if they’re gay?” Surely we can open our minds enough to see through these age old conceptions and not worry about the two men holding hands at the soccer or the two women with a child at the shops. It starts with an open mind. Gay or not, if two people love each other and are happy why should that be ours or anyone else’s business to comment and give our opinion on?

“But it’s not natural”

Where does it say that? The Bible? The same place where it says the consumption of shell fish and wearing of mixed fabrics is an abomination in the eyes of God? Please..

Who are we to know what is natural and what is not natural unless we experience it firsthand. If the love is there, why not let it flourish? Are we not told that if we don’t have something nice to say to not say anything at all? Let other’s do what makes them happy, free of insult and these issues will be a vast memory of the past.

Fortunately, we are living in a time where slowly but surely, people against same sex marriage are dwindling away into a mere minority. Times are changing and it is refreshing to know that we as a society are moving forward.

“80% of Australians agree that ‘everyone should be treated equally, and that includes being able to marry” — Crosby Textor Research 2014

In recent times we are seeing marriage equality bills being passed through parliaments all over the world, so if the above quote is true, why is it Australia is still so far behind?

The simple answer lies in the photo below.

Earlier this month, Labour Party Opposition Leader Bill Shorten introduced a bill to establish same-sex marriage rights. The entire Liberal Party, except five open-minded MPs, refused to attend Shorten’s speech.

What sort of example is this setting to our population?

While I am writing to advocate for change on a local level, it cannot go unnoticed that the members of parliament representing our chosen government do not even have the respect to lend an ear for this issue. According to Galaxy research polling, in 2004, 38% of Australians supported gay marriage whereas in 2012 that number had jumped to 64% How are we ever going to change if the people in power are not listening?

Then again, why not put it to a vote?

As seen in recent times in Ireland, the ‘YES’ campaign was a huge success in legalising same sex marriage. This was through the backing of a referendum. If these above numbers do not lie, shouldn’t we be looking to do the same? It would unsettle the traditionalists of this country and prove once and for all that they are only a minority in today’s evolving society.

The video below is an award winning ad put together by an organisation called Australian Marriage Equality. AME raises awareness for same sex marriage and aims to break the stigma surrounding it. The video intends to correct many misconceptions Australians have and inform of the positives involved in legalising marriage equality.

After watching, it makes you think how Australians can still be so close minded to the idea. There are now 19 cities and countries across the globe in which gay marriage has been legalised with that number only increasing.

The unfortunate truth is that some people seem to think that same sex marriage is going to affect this country and change the way we live forever. For the majority, we know this is hardly the case (see below).

I feel there is a stigma attached with gay marriage that if our country were to legalise it, we would be seen as ‘weak’ and ‘un traditional’. It is a shame that there will always be the minority who don’t see the benefits it would bring to our society and the freedom it would give to many.

“When any society says that I cannot marry a certain person, that society has cut off a segment of my freedom.” — Martin Luther King Jr

It is up to our younger generation to stand up to the historic tendencies of our country and be a voice for the freedom of same sex couples. No human being should be ridiculed for being themselves.

So what can we do from here?

Education is key.

Don’t be afraid to do some research on same sex marriage and at least have an idea of the issue before forming an opinion. See why marriage equality is important in Australia and beneficial to our society. If you feel like you want to help you can even donate here to help AME in progressing the marriage equality movement in Australia.

In finishing, I would like to point out I am not asking anyone to change their stance on marriage equality but to at least gain an understanding of what it is all about before forming an opinion and making a judgement. Education of marriage equality will only aid in creating a more open minded society and a country free for all to love.