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The slippery slope to homophobia

By Rodney Croome - posted Thursday, 7 June 2012


It also shows willful ignorance of why many same-sex couples want the right to marry.

We want to participate more fully in family and community life. 

We want to share in the values and traditions of marriage. 

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We want to be included in the universal language of love and commitment that marriage provides.

In short, we want to be part of the institution as it currently exists.

As a polyamory advocate recently wrote, there is “a utopian element” to such relationships. This will appeal to some idealists, but this is not what the movement for same-sex marriage is fundamentally about.

That movement is about the inclusion and integration of gay people into society as it is now.

I believe gay integration is what the opponents of same-sex marriage fear most.

That is why they are whipping up fears about polygamy and polyamory.

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This kind of fear mongering not only confuses the same-sex marriage debate. 

It also speaks to old stereotypes of gay people (particularly gay men) as sexually radical, promiscuous, irresponsible and bizarre.

If you still believe all gay guys are inveterate sex fiends who want nothing more than lots of sex with lots of partners, and want that way of life affirmed, then all this talk of recognising multiple partners will confirm your prejudice.

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Article edited by Jo Coghlan.
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About the Author

Rodney Croome is a spokesperson for Equality Tasmania and national advocacy group, just.equal. He who was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2003 for his LGBTI advocacy.

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