Time for compromise on same-sex marriage

·        There is concern that by changing the definition of marriage in the Marriage Act 1961 (Cth) – being, “the union of a man and a woman…” – to be just, “the union of any two people…” as proposed, will not only dilute the concept of traditional marriage, but that it would also encourage various undesirable unions to seek recognition as well.

·        Marriage is a fundamental precept of all the major religions of the World, all of which oppose same-sex marriage. According to the ABS, at least 65 percent of our religiously diverse population in Australia still claim adherence to particular religious faiths. Reliable polls also show 48 percent of the adult population regard homosexuality as morally wrong. So genuine support for same-sex marriage is far from assured.

·        Changing community values and attitudes, influenced by anti-discrimination laws, are now more tolerant and accepting of homosexuals and same-sex unions than before. As so many people now just live together for whatever reason, lack of formal recognition of same-sex unions is not critical to its social status. There is no longer any reason for gay couples to feel stigmatised or socially uncomfortable.

·        Although informal polls can be reasonably accurate, at times they can be surprisingly wrong; and on an issue as important as changing the definition of “marriage” to deem everybody else’s marriage to be the same thing as a same-sex union, means many people privately hold an opposing view to that which they may openly express on the pretention that same-sex marriage is now the political correct view to adopt.

Now there are advocates on both sides who, no doubt, will want to argue with this analysis, as well as others who will nit-pick away at the subject for evermore. But one way or another the issue must and will be resolved. Only one thing is certain. The public is heartily sick of it and wants it settled.

The Government has proposed a national plebiscite. The Opposition with The Greens (believing they have the numbers) want it to be resolved by the Parliament as a ‘conscience’ free vote.