SAME-SEX MARRIAGE: For and against Part 1
Greens MP Lyn MacLaren’s same-sex marriage Bill will go before State Parliament for debate in October. Here, in the first of a five-part online series, Lisa Thomas presents arguments for and against.
For: NZ newlyweds
In February this year Michelle Jones and her partner Jo Tamburri took the final step in their relationship and got married.
They are among 232 Australian gay and lesbian couples who have wed in New Zealand this year.
However, unlike most marriages, theirs is not recognised in Australia.
They have spent the past 14 years together, raised three children together and run a successful business.
Ms Jones believes marriage is sacred and should be based on love, not who you love.
“We wanted to get married while we were still young and could enjoy it, ” she said.
“It was such a beautiful day, but because the ceremony was held in New Zealand we couldn’t have our family there.
“It was such a special day for us and not even our kids could watch it. They had to watch it on a video.”
She said she was still confused as to why Australia hadn’t caught up to the rest of the world.
“We own a business and houses together — yet we don’t have the same rights as a normal couple, ” she said.
“It makes me think about when black people and white people weren’t allowed to marry and we look back now and think how silly that was.
“People are going to look back one day and say how silly we were for not allowing people who love each other to get married.”
Ms Jones said she hoped Australia would come to its senses and legalise same-sex marriage.
“We look at countries that have such strict laws about everything else, yet they have legalised same-sex marriage, ” she said.
“We are legally recognised in any country where same-sex marriage is legal, except the country we were born in.
“Legalising same-sex marriage would mean that all our friends and family who are gay or lesbian could have the option to get married among their friends and family — that would be happiness enough.”
Against: The gay Liberal
Federal Liberal Senator for WA Dean Smith is openly gay, yet opposes same-sex marriage.
He supports equality before the law, but does not support a legalising of the union between same-sex couples.
Mr Smith said he supported civil unions between same-sex couples.
“I do accept the argument that marriage in Australia is heavily laden with cultural and social meaning, ” he said.
“I am both gay and a conservative and don’t find a contradiction.
“There shouldn’t be any shame in being gay.”
Mr Smith said his primary opposition came from a strong regard and faith from his conservative and traditional beliefs.
“I distrust sentiments and actions that seek to dismiss, modify or reject as relics our institutions and customs that have evolved to serve our community well, ” he said.
“I believe cautious and considered change is critical if we are to bring about stability and continuity for our community.”
He said he would rather see WA supporting other more pressing issues.
“The most important issue for regional WA is aged care, broadband and pursuing agriculture for farmers and their families, ” he said.
“I’d like to see Parliament debating those issues instead of gay marriage.”
