Let's Rise Up for Marriage Equality
Bella Wilson
Marriage in Australia, concerning same-sex unions, is defined in the Marriage Act of 1961 as “The union of a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life.” This means that currently, two people of the same gender are unable to be married and have it be recognised by the law. This is absolutely unacceptable for a multitude of reasons. Denying the right to marriage for lesbian, gay, bisexual or any person of a non-heterosexual orientation breaches human rights and is discrimination. Secondly, when compared to other countries, having traditional marriage laws is causing Australia to be viewed as unprogressive and intolerant. Lastly, same-sex marriage should be legalised because the government - as elected by the people of Australia - should reflect societies’ opinions and demands. Because of these reasons, the illegality of same-sex marriages in Australia is a disgrace, and this should be amended as soon as possible.
A Plea for Human Rights
One of the main reasons as to why the government should consider legalising same sex marriage is that denying this to the people of Australia is a dismissal of basic human rights. This is for two main reasons – firstly, that same-sex couples are not able to access the benefits that accompany marriage, and secondly, that denying this right is morally unjust and creates unease in the Australian community.
Immediately after getting married, couples are allowed to reap the legal benefits that accompany their union. In contrast, two people must “[have] a relationship as a couple living together on a genuine domestic basis” (Family Law Courts of Australia, n.d.) to be qualified as de-facto. This means that same-sex couples are denied the right to certain privileges that heterosexual couples have access to immediately. This is discrimination.
Furthermore, the very act of denying a couple access to a legal marriage is undeniably morally wrong. Why should two people be refused the right to marriage because of the simple fact that they are the same gender? When bills proposing that same sex marriage should be legalised are shot down, people in power are effectively advocating discrimination. This causes a huge ripple effect throughout the country, encouraging citizens to discriminate in other areas. Refusing to allow LGBT*Q (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans* and queer) individuals to get married only harms Australia and its inhabitants.
Australia is Living in the Past.
Another reason why Australia should legalise same-sex marriage is that due to its conservative view towards marriage, the country is now being treated with scepticism from inhabitants of other more forward thinking nations. With several countries recognising same-sex unions, South Africa, several states in the US, and most recently Scotland, Australia is being left in the dust. Obama said in an interview in 2012, “I’ve just concluded that for me personally it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same-sex couples should be able to get married.” (Weinger, 2012) When such a powerful person expresses that they are in support of marriage equality, it leaves people questioning why Australia’s politicians, including our Prime Minister, are opposed to marriage equality. Even one of Australia’s closest neighbours, New Zealand, has legalised same-sex marriage. Do we really want our country to be ridiculed by other nations for living in the past?
Force Our Politicians to Do Their Jobs.
Lastly, same-sex marriage should be recognised in Australia because the decisions of government, elected by the people, should reflect the public opinion. When the citizens of a state or suburb elect someone to speak on their behalf, politicians should be expected to follow through. However, this clearly isn’t happening. This can be seen in a study conducted in 2012, where 65% of Australians responded to the question “Do you agree or disagree that same-sex couples should be allowed to marry?” with “agree”. (Galaxy Research, 2012). Politicians have either not received this message, or have chosen to blatantly ignore it - 59% of people in the House of Representatives and 53% of people in the Senate are opposed to marriage equality (Australian Marriage Equality, 2013). Politicians should be expected to do their job and support the public opinion where it really matters.
If you agree with supporting human rights, maintaining a positive reputation for your country, or ensuring the integrity of your politicians, join the fight to legalise marriage equality.
Bibliography
Weinger, M. (2012, May 9). Evolve: Obama Gay Marriage Quotes. Retrieved February 18, 2014, from Politico: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0512/76109.html
Australasian Legal Information Institute. (n.d.). Commonwealth Consolidated Acts. Retrieved February 18, 2014, from Australasian Legal Information Institute: http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/ma196185/s5.html
Australian Marriage Equality. (2013). Where Your MP Stands on Marriage Equality. Retrieved February 18, 2014, from Australian Marriage Equality Web site: http://www.australianmarriageequality.org/whereyourmpstands/states/NSW/
Galaxy Research. (2012). Conscience Vote on SS-M. Chatswood: Australian Marriage Equality.