Marriage equality
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Senate Inquiry
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On 25 June 2009 the Senate voted to send the Marriage Equality Amendment Bill 2009 to an inquiry. The Bill was lodged in the Senate the day before by Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young.
The Bill seeks to amend the federal Marriage Act so that same-sex partners are able to marry in Australia, and to recognise same-sex marriages legally entered into oversea.
In 2004, an inquiry into the Howard Government's ban on same-sex marriage received more submissions than any other Senate inquiry in history; 13,000 against same-sex marriage and 3000 in favour.
This inquiry is being conducted by the Senate's Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee. Submissions were received until Friday 28 August 2009 with the inquiry due to report by 26 November 2009. |
Note:
This Marriage Equality Bill points to the continuing need for same sex attracted couples to have their unions publicly accepted and celebrated in the same way, as do heter-sexual couples.
After all, law reforms made last year have been said to have eliminated all those areas where same-sex couples were discriminated against in federal law, including economic and finanical effects- see AG Press Release |
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ACCN website Civil Union extracts
There has been a long history of discrimination against:
• women
• children
• left-hand people
• people with mental illness
• people born with physical disabilities
• red-haired people
• people with intellectual disabilities
• people with short stature
• people who are chronologically gifted etc
Similar arguments were, and continue to be mounted, as to why certain characteristics are
• 'bad' or 'evil' and thus needing punishment or
• 'inferior' and thus giving licence to whose, who consider themselves superior, to do with them as they choose.
Civilised societies have challenged the view on the basis of increased knowledge and research, not only of the natural world, but also of the 'man' made world of society, culture and religion.
Both civil and religious celebrants need to be informed about
• the evolutionary history of marriage and the changes that have come as a result of challenging discrimination, especially against women.
• the Marriage Equality issues being raised by same sex attracted couples who are likewise facing discrimination.
Civil celebrants in a civilised society, it could be argued, need to be even better informed than most.
The ACCN has a section on Civil Unions and definitions with the following sub-sections
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Civil Union and Celebration of Union Ceremony
Lynne and Caroline decided to register their union, as a Civil Union under British law as Caroline has British nationality. This they were able to do at the Offices of the British Consulate in Sydney NSW.
Caroline and Lynne then held a "Celebration of Union" ceremony with their families and friends at The Fountaindale Grand Manor at Robertson NSW.
For more about this story: see Caroline and Lyn's Ceremony
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For more about this story:
see John and Russell's Ceremony |
Hoping to do much more than pledge lifelong love and commitment during their civil partnership ceremony.
John Moore and Russell Baum wanted their public statement of faith for each other to be an example for their community and to help strengthen young people who might be feeling hunted or cornered by attitudes to their sexuality.
Mr Moore is a civil celebrant and said after the service his vocation had made awful truths too clear to him. 'I have buried young people who have taken their own lives because of homophobic attitudes in the community,' he said. "These attitudes persist in some of the smaller country areas in this region, in some of the local suburbs and of course even in parts of the major Australian cities.
'We appeal to the majority of modern, thinking Australian people to speak out and support us so that the homophobes feel outnumbered.' |
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When logged in to the ACCN website, members can click Submit News/ Opinions from their Members Section
This section is to provide a safe place for celebrants to voice their opinions anonymously.
Confidentiality is assured.
As always, only respectful and courteous communication will be published
Member's opinion on Same Sex Marriage are published here for other's convenience, |
| • Opinion: Australia's first mainstream advertising campaign for same-sex marriage |
| • Opinion: Same-sex marriage - not the law of God |
| • Opinion: Equal Rites - Roll on same-sex marriage |
| • Opinion: Love Doesn't Discriminate - Neither Should the Law |
| • Opinion: Does one decide one's sexuality ... really ? |
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Opinion: Australia's first mainstream advertising campaign for same-sex marriage
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I'd like to add this news item as an opinion piece please. NEWS: The following media statement was released this morning. 19 August 2009
MARRIAGE EQUALITY ADVOCATES REACH OUT TO HETEROSEXUAL SUPPORTERS WITH FIRST EVER MAINSTREAM ADVERTISING Australia's first mainstream advertising campaign for same-sex marriage begins today with a series of ads in the online edition of the Age. The ads aim to encourage heterosexual supporters of same-sex marriage to send submissions to the current Senate inquiry into marriage equality. Australian Marriage Equality spokesperson, Peter Furness, said the ads take the campaign for same-sex marriage to a new level. "Our ads aim to reach out to the 60% of Australians who support same- sex marriage, most of whom are heterosexual", Mr Furness said. "The Government needs to hear that equality has the support of most Australians, not just same-sex partners." Four different ads will appear on the news pages of the Age website beginning today and ending next Tuesday. The ads are an initiative of Australian Marriage Equality and sponsored by Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (Brisbane). The ads can be viewed at: http://www.australianmarriageequality.com/releases/20090819.htm
( You can also see the ad on The Age Online. Go to www.theage.com.au and click on any news story) Name supplied. |
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Opinion: Same-sex marriage - not the law of God
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My attitude is, I guess "old fashioned", in that I believe that marriage is only, yesterday, today and tomorrow; to be between a man and a woman. It currently is the law of the land (open for negotiation), but above all, it is the law of God.
While many might think they live independently of such authority; it is the supreme law. Having said that; and with my life experiences as a Minister (past tense), what is right is not always the way that the legislators vote. To allow, by law, the same rights for men to marry men, and women to marry women belittles and demeans the sacredness of marriage itself. Where to next?
Marry your mother, father; as it is possible to marry your niece/nephew at this time?
Maybe your pet dog or budgie might be in the future celebrations?
Regards to all, I live in hope that wise minds might prevail.
Name supplied. |
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Opinion: Equal Rites - Roll on same-sex marriage
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Here's an issue where I'm not likely to change my opinion anytime soon! 
When my partner and I decided to throw our lots in together and merged households, one of the first things we did (before we'd even managed to properly unpack the boxes or figure out how 5 people could fit in a house originally inhabited by two) was to hold a handfasting ceremony.
It was a beautifully moving occasion, to which we invited our family and friends, at least as significant in our lives as any wedding I've had the pleasure to officiate at.
If we could have, we would have chosen to get legally married.
Name Supplied.
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Opinion: Love Doesn't Discriminate - Neither Should the Law
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Let’s Get Equal Campaign (SA)
In Australia, the decision to marry is a personal choice that is widely recognised as a basic human right.
Yes … for some!
We all know that Section 46 of The Marriage Act (1961) states that ‘Marriage, according to the law in Australia, is the union of a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life.’
So what about those in our community who identify as gay or lesbian?
In Australia, all individuals have the right to choose their own belief system and their own philosophy of life. Heterosexual men and women can choose to marry, but if you’re same sex attracted - bad luck for you!
Same sex couples are excluded from the rights, responsibilities and protections that legal marriage affords. This is discriminatory. It also fosters further prejudice against same-sex relationships. For me, this issue is about equality, choice, respect, recognition, stability and security for families.
I’ve conducted many Lesbian and Gay Commitment Ceremonies. I’ve seen the joy in the celebration, the support of friends and family and heard about couple’s hopes and dreams for their shared future.
I’ve also seen their grief and sadness about not being able to be legally married as is the rest of the community … their own brothers and sisters! Marriage has been described in a myriad of ways.
Here are two examples of responses to the question ‘Why Marriage?’
One response has been taken from a commitment ceremony for a gay couple, and the other from a heterosexual marriage ceremony. I can’t find any discernible difference in their hopes and aspirations.
Can you identify who said what?
On what grounds?
1. ‘ … their relationship is built on the firm foundations of love, trust and honesty, good communication, their belief in each other to succeed, support for one another no matter what, compassion, understanding, tolerance, the ability to laugh at each other and themselves, a sense of fun and their total commitment … For A and B, their celebration today is a public expression of their private commitment already made some time ago. It’s about telling each other and you - the most important people in their lives - about their deep love for one another and their intention to spend the rest of their lives together, being there for one another through whatever may come and sharing all that their life together brings …’
2. ‘ … for them both, their commitment to one another means that no matter how trying the relationship may get at times, or how their individual ideas or boundaries may be pushed, they will always be standing side by side and never question what they have, because it lies much deeper than anything else. It’s about valuing happiness and fun, family and friendships. It’s about love, and trust, and respect, and care, and honouring one another forever. When they look around at other people’s relationships they see that respect, humour, appreciation and communication are among the important ingredients for a love that lasts a lifetime …. and never taking each other for granted! They will work together to make their shared dreams come true; to help each other to grow to be the best they can be – as parents, lovers and friends. They hope to travel, to always have their families and friends around them, to always have a happy home where the fun and laughter never stops, and the love just keeps on growing! And so today A and B look forward to their future filled with love, warmth and contentment - a life together where anything is possible!’
So you see, same sex couples wish to marry for the same reasons as heterosexual couples.
A wedding should be a reflection of two people’s love for each other and an experience of love for their guests. One couple didn’t expect it - as a celebration and statement of their love - to change anything. But they were very wrong! They said it was like a magic spell. Being married has deepened their relationship and their commitment to one another. Every person should have the right to choose this kind of joy.
There are of course, those for whom this issue is a vexation. On the Australian Marriage Equality website there is a series of FAQ’s. If you’re interested go to http://www.australianmarriageequality.com/faqs.htm
I’ll reproduce one item here. I urge you to explore the rest at your leisure.
Q. What are the benefits of same-sex marriage?
Community
Providing same-sex couples with the same legal and social recognition of their relationships in no way infringes upon the rights of others. Allowing same-sex marriage is about extending the privileges already enjoyed by the majority to an excluded minority who differ simply in terms of the sex of the person with whom they are in a committed relationship. Further, and very importantly, lifting the ban on same-sex marriage is not only about addressing the rights of this minority group; it is about protecting the rights of people in general. If we say exclusion to certain basic privileges is okay for some, then we are opening up the doors to introducing laws as we see fit to exclude others. In a different space and time, it may be your rights or those of your loved ones that are affected. Equality, respect, dignity, and a sense of belonging are ideals and values endorsed by Australian society. When these values are not upheld for some, it has the potential to affect us all.
Family
The lack of opportunity for the gay and lesbian community to legally and socially validate their committed relationships not only affects the couples involved but also their families. Same-sex attracted individuals do not exist on the fringe of society or in isolation. They are someone’s son, daughter, mother, father, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, grandparent, or grandchild. Having a family member treated differently by the community at large can negatively impact the family as a whole. Those who argue against same-sex marriage in the name of ‘the family’ seem to overlook the many heterosexual family members that are adversely affected by the social exclusion of one of their own.
Individual
The lack of opportunity for same-sex couples to formalise their relationships, as do different-sex couples, sends the message that their relationships are not of equivalent standard and that they are second class citizens. As same-sex sexuality is no more a choice than heterosexuality, restricting marriage to different-sex couples will not stop committed relationships between members of the same sex. What it will do is continue to promote prejudice and intolerance towards a select group of individuals who nonetheless pay the same taxes, fight the same wars, and abide by all other citizenry responsibilities as an Australian.
From AME (Inc)
‘Providing same sex couples with the equal right to marry will not harm religious institutions in any way. Each religion will still have the right to choose whether or not to perform marriages for same sex couples. Religions that wish to perform marriages for same sex couples should also have the freedom to do so.
Some opponents of equal marriage have suggested that marriage as an institution would be weakened, even tainted, by our presence. Such people are, of course, free to hold whatever views they wish in respect of homosexuality and the treatment of same sex couples, but Australian law should not be based upon such degrading and offensive notions. No group of Australians should be systemically excluded from any legal institution, let alone one as central to our society as legal marriage. It must be open to all Australians, regardless of their sexual orientation.
The former Prime Minister, John Howard, once argued that preventing same sex couples from marrying was 'a matter of survival of the species'. Clearly, the ability or desire to have children is not a prerequisite to marriage. Opposite sex couples can get married whether or not they are able or willing to procreate; same sex couples are prohibited from marrying, whether or not they are raising children. “Companionate” marriages between elderly heterosexuals past the age of child-bearing are celebrated and affirmed in our society, not banned under law.’
My final word
Yes, I’m heterosexual. I’m white. I was married. I was divorced. As a divorcee with two young children I suffered incredible discrimination politically, financially, socially, and emotionally. As a Mental Health Nurse, I walked a mile in the shoes of people who had no voice, no dignity, just despair. I walked with them through their crises and hopefully made a difference. I am married. I have two adult children who are married. We have four grandchildren. As a Celebrant, I still walk with others as they celebrate the significant moments in their lives … from the cradles to the grave. I work with gay and lesbian couples and conduct Same Sex Unions with as much joy, compassion and commitment as a heterosexual Marriage Ceremony. Love has no boundaries – knows not race nor creed nor gender.
Are you one of the many thinking people in our community, who passionately believe that everyone regardless of their sexual orientation, has the right to publicly proclaim their love for one another and, if they wish, to commit themselves to each other in marriage?
It is hoped that one day soon, the law of marriage in Australia will cease to be discriminatory and that same sex couples will be able to choose to marry and have their commitment to one another respected, accepted and recognised in every sense, and protected by law.
Name Supplied. |
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Opinion: Does one decide one's sexuality ... really ?
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How many of us who are heterosexual made a decision to be adopt that life style ?
I did not, and for most of us, I believe that to be the case. I remember that until about 12 boys were just there. Then one hot summer's night on the Bundeena pier, with a girl friend, we met a handsome fifteen year old going on thirty man.
He was on holidays with his family too. But I still remember the hot picky sensation that built beneath my skin, my nostrils flaring somewhat to take in more air, as if breathing was now somewhat foreign, and the thoughts that came unbidden - how could we get to meet him again ? what excuses could we use ?
Alas he left the next day. But not my sense of young womanhood. Nor my heterosexuality. It was not a decision. It was a gift, a part of the fabric of my being, that was awoken, that come unbidden, but never despised by self or others. Later it flowered into love and marriage.
My childhood Sunday school taught me God is love. That when two or three are gathered in his name then God is in the midst.
So surely God is present, when two people, whose gift of sexuality is different (yet just as precious to them), gather in love.
Surely when those two people gather with a celebrant and witnesses to declare their lifelong care and commitment that relationship is marriage.
Name Supplied.
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