Dear Kevin,
Just like John Howard, you have succeeded in thwarting the ACT’s bid for a civil partnership scheme that includes formal, legislated relationships ceremonies for same-sex couples.
Not everything has gone your way. The Stanhope Government is to be commended for wresting the significant concession that it can still make administrative arrangements for a specially-delegated state official to supervise at same-sex ceremonies.
This will be important for Canberra couples seeking official recognition of their unions.
But there are still many questions you owe it Australia to answer.
Why shouldn’t same-sex partners be able to stand up in front of their friends and family, and receive the blessing of the state for their union?
Why shouldn’t same-sex partners marry and share in an institution which you believe is so important for society?
Why do “Christian” lobbyists have so much influence with you that you put their Bronze Age prejudices ahead of equal legal rights and ACT self-government?
Why do you continue to insist that your preferred model of a Tasmanian-style registry is simply a way for couples to register an existing de facto relationship when you know this is untrue, and that in reality it is a fully-fledged civil union scheme which is recognised as such overseas?
Why do you maintain that the recognition of de facto couples in federal law is “equality” when it is clearly only one step in that direction, and endorse it as “practical” reform when you obviously understand the importance of symbolic recognition?
And why do you justify all this by declaring that marriage as the union of a man and a woman is “traditional” and “sacrosanct”, when you know these were the defences for slavery and for denying women the vote?
Poll after poll shows the Australian people accept full legal equality for same-sex partners.
Why are you at odds with the nation that so recently elected you to bring about real change?
Sincerely,
Rodney Croome.
What people do in the privacy of their bedroom is their business. What messages they send to my kids and other families kids is our business.
Homosexuality should not be offered as a lifestyle choice by desensitizing kids and the wider community who want nothing to do with the lifestyle.
Don’t ask and don’t tell. Why is this not enough for gays?
Nobody is saying stamp out homosexuals. Live at let live – but why shove the lifestyle down our throats?
How does the saying go – give and inch and they’ll take a mile. It sums up the proposed Rudd Govt initiative.
Dear Mr Rudd, I have far more confidence in “what the majority will accept” than Mr Moran. Please do not allow the Christian Right, Howardistas, and assorted wowsers distract you from what ought to be a no-brainer. Fifty years from now we will be wondering what took us so long. Oh but you might want to call off the besequined gay stormtroopers forcing their lifestyle down ‘fear for queer’s’ throat. They seem to be scaring the poor dear. Yours faithfully, Lucy.
Pull your head in Rodney Croome. Most thinking queers have decided they don’t want this supposed right. I, and I might add most gay people I’ve discussed the the issue with, don’t want heterosexual ‘rites’! All we wanted, and have now been offered, is the same ‘rights’ as everyone else.
Marriage is an institution that served most of us well. It provided families for a safe and secure upbringing. Marriage is an institution for a man and a woman because it offers a woman protection, to give up one hell of a lot in order to satisfy life’s longing for itself. In case you haven’t figured it out Rodney, one of two blokes doesn’t need that protection and as hard as you may try it ain’t gonna happen mate!
Marriage is an Institution of Religion recognized and administered by the State. You are a confused man if you are asking for the States’ blessing. Accept it’s recognition and stop grandstanding on an issue that exists in your mind & the minds of those who haven’t really thought about i
Dear Mr Rudd, Don’t listen to Rodney Croome and friends. 2% of the population is a very very insignificant minority and I expect you to govern for the majority. Feel free to remove some of the unnecessary discriminations as you’ve suggested, but there is a limit to what the majority will accept. Gay Marriage no, Gay Adoption no, Gay IVF no. Please respect us.