I have never been more proud of being an Australian than when it was announced two weeks ago at just after 10am on November 15 that the Australian people had voted overwhelmingly to allow same-sex marriage in this country.
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At last, the cry from ‘religious freedom’ lobbyists was seen for what it was, another form of bigotry and discrimination, and one which in no way reflected the vote of the Australian people.
Eighty percent of those enrolled had their say and two-thirds of respondents said ‘yes’.
Religious institutions claimed that somehow their religious freedoms were being compromised due to same-sex marriage becoming a reality. Excuse me, how does that work?
What is it about religion that has become so restrictive, but which in fact looks more and more like a desperate need to control its followers? Control equals power, and as we know all too well, power is easily corrupted.
Take the Catholic Church. No other church so adamantly won’t recognise divorce (other than Anglicans, some of whom don’t recognise divorce), homosexuality, same-sex marriage, abortion, a ‘dying with dignity’ bill or the contraceptive pill; all of this from a hierarchy that is unable by church law to marry but instead enforces celibacy on its own priests, not always successfully.
What hypocrisy. What a contradictory conundrum the bishops of that church find themselves in today. It could be considered farcical if it weren’t so tragic for so many people.
Woe betide this church if it doesn’t recognise what is happening!
And now, to add to their woes, it is being strongly suggested that religious organisations should no longer be allowed to claim tax exemption status. Why should they still have such a privilege?
For far too long religions have striven to dominate the private lives of whole communities, not just their own flock; hence the opposition of some to abortion and ‘dying with dignity’ movements.
The Catholic Church lost parishioners when they condemned women for taking the contraceptive pill, and both Catholic and some Anglican priests refuse to marry divorcees which forced more to leave.
The churches are about to lose another section of their flock when marriage between same-sex partners is recognised.
The good news is that Catholics in Australia are now making decisions for themselves. The vote for same-sex marriage has shown they are demonstrating a growing maturity and independence of thought and action. Good for them!
Why are the religious obsessed with matters that should be a personal choice for individuals? Nobody is forcing anyone to marry a same-sex partner, have an abortion, take an euthanasia pill...it is all about personal choices, personal decisions.
There are other religious factions which do nothing to help promote the cause of religion.
And yet, the other side of the religious coin is a social community arm which is essential to the lives of the homeless, the hungry, the families who desperately need support, the mentally ill, the alone and the lonely. Our society would be a much poorer place if these church organisations were not there to give daily support, compassion, and care.
But for the moment we are celebrating with the LGBTIQA community. And what a celebration it is!
ANNIE YOUNG
