Today the results of Australia's marriage equality survey (or same sex marriage survey for those who wanted the word equality removed) were published. I've been told by more than a few that a result of 62% in favor is an overwhelming success, so why does the result make me feel nauseous?
80% or 12.73 million eligible Australians returned a valid survey. From those, 4.87 million people voted no to the question "Should the law be changed to allow same-sex couples to marry?”
4.87 million. That's the number I can't get out of my head. 38% of Australians feel that for whatever reason, some Australians should not have the same rights I have enjoyed. Twice!
Perhaps my nauseous stomach can be explained a different way. I believe the survey question can be interchanged in a way that I hope would reduced the no vote, dramatically.
Try, "Do you agree with Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights? Namely, 'All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.'"
What Aussie could argue with that? And if we are all equal in rights then shouldn't that include marriage?
4.87 million Australians. That's an awful amount of people who think their shit doesn't stink.
A few quick facts:
•LGBTQI people exist. They are as real as you and they had the same amount of choice in deciding their sexuality as anyone else. You can't catch any of it from exposure.
•Marriage pre-dates religion. Get your Lord and saviour away from my marriage! Marriage started as a way to consolidate wealth and land. During the early days of marriage you were most likely to be married to your siblings or cousins.
•Same sex couples all ready exist. They are everywhere. They are raising children. No amount of denial will change that.
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