Debate will cause much harm

SAME-SEX MARRIAGE

SUCCESSIVE public surveys indicate that support for marriage equality is high, with more than 70 per cent of the population in favour. The figure is a phenomenal 80 per cent among younger people. Despite widespread support in the community, the Federal Government continues to push forward with an unnecessary and expensive postal survey. Whether one is a supporter of marriage equality or not, we have now arrived at a critical stage in this more than 10-year journey, which requires us to be primed and ready to commit ourselves to resolving the matter once and for all. Whatever your views on same-sex marriage, it is imperative that every eligible person should be registered with the Australian Electoral Office by Thursday.

It should also be acknowledged that the intensity of arguments for and against marriage equality has had a profoundly negative effect on some members of the community. This is primarily because of misinformation about the impact of marriage equality on families and family relationships and the vociferousness of many of the opinions which have characterised much of the public discourse on the matter. This is particularly true for young members of the LGBTIQ community who are coming to terms with themselves. The period between puberty and young adulthood is a time of high vulnerability — a time when support is most critically needed. Governments have a role to play in providing mechanisms of support to safeguard the LGBTIQ community during this challenging time and to ensure that the negative impact of verbal and other forms of abuse are reduced. The Victorian Government Equity Minister has announced a support package for the LGBTIQ community during the postal survey, with funding directed towards mental-health services and LGBTIQ organisations. We call on the Hodgman Government to provide a similar package of support for the Tasmanian LGBTIQ community. Where governments have shown a lack of courage, the LGBTIQ community has been tenacious, and their family, friends and allies have shown great strength. The time has come to resolve this matter. Let us ensure everyone has equality. Voting is vital, make sure you are enrolled. Merran Newman Pflag Tasmania but also complementary to each other? Marriage provides a public acknowledgment of the love and commitment they feel for each other, but it is more than that. It is a complementary partnership in which family life and the nurturing of children takes place. This is the historic view of marriage. It is the bedrock of our society. To move away from this foundational understanding of marriage is to fall into the trap of believing that marriage is a piece of clay to be moulded to suit the prevailing mood of the day. Now it is “rights’’ and “equality’’. What will it be tomorrow? I will be voting “no’’ in the postal plebiscite. Gary Kelly Glenorchy