Lasting power

WE blended our families, with three children from previous relationships. After 10 years, we decided to get married. We’d had Christian upbringing but moved away from organised religion. The act of standing before family and friends in a secular setting, and declaring our devotion to one another, has had a lasting power, which continues to surprise us. Before 1973, we could not have been married in this way. We are thankful to have had the opportunity. People, family, friends, a commitment to look after one another, backed by legal rights and responsibilities. Vote Yes. We did, and we don’t regret it.

Faith in decency

AFTER what I have seen in the media, my conversations during doorknocking for the No campaign have gone some way to restoring my faith in the decency and good sense of our people. Apart from one individual, who displayed his bigotry by abusing me as a bigot before I had a chance to state my case, I was wellreceived.

Most often, people felt vows of longterm commitment between same-sex couples were welcome, but a relationship lacking one man and one woman should never be regarded as marriage. It was disturbing some felt unable to say this publicly. I urge any who haven’t voted to remember it’s OK to say No. You may not get another chance to express those views. themercury.com.au readers have a new way to have their say. It’s free to use, just register and have your say. For more details and to register, visit the website.

None of my business

OK, I’ve voted, and it is too late for No campaigners to change my mind. But I’m not happy. I like to think I’m honest, but if I was as honest as I think I am, I should have drawn an extra box with the caption: “None of my beeping business”.

I voted Yes for two reasons: an informal vote would be a waste of everyone’s time; and I suspect that many of the No votes will be from people who should also have voted “None of my ...”, but who have unilaterally made it their business, and by doing that, oblige me to make it my business.

Height horrors

EARTH is in disarray, hurricanes, floods, bushfires, earthquakes. But one must feel for the people of Hobart — their worries are the height of buildings.