Politicians have duty to speak
SAME-SEX MARRIAGE
I SHARE columnist Rex Gardner’s dislike of being hectored by folk vociferously pressing their case in the same-sex marriage debate ( Sunday Tasmanian, September 30). But Rex makes a claim which must be rebutted: that politicians taking prominent positions in the same-sex marriage debate are “blowing their bags on a matter no one has entrusted them with”. This makes it seem as if the plebiscite is a vote on a question of personal preference. It is not. The vote is about whether as a nation we will end a form of discrimination against homosexuals, just as the 1967 referendum was a vote about whether we would end one form of discrimination against indigenous Australians.
This is an important step in a long historical process which has seen previously marginalised groups of people successively accepted as equals under the law, stretching back to the rejection of the divine right of kings, through the abolition of slavery, the separation of church and state, equal opportunity for women, and laws against religious, racial and other forms of discrimination. None are matters of personal preference. All are about the fundamental concepts of liberty and equality and how these should be given expression in our laws. Defending these pillars of civil society is proper work for politicians. should Australians be persuaded to join the smaller number or should we join the majority and retain our traditional definition of marriage?
It is a choice which those on the electoral roll must make.
More equal
ON Animal Farm, it’s OK to say no to marriage equality, as some think they’re more equal than others.
Dinosaur days
I AM glad John Howard, Tony Abbott and Eric Abetz are giving us their views on the same-sex marriage plebiscite. The “yes” vote should receive a big boost thanks to those three dinosaurs urging us to vote “no”.
Rhyme and reason
TONY Abbott supports the “no” vote. If it wins, I’m sure he will gloat. Congrats to his daughter A staunch “yes” supporter. I hope that the public takes note.
Leave it alone
REX GARDNER asks whether you are sick and tired of being told how to think in the same-sex marriage debate. And the A new way to have your say 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. answer is, absolutely. I’m sick and tired of the advertisements, the letters and articles quoting this expert or that expert. To receive an unsolicited text message on my mobile phone telling me how I should vote was over the top.
I don’t even know why we’re having this conversation, highly paid federal politicians should have been free to have a conscience vote, and the matter settled. If they happened to vote contrary to the views of their electorate, they would find out at the next election. Go away, leave me to my private opinion.
Great time in Tassie
JUST wanted to write to you to let you know how much we enjoyed our recent holiday to Tasmania. We began our two weeks in Hobart, visited St Helens, Swansea, Bay of Fires, etc. My husband and I, cousin and sister-in-law had a fantastic time, even if the weather wasn’t all that kind. So, through your paper, I would love to thank all the kind people of Tassie, especially those whose accommodation we enjoyed. Thank you.