Confidence to share our views

MARRIAGE LAWS

ONE of the benefits of the marriagesurvey process has been demonstrated through the confidence of people to share their views on an issue which is important to them. As residents in Australia, we are fortunate to have this privilege, one denied to many. There was a suggestion the Yes result would possibly lead to a range of social issues, including “breakdown of the family unit.” Given the Australian Institute of Family Studies indicates the divorce rate is about 33 per cent of registered heterosexual marriages, it is probably time to do the Australian thing and give others a go at improving that measure. As a member of one of the older generations referred to, I just hope I last long enough to know the outcome. Generally speaking, we are all meant to love one another as God has loved us and forgive each other for our wrongs. But out there in the real world, there will unfortunately be some friction and misunderstanding with moral and ethical values. In the end, peace is what we must really strive for. The truth is our world is not the same as it was yesteryear. As Australian citizens, we must endeavour to respect one another although our views may differ.

Times are changing

SO senator Eric Abetz is seeking amendments to same-sex marriage legislation which allows, for example, a florist to refuse service to the wedding of a gay couple. Surely the word discrimination has been explained to the Liberal Party. We have Liberal state president Geoff Page singing the praises of a campaign in 2014. Is he not aware we are heading into 2018 and times have changed? All the issues point towards a new broom which will sweep away sand because some individuals have their heads in the sand and are living in the past.

Cakes and beliefs

SO some people believe a baker should have the right to refuse to bake a cake for a same-sex couple because he/she does not agree with their beliefs? Is that any different from someone refusing to give service to a Labor voter because their belief follows Liberal or Green mantra? Many hold views with religious conviction and those views do not necessarily have anything to 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. do with traditional religion. So we open the doors of discrimination to anyone who disagrees with another conviction? That would be a slippery path. Hopefully common sense will prevail, even if it does not suit a minority who use “religion” as a smokescreen for their prejudices.

Respect

SENATOR Abetz says the large majority of Yes voters was not surprising in view of opinion polls (Talking Point, November 17). He says respect must be given to the No voters and suggests we should expect 36 per cent of senators to reflect the will of this minority. Since polls show about 80 per cent of voters support a Bill for voluntary euthanasia, or dying with dignity, will he agree 80 per cent of senators should be expected to support such legislation?

Give me a break

BREXIT vote: turnout 72.2 per cent; leave 51.89 per cent; stay 48.11 per cent; UK leaves Europe. Called democracy. US election: turnout 58 per cent; Trump 46.09 per cent (305 Electoral College votes). Clinton 48.18 per cent (227 Electoral College votes). Trump wins. Called democracy. Marriage survey: turnout 79.5 per cent; Yes 61.6 per cent; No 38.4 per cent. And the No voters claim enough of a victory to derail a vote in Parliament concerning the equality of people to marry the person they love? Democracy? Give me a break.

No landslide

YES — 7,817,247. No — 4,873,987. Not Interested — 3,314,946. Total — 16,006,180. No and Not Interested 8,188,933. A major landslide? I think not.

Electric car excess

CAN someone from Hobart City Council please advise why wealthy owners of electric cars have access to free recharging at council carparks? Why should these possible nonratepayers be singled out for such largesse?

Un-Australian

SO it’s OK for Jacqui Lambie to fight for this country as a soldier but not as a politician. That’s un-Australian.

Maintain landscaping

WOULDN’T you think that after spending millions of dollars on the Elwick Rd/Howard Rd intersections, the beautiful landscaped areas could be maintained? After all, it is the main arterial road to our capital city.

Cut speed limit

WITH all the whining about locals and tourists speeding on Bruny, simply reduce the speed to 50km/h overall like most small islands around the world. Resolves all problems.