Open discussion

Reading the ongoing correspondence on the subject of same-sex marriage I have been troubled by the hostility and contempt shown by many expressing views as both opponents and supporters.

I can understand correspondent Dominic McInerney’s letter of encouragement for those who support same-sex marriage, as gay people are often victims of unjust and hurtful behaviour.

On the other hand, I can affirm that such events as those described by Roger Marks also occur. Surely the call for tolerance needs to directed to people on both sides of the debate.

It is becoming increasingly difficult to have any meaningful, public discussions on this issue.

A recent short video produced by the Bible Society included an open and courteous discussion by two men, who happen to be friends and parliamentary colleagues, presenting both sides of the question.

Yet public reaction included a call to boycott the products of a well-known brewing company which happens to be a supporter of the society.

Part of the problem is that we continually present the issue exclusively as one of individual rights, but it is much more complex than this.

The introduction of same-sex marriage will, rightly or wrongly, radically change the defini-