Historically, marriage was purely a strategic, private contract between families. There was no government or religious involvement and no need for formal recognition.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In modern times, governments interfered and prejudice raised its ugly head. Now we have inequitable rules but there is no need to be a part of it.
All consenting adult couples in Australia have the freedom to make a marriage-like commitment to each other and to establish protective legal contracts and wills.
Thousands of heterosexual and homosexual couples live happily in informal relationships, with no desire to enter into socially imposed, certified marriages or have their union recognised by anyone else but themselves, family and friends.
In terms of equality, it is the terminology that needs to be changed. The union of two people would be better referenced as “partners in life”, rather than husband and wife and we don’t need a referendum for that.
So let’s get all this into perspective and put the proposed referendum money to better use. Above all, let us all learn to respect and value each other’s differences in this wonderful country.
Cheryl Lightfoot, Warrawong
I like to give credit where credit is due. I had my daughter’s 21st at the Portofino Shellharbour on the weekend and the food plus service was fantastic. It was a very enjoyable night. Well done Portofino.
Garry Taylor, Flinders
I can understand why women’s sport in Australia is not being recognised.
WIN News tonight stated that the news of the day was Jared Haynes’ achievement in the US NFL.
The real achievement of the day was that the Diamonds Netball Team are world champions in their sport. Good on you girls, a job well done. Congratulations.
Ray McPhail, Dapto
Why does Mary Faulkner (Mercury, August 15) deserve to live the rest of her life outside prison?
She was at fault. What if in the next few years she drink-drives again and kills some innocent person of your family? My family has already lost a young person and made another a paraplegic from a car accident.
If this lady gets away with her punishment, it will be very unfair for the public.
She is a risk to all of us who use the road.
Jodie Mitchell, Wollongong
The Coalition government had a frank and open discussion about supporting a conscience vote on the legalisation of same-sex marriage.
Most in the media were tipping Abbott would be rolled or even lose his position as prime minister but he won a two-thirds majority of the party room as reported by most journalists.
The win by Abbott for holding firm to the traditional view of marriage while allowing his cabinet colleagues to have their say, demonstrated leadership and stability. Why are Labor, the Greens and same-sex marriage campaigners pushing for marriage equality now? Even with Julia Gillard as prime minister there were no campaigns to drive this issue.
Abbott has not killed the issue, but given the people the opportunity to have their say on the issue of same-sex marriage, and not just the political class.
Adrian Devlin, Fairy Meadow
