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Same sex marriage in Australia.

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trinket
Convict
The Australian High Court has ruled that our Government can go ahead with a voluntary ballot for or against same sex marriage. After registering for the vote you will be sent a ballot paper to return by mail. Hopefully there will be more yes votes than no.

This is costing the Australian tax payers AU$144 MILLION.

While I feel that any adult should be free to marry any adult they choose, I can't help thinking that huge amount of money should've been spent elsewhere, like our flailing public hospitals or family welfare or similar. Do you think there are causes that are more deserving of that funding, than the same sex marriage vote?
patokl
Active Ink Slinger
Quote by trinket
The Australian High Court has ruled that our Government can go ahead with a voluntary ballot for or against same sex marriage. After registering for the vote you will be sent a ballot paper to return by mail. Hopefully there will be more yes votes than no.

This is costing the Australian tax payers AU$144 MILLION.

While I feel that any adult should be free to marry any adult they choose, I can't help thinking that huge amount of money should've been spent elsewhere, like our flailing public hospitals or family welfare or similar. Do you think there are causes that are more deserving of that funding, than the same sex marriage vote?

Of course there are. I think it's a waste of good money, because the results probably are no surprise (polls have already shown that the great majority of Australians supports same sex marriage) and the results are not binding. The real decision to legalise same sex marriage can only taken in the place where all law is decided, parliament. Why not just get on with it there?
A little kindness can be so valuable, yet costs almost nothing

In many countries being gay is a crime, and even in modern societies, politicians try to legalise discrimination. Your voice can make a difference. Have a look at All Out to find out how.

Hey... pssst.... that's an l (as in luscious) at the end of my name, not an i
PhilU
Forum Kan-Guru
Quote by patokl

Of course there are. I think it's a waste of good money, because the results probably are no surprise (polls have already shown that the great majority of Australians supports same sex marriage) and the results are not binding. The real decision to legalise same sex marriage can only taken in the place where all law is decided, parliament. Why not just get on with it there?


It is a very bizarre and rather embarrassing failing of our political classes. The leaders of both major parties say they will 'vote' yes, but the Prime Minister is doing all this to keep the far right of his Coalition (with their one seat majority) happy.

It's also very bizarre that the High Court deemed the process legal. Parliament voted against a plebiscite run by the Electoral Commission (which politicians could still have ignored the results of), so the government used a process designed for "urgent and unforeseen" issues to find some money to get the Bureau of Stats to run a postal 'survey' of every voter. I can see anything the parliament votes against now needing cash from the "urgent and unforeseen" pile.

If it wasn't my taxes being wasted, and if the ads for the 'No' side weren't quite so offensive, then it would all be quite funny...
NymphWriter
Unicorn Wrangler
While I'm not from Australia, I'm surprised this is even an issue. I was under the impression they had already legalized same-sex marriage (but clearly I was mistaken.) Hopefully they'll vote the right way and end this nonsense.

Joan Rivers once said she was for same-sex marriage because gay people should have to experience the pains of divorce like the rest of us. While she was making a joke, the bottom line is that this form of discrimination is wrong and needs to end once and for all.
Guest
Lurker
Quote by patokl

Of course there are. I think it's a waste of good money, because the results probably are no surprise (polls have already shown that the great majority of Australians supports same sex marriage) and the results are not binding. The real decision to legalise same sex marriage can only taken in the place where all law is decided, parliament. Why not just get on with it there?


It wouldn't pass a vote of acceptance in Parliament. That is why there is this referendum. And this referendum has beeen yanked from the political classes. It hasn't been given that willingly. It's an attempt to appease both sides of the argument. And, sadly, it is a real argument.

Australia is a terribly prejudiced country. The Aussie cry of "No Poofters!" is part of its folklore. I just hope that the vote is taken seriously. That peeps actually bother to reply. It needs a huge majority in favour for a 'yes' to be taken seriously. Otherwise the issue will remain contentious and simply be kicked down the road for ages.

I sooooo hope that it's 'yes' by heaps. But am really not certain it will be.
PhilU
Forum Kan-Guru
Quote by hayley


It wouldn't pass a vote of acceptance in Parliament. That is why there is this referendum. And this referendum has beeen yanked from the political classes. It hasn't been given that willingly. It's an attempt to appease both sides of the argument. And, sadly, it is a real argument.

Australia is a terribly prejudiced country. The Aussie cry of "No Poofters!" is part of its folklore. I just hope that the vote is taken seriously. That peeps actually bother to reply. It needs a huge majority in favour for a 'yes' to be taken seriously. Otherwise the issue will remain contentious and simply be kicked down the road for ages.

I sooooo hope that it's 'yes' by heaps. But am really not certain it will be.


It would almost certainly pass a free vote in Parliament if the major parties allowed their members to vote on their conscience. Which is why the Liberal (who aren't really liberal) and National Parties have been so opposed to that. And it's technically not a referendum, since marriage is not mentioned in the constitution. It's not even a plebiscite (which would be run by the Electoral Commission), since the Senate rejected funding for that, at least partly because we don't bother with them for any other issue - the parliament just does its job and votes. So instead, we have a 'survey'.

There's no doubt still large sections of the country that are prejudiced, but I think the country has changed quite a lot even in my lifetime. "P**fter" was a common insult when I was at school and more or less tolerated by teachers; now it's just not accepted. Or at least, it's not in circles that I move in, which I hope are representative of large swathes of society. I'm heartened by the news that a huge number of young people have enrolled to vote in time to get sent their 'survey' form, because I think the vast majority would be doing so, so that all their friends can have exactly the same rights to get married (and divorced ).

So yes, let's hope for a resounding 'yes' that can't be ignored...
Guest
Lurker
Isn't it a shame that a minority hold sway just because of numbers?. That a vote on something quite basic can't be allowed as a conscience vote?. That's politics I suppose. Soooo sad.

Well if it's a huge yes will it make any difference?. I suppose if it isn't it will be buried again. Soooo sad.
PrincessC
Active Ink Slinger
I don't think it's necessarily helpful to talk about this issue in terms of money. Sure it's practical but how can you put a price on this issue ethically? I do think that if we refused to approach things because others were more vital nothing would ever get done.

Course I'm bi so I value these discussions more than most.
"A dirty book is rarely dusty"
PhilU
Forum Kan-Guru
Quote by PrincessC

I don't think it's necessarily helpful to talk about this issue in terms of money. Sure it's practical but how can you put a price on this issue ethically? I do think that if we refused to approach things because others were more vital nothing would ever get done.

Course I'm bi so I value these discussions more than most.



My complaint about the money is not that we shouldn't spend money on pushing toward equal treatment of all. It's just that this should have been handled by our politicians doing what they're paid to do - voting in parliament. Just like they do on every other issue (including some that actually do affect heterosexual marriages). Then maybe we could have avoided some of the vitriol (from both sides), and the completely nonsensical arguments (from the 'No' side) and we could have had it done already and could now talk about something else...
PrincessC
Active Ink Slinger
Quote by PhilU


My complaint about the money is not that we shouldn't spend money on pushing toward equal treatment of all. It's just that this should have been handled by our politicians doing what they're paid to do - voting in parliament. Just like they do on every other issue (including some that actually do affect heterosexual marriages). Then maybe we could have avoided some of the vitriol (from both sides), and the completely nonsensical arguments (from the 'No' side) and we could have had it done already and could now talk about something else...


Oh you're absolutely right with that point.
"A dirty book is rarely dusty"
prettywild
Rebel just for kicks


I'm irish and this vote was in 2015. I rarely comment on these subjects and while I totally and completely agree that such a large amount of money could be used in so many other areas and that politicians should make these simple decisions themselves as they are paid to do.... for me there was a flip side, the whole campaign was a constant talking point for its duration . This led to people who probably hadn't considered it before, discussing it, making the subject more in the open , as it should be. As a parent of three children, I with many others were able to use the campaign as a starting point to talking about different relationships and I was thrilled when my children , once it was explained what the referendum was about, could not see the point of it at all, that why wouldn't you marry who you love as long as you were happy....
I guess my point is that the campaign caused a stir and excitement and of course the excellent result was a day of celebration on which we made history
PunkyCalam
Punkarama
I dont understand why we are even fucking discussing it. This is a Human Rights issue and we are all entitled love who we love without prejudice, discrimination and intolerance. So pull your fucking head out of your arse Australia and just tick YES. I have and mine has been sent back.
Guest
Lurker
Quote by prettywild


I'm irish and this vote was in 2015. I rarely comment on these subjects and while I totally and completely agree that such a large amount of money could be used in so many other areas and that politicians should make these simple decisions themselves as they are paid to do.... for me there was a flip side, the whole campaign was a constant talking point for its duration . This led to people who probably hadn't considered it before, discussing it, making the subject more in the open , as it should be. As a parent of three children, I with many others were able to use the campaign as a starting point to talking about different relationships and I was thrilled when my children , once it was explained what the referendum was about, could not see the point of it at all, that why wouldn't you marry who you love as long as you were happy....
I guess my point is that the campaign caused a stir and excitement and of course the excellent result was a day of celebration on which we made history


... awesome post!

In Australia the Roman Catholic Church is still pretty strong, but if they can be overcome in Ireland then there is hope for Australia.

Tony Abbott, ex Australian Prime Minister, taught in a Seminary. He is a 'no' advocate. He was head butted in the street by a 'yes' campaigner last week, so things are getting heated down there. The No Campaign is spending a lot of money on advertising. This for example...
Guest
Lurker
How about this for a money saving scheme......

When you register to vote, you take a basic questionaire. If you think that a cracker turns into the flesh of Jesus when it touches your tongue, you forfeit the right to decide anyone else's marital status?

You people bow down to a grown man in a dress.... What is the problem? Are you afraid that dicks might taste delicious??
PhilU
Forum Kan-Guru
Quote by hayley


... awesome post!

In Australia the Roman Catholic Church is still pretty strong, but if they can be overcome in Ireland then there is hope for Australia.

Tony Abbott, ex Australian Prime Minister, taught in a Seminary. He is a 'no' advocate. He was head butted in the street by a 'yes' campaigner last week, so things are getting heated down there. The No Campaign is spending a lot of money on advertising. This for example...





FWIW, the guy who allegedly headbutted Tony Abbott has said that it had nothing to do with the same sex marriage debate. And I quote: "I'm never going to get the opportunity to headbutt that c**t again...so I seized a moment" I can personally think of quite a few reasons to headbutt Abbott... but I wouldn't do it, because it's wrong. Oh, and it didn't help the 'Yes' cause.

trinket
Convict
Quote by PrincessC

I don't think it's necessarily helpful to talk about this issue in terms of money. Sure it's practical but how can you put a price on this issue ethically? I do think that if we refused to approach things because others were more vital nothing would ever get done.

Course I'm bi so I value these discussions more than most.


I fully support anyone who wants to marry but How can we put a price on homelessness, families with young children sleeping in cars, tents or on the street, 10 year waiting times for surgeries and not enough beds in our public hospitals? I'm not saying the same sex marriage issue isn't worth doing, I just think there were more important things that money could've been used for.


Quote by prettywild


I'm irish and this vote was in 2015. I rarely comment on these subjects and while I totally and completely agree that such a large amount of money could be used in so many other areas and that politicians should make these simple decisions themselves as they are paid to do.... for me there was a flip side, the whole campaign was a constant talking point for its duration . This led to people who probably hadn't considered it before, discussing it, making the subject more in the open , as it should be. As a parent of three children, I with many others were able to use the campaign as a starting point to talking about different relationships and I was thrilled when my children , once it was explained what the referendum was about, could not see the point of it at all, that why wouldn't you marry who you love as long as you were happy....
I guess my point is that the campaign caused a stir and excitement and of course the excellent result was a day of celebration on which we made history


Well I'm thinking if Ireland can do it, we can. All the people I know who say they are going to vote no are Catholics. I remind them that God loves everyone and "forgives their sins".
prettywild
Rebel just for kicks
Quote by hayley


... awesome post!

In Australia the Roman Catholic Church is still pretty strong, but if they can be overcome in Ireland then there is hope for Australia.

Tony Abbott, ex Australian Prime Minister, taught in a Seminary. He is a 'no' advocate. He was head butted in the street by a 'yes' campaigner last week, so things are getting heated down there. The No Campaign is spending a lot of money on advertising. This for example...






Our no campaign was a bit more obvious...Actually I'm not even going to post it to show you as it's so awful.you can Google if you want to see it ... but the tagline was "she needs a mother and a father" aside from the referendum issues I found it to be so offensive to the people who had a mother and a father... and they were shit ones...... if you know what I mean
Guest
Lurker
I'm a little concerned about the effect that this topic might be having on the troops....
Guest
Lurker
Quote by Lucky_lilDragonfly
Why is that damonx? Or is it a case of don't ask don't tell?


Which post are you referring to?

The "are you afraid that dicks taste delicious" post? Or are you trying to slip one in under the wire so I wont notice?

Since this is the spa I have to object to your cis-gendering and homophobic implications. I also have to object to you not capitalizing my name...(an obvious micro-aggression that I find insensitive).



Maybe get your master to proof-read your comments before posting next time......
NymphWriter
Unicorn Wrangler
Quote by DamonX
Quote by Lucky_lilDragonfly
Why is that damonx? Or is it a case of don't ask don't tell?


Which post are you referring to?

The "are you afraid that dicks taste delicious" post? Or are you trying to slip one in under the wire so I wont notice?

Since this is the spa I have to object to your cis-gendering and homophobic implications. I also have to object to you not capitalizing my name...(an obvious micro-aggression that I find insensitive).



Maybe get your master to proof-read your comments before posting next time......


You seriously didn't understand which post she was referencing? My best educated guess would be the one right before her post. In case you're not sure, I'm guessing it's this one...

Quote by DamonX
I'm a little concerned about the effect that this topic might be having on the troops....


Lucky_lilDragonfly is welcome to correct me if I am mistaken.
Unknown User
Good to hear that the turnout is that high. We only had 68% turnout for the last federal election in Canada so getting that kind of response to a non-binding plebiscite is very good by our standards. Whether that's good for the "yay" or the "nay" is going to be the question. Which one was better at "marshalling the troops"?
trinket
Convict
Quote by seeker4
Good to hear that the turnout is that high. We only had 68% turnout for the last federal election in Canada so getting that kind of response to a non-binding plebiscite is very good by our standards. Whether that's good for the "yay" or the "nay" is going to be the question. Which one was better at "marshalling the troops"?


My logic tells me that more yes voters would want to get their vote in quickly.
Lucky_lildragonfly
Mystical Dragonfly
Quote by DamonX


Which post are you referring to?

The "are you afraid that dicks taste delicious" post? Or are you trying to slip one in under the wire so I wont notice?

Since this is the spa I have to object to your cis-gendering and homophobic implications. I also have to object to you not capitalizing my name...(an obvious micro-aggression that I find insensitive).



Maybe get your master to proof-read your comments before posting next time......

What is with your comment's about me having a Master? I was asking what your comment meant that was all. Are you homophobic? I didn't imply anything. You must have a lot of sexually pent up feelings or you would be nicer to everyone especially Dragonfly's.
trinket
Convict
Quote by Lucky_lilDragonfly

What is with your comment's about me having a Master? I was asking what your comment meant that was all. Are you homophobic? I didn't imply anything. You must have a lot of sexually pent up feelings or you would be nicer to everyone especially Dragonfly's.


Don't waste your time replying to him sweetie. He's not addressing anything to do with this thread, just here for personal insults as usual. Funny, I thought this was a moderated forum.
Meggsy
Active Ink Slinger
I have returned my vote as a NO. I dont have a hope of getting my opinion accepted unless we get a Brexit or US result. No comments please about the US result. You have got him and he will do one term at least.
My reason - I dont believe in marriage of any kind. Hetro of Homo sexual.Same sex or opposite sex.
I am living in a relationship with my girlfriend and we have given a commitment to love each other in front of our friends - no legal authority needed. We live in a FWB relationship 3x3.
The laws of Australia are no different for hetro couples to homosexual couples other than the hetro's spend thousands of dollars 'legally' dissolving the 'marriage' and get no more in a settlement than any other couple who live together for a year whether they ere 'married' or not.
Who wins in marriage - the Church and the party place they hold the reception, costing thousands of dollars. Believe me I work in the hospitality industry - a wedding reception is a rip-off. A wedding reception is twice the price of a 21st birthday or similar. Why because silly people are prepared to pay for it to please the mother of the bride and groom.
Am I cynical - you have got to believe it.
trinket
Convict
Quote by Meggsy
I have returned my vote as a NO. I dont have a hope of getting my opinion accepted unless we get a Brexit or US result. No comments please about the US result. You have got him and he will do one term at least.
My reason - I dont believe in marriage of any kind. Hetro of Homo sexual.Same sex or opposite sex.
I am living in a relationship with my girlfriend and we have given a commitment to love each other in front of our friends - no legal authority needed. We live in a FWB relationship 3x3.
The laws of Australia are no different for hetro couples to homosexual couples other than the hetro's spend thousands of dollars 'legally' dissolving the 'marriage' and get no more in a settlement than any other couple who live together for a year whether they ere 'married' or not.
Who wins in marriage - the Church and the party place they hold the reception, costing thousands of dollars. Believe me I work in the hospitality industry - a wedding reception is a rip-off. A wedding reception is twice the price of a 21st birthday or similar. Why because silly people are prepared to pay for it to please the mother of the bride and groom.
Am I cynical - you have got to believe it.


Of course you're entitled to your opinion. It's not supposed to be about "winning" anything or who gets the most if you split up, or how much a reception costs. It's about a recognized ceremony to pledge your love to each other. That's usually why people get married.

The laws in Australia ARE different for same sex couples. Their ceremonies are not recognised by the courts. I'm pretty sure you won't find 3 people of the same sex expecting to be able to marry each other at the same time either so it's not the same as your situation. What same sex couples want is more than a "FWB" set up. They want legal marriage. People choose to get married because they want more than just a casual "living with friends who sleep together" arrangement.
patokl
Active Ink Slinger
Quote by Meggsy
I have returned my vote as a NO. I dont have a hope of getting my opinion accepted unless we get a Brexit or US result. No comments please about the US result. You have got him and he will do one term at least.
My reason - I dont believe in marriage of any kind. Hetro of Homo sexual.Same sex or opposite sex.
I am living in a relationship with my girlfriend and we have given a commitment to love each other in front of our friends - no legal authority needed. We live in a FWB relationship 3x3.
The laws of Australia are no different for hetro couples to homosexual couples other than the hetro's spend thousands of dollars 'legally' dissolving the 'marriage' and get no more in a settlement than any other couple who live together for a year whether they ere 'married' or not.
Who wins in marriage - the Church and the party place they hold the reception, costing thousands of dollars. Believe me I work in the hospitality industry - a wedding reception is a rip-off. A wedding reception is twice the price of a 21st birthday or similar. Why because silly people are prepared to pay for it to please the mother of the bride and groom.
Am I cynical - you have got to believe it.

The problem with that is, that you did not vote against marriage, you voted against equal rights and equal treatment for gay people. Everyone has the right not to get married if they don't want to. That right will never be affected by the right of people to marry who they love. Right now that right is being denied to gay people in Australia, and you voted to keep it that way.
A little kindness can be so valuable, yet costs almost nothing

In many countries being gay is a crime, and even in modern societies, politicians try to legalise discrimination. Your voice can make a difference. Have a look at All Out to find out how.

Hey... pssst.... that's an l (as in luscious) at the end of my name, not an i