Analysing same-sex marriage beyond the polls

Two very good articles in the press today look beyond the supposed majority public support for same-sex marriage of the polls to analyse the complexities and consequences of this important social issue.

Paul Kelly, editor of The Australian, writes that, “The Labor Party comes to next weekend's national conference with a political passion for same-sex marriage far removed from its low priority with the public and fixated by the false polemic of “marriage equality” . . .

“The party seems ignorant of the public unease beneath unconvincing polls showing strong support for change or even the full import of what same-sex marriage actually means.”

He reflects on what embracing same-sex marriage would do for a mainstream party that divorces its “social origins and values” to pursue this divisive issue. He rightly points out the consequences of same-sex marriage for religious freedom. Click here to read more.

Meanwhile, Brisbane pastor Ruth Limkin writes in the Courier Mail that “Australians are highly uncomfortable with forcing legislative changes in the absence of public consensus. When the community is deeply divided, Australians want their elected representatives to respect social cohesion and work to build broader agreement first.”

She draws upon the recent Ambrose Centre polling on same-sex marriage to suggest that Andrew Fraser’s attempt to rush civil partnerships legislation through the Queensland Parliament lacks sensitivity to the nuances of the debate.

Instead of building consensus on the issue, not only has the Treasurer tried to minimise time for a proper debate, but has used intimidatory tactics and strong rhetoric to cast aspersions upon those who disagree with his view – something we see far too often in this debate. Click here to read more.

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