ONE of the bizarre things about the same-sex marriage debate in Australia is we haven’t really had a debate.
For the most part, we hear from the advocates for changing the definition of marriage, and we’re told anyone against such an idea must be a bigot or a hater.
Let’s face it.
No one enjoys telling their fellow Australians their relationship shouldn’t qualify as a marriage. We’re much more inclined to let people live their lives.
It won’t hurt anyone, will it?
Yes, it will.
Awkward as it may be to say to colleagues, friends and relatives, same-sex marriage would change the fundamental meaning of marriage to the point it has no real meaning at all.
Let’s go back a bit.
Marriage hasn’t been travelling so well.
Divorce, domestic violence and even the fact many couples don’t bother marrying have all undermined the public’s view of marriage. Many people already see marriage as just an affirmation of love where children can be excluded.
No wonder there’s a reluctance to speak up for marriage.
But marriage is worth defending.
Marriage is recognised by governments and the broader community because of the biological reality that a loving relationship between a woman and a man can produce children. It is in the community’s interest that children are brought up by their natural parents in a stable home.
Marriage helps keep parents together.
Studies show this is in the best interests of children.
In such a family, children are conceived by their parents, so they have a genetic relationship.
By this genetic relationship, they have a connection with an extensive family tree.
They’re carried to birth by their mother, so they have an intimate gestational link.
They have a social link with their parents through daily contact.
They may also have a spiritual connection through their shared faith.
Now let’s consider the new model for marriage, based on the slogans of “marriage equality” and “equal love”.
If all relationships are considered equal, there are no relationships that would not qualify for marriage.
Equality is about treating things that are alike in the same way.
It is not about treating relationships that are fundamentally biologically different as the same.
All relationships aren’t the same.
Marriage has a distinct meaning and purpose that should be protected.
Jeremy Stuparich is public policy director for the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference.
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