Warrnambool City Council’s unanimous vote to support marriage equality this week boosted the pursuit of a basic human right.
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Cr David Owen successfully pushed the council's motion of support, which included a direction it write to other south-west municipalities suggesting they follow suit.
The council will also write to state and federal MPs, the Victorian and Commonwealth equal opportunity and human rights commissions.
It will soon consider a report on the cost associated with flying the rainbow flag – a symbol of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex community.
The council’s decision has drawn criticism from some ratepayers who believe local government has no role to play in such an issue. Like this newspaper, the council has every right to show leadership on issues affecting its community. While the council is unable to directly impact legislation, its support sends a powerful message to residents and law-makers.
Two years ago The Standard wrote an open letter to then Prime Minister Tony Abbott calling on him to allow MPs a conscious vote on the issue in federal parliament.
Sadly, politicking has delayed the inevitable legalising of same-sex marriage in Australia ever since.
There is no rational argument against marriage equality. Those who argue marriage is about reproduction are slapping infertile couples in the face, not to mention the married couples who have chosen not to produce offspring for their own reasons.
The argument that it goes against the Bible forces one set of religious beliefs on all, in much the same way that Sharia law does.
It also falsely suggests Christians have a monopoly on marriage. The argument that a child needs a mother and a father has been rebuffed by the likes of the Australian Psychological Society and the American Psychological Association. It’s also doing an incredible disservice to hard-working single and widowed parents.
The fact is the introduction of same-sex marriage will have no effect on anyone except the loving couples who get to share the same privilege as heterosexual couples.
It is for all these reasons The Standard supports same-sex marriage.
We understand not everyone shares our view but we expect commentary to be sensitive and considered.
We will not tolerate discrimination.