It’s a survey on gay marriage: they want to know if they ought to legalize it, not require a priest to ordain it, and recognize same sex marriages from other countries. I’m happy to throw the international opinion into the mix, and you Australians ought to speak out.
Pharyngula
Evolution, development, and random biological ejaculations from a godless liberal
Thanks PZ!
Also, in case anybody’s wondering, I think either bill would be OK. Mr Bandt’s is possibly the marginally better option? I’m not quite sure.
We really do need Aussies to sign this, and contribute submissions; it’s been stacked by Christians so far.
Done and done. I am slightly embarrassed that this is even an issue here.
Done. I saw the call on TET.
Wow, first progress on a R rating for games & now progress on same sex marriage. Seems we might finally be growing up as a nation…
Nah, that’ll never really happen
They wanted my opinion? (Now finally an Aussie one for Aussies especially!) Well I’ve given it to them :
Clicked the ‘agree’ button thrice, the ‘yes’ box ticked twice and written this (my bit NOT in bold) :
Word limit is 250, my computer word counter makes that just 96 words.
Plus :
68 words by my computer – grand total of 164 words for both boxes.
And done and sent and cheers for this PZ.
As our nation’s most memorable political slogan goes :
– Gough Whitlam mid-1970’s if anyone is curious or cares.)
PS.
In case this is helpful – hope this is okay to post here – my apologies and please let me know if not.
Hopefully, maybe this time this particular poll isn’t point-less but pointed and may actually change things? We can hope?
Been there and done that! To me marriage is simply a formality and I can’t see what all the fuss is about, this dispute doesn’t affect me in any way, shape or form but I hate discrimination of any sort – especially when that discrimination is inspired by religious bigotry – therefore I automatically support the proposed change in the marriage law.
Although I live in Canada I am a naturalized Aussie so I’ve done by bit and had my say. Fuck Tony Abbott!
Here’s my response:
It’ll be interesting to see the results of the “survey”. I’m hoping that they use this more as a request for comment, using the tick boxes simply to help sort responses to better analyse the content of the comments, and not actually tally up who one the beauty contest.
Weird question on the poll.
I’ve yet to see a pro-gay marriage supporter demand, ask or plead for ministers of religion to be forced to marry anyone against their will. I’ve never heard of any minister being forced to marry anyone against their (the ministers) will.
baal it’s mostly because the people up in arms against it are using that lie as an argument against it. It’s a stupid argument and wrong, but it needs to be addressed I guess.
And yes, already put in my response.
Done, and linked to “Australian Abroad”.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Americans often have some bizarre beliefs, but at least they are prepared to fight for them (and those who are against them). A majority of aussies have apparently been in favour of same sex marriage for quite some time, and yet it’s still not law. We’re an apathetic bunch.
Done. My written responses were nice and short. Either bill is fine. I think the Jones Bill makes it clear that a celebrant is not obliged to marry anyone and that while a marriage must be entered into voluntarily, so must it be voluntary for a celebrant to perform a ceremony. Seems reasonable.
I am a homosexual living in a bigotted islamic country called Kuwait and I still would not be supported should I ever think of coming out of the closet, like the rest of the western countries whom I look up to as “The People of Hope”.
I think all countries must support LGBT and all kinds of marriage just as long as humanity tries to distance themselves in heavy thinking and try not to drag strict religions with them. Because that can ruin homosexualities and other open-minded people to be more accepted to the world.
Added my 2cents worth. Not before time, although I’m doubtful it will pass with Julia promising a conscience vote and Tony Abbott as OL. At least it’s the beginning of the journey.
My reason why was very short:
Remember, you need to agree, disagree, agree, yes, yes. The disagree does imply you want to enforce your choice on someone else though. Thoughts?
And for the comments:
Australia is a country that accepts equality of sexuality as a state that progresses our social condition and a right for all people. Gay marriage is marriage. The vilification of non-heterosexual people can only be stopped by refusing to accept it, without compromise.
Click on the link “Interim summary of responses” near the bottom of the page. It’s running roughly 2 to 1 against at the moment which I found surprising. Probably pastors have been urging their flocks to take the survey and ensure that the government gets the “right” response. I hadn’t even heard about this survey until PZ mentioned it above.
@ bigchrisdid
I agreed to all three. I think forcing ministers of religion to do something they don’t want to will only strengthen their opposition to it (harden their hearts?). Anyway, as the question states, they’re not obliged to perform any marriage.
Damn, there’s a lot of haters out there. Needs more Pharyngulation!
Is it okay if I vote for same sex marriage in Austrailia if I live in Kuwait or even though I am from Kuwait? Because I too would love to support any country who will legalize same sex marriages.
The interim summary of responses page is currently showing stats “As at Thursday 15 March 2012”, pre pharyngulation. It is also only showing a total of 27,406 votes so you can expect it to change considerably.
As an Australian I have no problem with non Australians participating, I’m just stunned at the stupidity of performing a self selected internet poll as a way of gathering information for decision making.
I declined to take their survey and instead sent the following via email:
“I am glad to see these bills introduced, as marriage equality is long overdue in this country. However, I think it is inappropriate to hold a survey on the matter. People’s civil rights are not up for debate.
The law as it stands is a violation of the civil rights of same-sex-attracted and gender-nonconforming Australians. There should be no vote on whether we finally stop violating these rights; it should just be done because it’s the right thing to do.
Practising religion does not give anyone the right to impose their religious practices upon others, nor does the existence of religious constituents give the Government any right or obligation to impose religious laws on the rest of the population.
What this survey says to those oppressed by the current law is: “If your fellow citizens express enough hate, we will continue to oppress you”.
Defy the hate; change the law.”