We asked how this issue affects young people and what they'd
like politicians to know.
The submissions were presented to Prime Minister Gillard at
the Labor National Conference 2-4 December 2011.
Read our
news article for more information.
Submissions
When it comes to equal marriage laws in
Australia, one question keeps recurring in my mind: what do I
expect from my country's leaders on this issue? In a
word: Courage.
Yet all I see is fear.
Which is sadly ironic, because growing up as a young closeted
gay male, all I felt was fear. Fear of being different, fear in the
isolation, fear of not knowing what my friends and family would
think of me, fear of being inadequate, fear of not being
accepted, fear of growing up a lesser man, fear of growing old
and never having a family of my own, of never finding true
love.
I know what I was afraid of growing up, but what exactly do our
politicians and community leaders fear?
Gus Johnston, former hockey player
I believe not having equal marriage rights is not only
judgmental but violates basic human rights! Australia prides itself
on exerting elements of freedom and individuality.. How is not
legalizing gay marriage promoting freedom and choice? I believe
people need to stay true to themselves and believe that they are
not alone and battles such as gaining equal marriage rights can be
fought and has support!
Madison, hY NRG member
Part of me feels that marriage should be the traditional thing
of a man and woman. However, as I know a few gay people, including
my girlfriends brother, I would find it hard to say
"sorry, you can't get married to the person you love". At the end
of the day the heart loves who the heart loves and it's their
choice of who they marry, so straight, bisexual, or gay they sould
be able to take that step. If that's someone of the same sex, then
so be it, who are we to judge their choices and if that's what
makes them happy, then let them do what it takes to find their true
happyness. I dont buy into how same sex marriage would damage
the traditions of marriage because a lot of people of "traditional
marriages" (opposite sex marriages) don't last long and end in
divorce. This is shown in the high divorce rates and people being
married more then once.
Chris, hY NRG member
I think that love is love, regardless of whether it's between
two men, two women or a man and a woman. If two people want to get
married then they should be allowed to, they should be allowed to
legally say in Australia that they are the other person's husband
or wife and they have a document to prove it. Australia is one of
the most easy-going countries in the world so I don't think they
should hold off on legalising something that shouldn't even be
questioned. I think Australia should let two people who love each
other get married, regardless of gender.
Melissa, hY NRG member
Not having gay marriage legalised in Australia make me feel like
my own birthplace, my own country is against me. We are only human,
we deserve the same rights as all straight people in this
country.
Josh, 18
I'm sure the suicide rate would go down if more people realised
that being gay is okay, and that won't happen if even our Prime
Minister is discriminating against it. Save lives, make people
happy, be remembered and loved by pro-gay people forever.
Mady, 15
The incidence of suicide is disproportionately high amongst
people who are same sex attracted. I feel like this is because we
are being sent a message that we are 'not right' in some way, and
that this means that we don't deserve the same rights. I have been
with my girlfriend longer than any of my friends have been with
their opposite sex partners, yet we're not allowed to marry, and it
really hurts to know that. The marginalisation really needs to end,
what ever happened to 'a fair go?'
Laura, 21
Living in the 21st century... what does it mean? I would have
thought it meant being equal, getting rid of unnecessary
discrimination and being fair. Apparently not. Marriage is a
ceremony between two people who want to share their lives together.
It is terribly discriminatory to not allow a gay couple to get
married. Are they people? Yes. Are they capable of love? Yes. Do
they deserve the same rights as "normal straight" people? Most
definitely!
Louise, 22
It just gets me angry that decent human beings are being denied
the rights that others are handed on a silver platter.
Live and let live, I say. If it doesn't hurt you or anyone else
then how can it be wrong?
Alessandra, 15
I believe that every citizen should have access to all
institutions, including civil marriage regardless of their sexual
orientation. I am a straight,"red blooded‟ male and I love women
but I still think it‟s grossly unfair to exclude gay citizens who
want to access this rather archaic practice.
John
I want the right to marry when I'm older, I want to be able to
say that's my wife and I love her just as much as every other
husband and wife does. It is time we see the Love and change the
law.
Lauren, 14
Love is love there is nothing different about it. A gay person
should have the same rights as a straight person.
Kelly, 14
I believe that no human has the right to make another human feel
worthless under any circumstances. I hope that one day, people can
be completely open and honest about their sexuality, without having
to worry about how people are going to react.
Chelsea, 13
It would be fantastic to know that 10 years from now, I could
have a wife. Instead I have to listen to my friends talk
about their future husbands and kids and know that I may never have
those opportunities, and every time it kills me a little bit
inside.
Emily, 14
Please Prime Minister we aren't asking for much, only to be
equal!! For myself and my partner to express our love and
commitment with our friends and family in a marriage ceremony. What
could be wrong with that?
Jake , 25
The day that our nation allows same sex marriage will be the day
when our nation can move forward and be one of the big powerhouses
in the 21st century!
Chloe, 15
I don't think it's a matter equality or discrimination as the
legislation has never in all of Australian history been legalized
to discriminate against. I just simply believe in where the word
marriage has come from and what it stands for.
Paul
Homophobia is still rife in Australia and the discrimination at
school, work and within the community. It was only 10 years ago I
was in school and was told by a teacher that been gay is wrong and
you have to change.
Discrimination is wrong and prejudice, religion and blatant
homophobic should have no place in our society.
Josh, 24
When I came out, and found the support of my friends and my
family I started to feel as though I wasn't broken, and even began
to feel pride for who I was, for how I felt. The dark fears of
loneliness gradually subsided and I started to believe that I could
find someone to share my life with, to have a family with. My
'blokey' mates from school showed their support to me, even the
ones I thought could never accept it. They told me that I was the
same mate to them that I had always been.
So why when I turn to my government do I face discrimination?
David, 24
What have I learned from not being allowed to get
married?
I am 'different' and 'abnormal'.
I don't deserve to have the same rights as my bitter and angry
divorced parents.
I deserve the same rights as anyone else. It's time for a
change.
Ashleigh, 16
Love is love, people are people, and
not allowing gay people to marry who they love is just ridiculous?
What's the big deal anyway? How is someone marrying who they love
exactly going to affect you? Studies show children perform better
when raised in a married family. So, why not let some children's
parents actually get married? What about the young people who have
been proven to be at a higher risk of suicide, self harm and
depression because they're gay? What kind of message do you think
you're sending them, telling them that they're second rate citizens
because of who they are? Take the plunge give us equal rights. The
world won't end. In fact, I think you'll find it will be a happier
place for so many people.
Holly, 15