Marriage Equality: the facts that matter
Marriage Equality. A postal survey that is dividing the nation, and worse, confusing it.
So let's face facts. You're confused about marriage equality. Let's iron out some details.
What marriage equality doesn't change:
- Parenting: Same-sex couples are having kids and families through IVF, sperm & egg donors and adoption. Same-sex couples are also already listed on their birth certificates as their parents.
- Schools: Schooling won't change. In fact, Safe Schools is monitored by an independent body away from the marriage vote. Some schools have already implemented the Safe Schools program.
- Church marriage: church marriage is different to legal marriage. Whether you get married in a church, your backyard or a beach on a tropical island, everyone signs the same government document to make it constitutionally legal. Churches will be able to choose if they want to perform same-sex marriage ceremonies. No one is taking that right away.
So, what will change then?
Being legally married gives you certain rights and entitlements in different situations, for example, if your partner passes away.
It's not "just the gays" who don't benefit from these rights and entitlements. Heterosexual de facto couples face the same issues.
"But what is the LGBTI community complaining about then? If de facto couples don't get the same rights and entitlements as married couples, so what?!?"
Heterosexual de facto couples can make a choice to get married and gain those rights and entitlements.
Same-sex couples can't.
#voteYES
For more information, please see voteyes.org.au. If you or someone you know is suffering from anxiety or depression from this postal survey, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Switchboard on 1800 184 527