Marriage Equality – a proud moment for Australia
Alan Joyce
Former Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director at Qantas Airways Limited
As an openly gay immigrant given the chance to head up the national carrier, I’ve always thought of Australia as a welcoming place
The YES vote proves it.
It proves that Australia lives up to its ‘fair go’ values, even when that means challenging traditional definitions. It proves we’re a society that would rather include than exclude. And that has to be good news for everyone, not just the LGBTI community.
I wasn’t a supporter of the postal vote. And there were certainly some low points in the debate that reinforced why. But overall, the outpouring of support for marriage equality from so many quarters was really heartening.
It wasn’t that long ago that homosexuality was illegal in Australia. Full decriminalisation only occurred in 1997 and even then it was still a long, long way from social acceptance. For those who lived through that era, the YES result shows how far we’ve come.
The responsibility for the decision on marriage equality was placed squarely on the shoulders of Australian voters. The huge turnout for what was a non-compulsory ballot, and the overwhelming result, shows our determination to shape the society we want to live in.
I hope this result will also show our ability to disagree, and then get on with it. Many people who voted NO did so, I’m sure, out of deeply held traditional beliefs about marriage rather than animosity towards the gay community. I don’t agree with them, but I respect their right to that opinion. And that’s the spirit that I think we need to move ahead with, given those beliefs can’t restrict the civil rights of others.
Above all, this result sends such an important message to LGBTI people across Australia: you are not ‘less than’ because of who you love.
Now we need our politicians to match the commitment of the Australian people and act on that message.
Semi Retired/Care Giver, Melbourne, Australia ????
7 年Awake! | April 8, 2005 Does God Approve of Same-Sex Marriage? The Bible’s Viewpoint Does God Approve of Same-Sex Marriage? DURING the church ceremony, the two men stand hand in hand before a renowned Episcopal bishop. They make a “covenant . . . before God and the church.” Clothed in ornate gold-and-white vestments, the bishop publicly blesses their union. Afterward the couple hug and kiss and are given a standing ovation. According to this bishop, such homosexual relationships “are holy and deserve to be blessed, . . . deserve to be called what they are: sacred.” However, other religious leaders voice strong opposition to same-sex unions. “We are so disturbed by this [bishop’s] decision,” stated Cynthia Brust, spokesperson for the American Anglican Council, a group of conservative Episcopalians. “Same-sex blessings contradict the clear teaching on marriage and sexuality from the Bible,” she said, adding that “sexuality . . . is to be confined to a man and woman in holy matrimony.” The fire storm of controversy over this issue is not restricted to religion. Internationally, heated political debates are raging, since the social, political, and economic implications involving pensions, joint health care, and taxes are great. Issues involving civil rights and legal recognition are often very complicated and divide public opinion. True Christians are careful to maintain neutrality by avoiding political debates. (John 17:16) * Still, some who respect the Bible find themselves confused regarding the subject of same-sex marriage and homosexuality. How do you view same-sex marriage? What is God’s standard for marriage? What impact does your attitude have on your relationship with God?
Owner of Blitz Home & Garden Services NZ
7 年I went to a pro gay institute. Gay man is teaching on the modern family unit: "I never really loved my wife, but when I met [insert name], I found true love". I'm like... So you dated and courted this innocent woman, then had three huge accidents (children) in all that huffing and panting of fake love, then decided a-sex was better? I just wish he never had children, he never deserved them as a sexual deviant. Should have started and ended his dying breed.
Owner of Blitz Home & Garden Services NZ
7 年Or simply label it something else.
Qld- Key Account Manager Security
7 年Congratulations Allan Joyce a well written commentary on the fundamental human rights changes we desperately needed in this country for too long there was a massive injustice in this country for LGBT rights - agreed the postal vote was not perfect however it provided a welcome opportunity for both sides and the people spoke
AERONAUTICAL ENGINEER
7 年Hi, Alan Happy New Year. I would like to introduce myself that I am qualified Aerospace Engineer served In Pakistan Army Aviation for 14 years as an Aircraft Engineer and commanded 9 different Military Units including maintenance of Aircraft, Administration, management, Technical store along with Aircraft Accident Investigation board member. If you get chance have a look on my profile and advise me for the possibility of joining any where any suitable post.