Who is right? Here comes the Plebiscite

In Australia, love has been reduced to a three letter word - YES. This small word has our country divided at the moment, when we all need to just take a beat, hold hands and sing “Love on Top” by Beyonce (and no one sings it better than a drag queen). The letters have arrived in the mail, and with it you have a choice - do you vote for one love, or for the alternative? 

Would you deny two everyday Australians the same rights that male and female couples have been enjoying for centuries? While us Aussies are known for our multiculturalism and diversity, it is baffling how in 2017 even the U.S.A. has managed to be more open-minded than our political leaders. I repeat the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, who want to take away a woman's right to her own body, has legalised same-sex marriage in some of its states. Come on Australia - pull your head in.

Not to say Australia is “anti-gay”, but aren’t we? Whilst we accept same-sex couples and commitment ceremonies, we are refusing to give two people who love each other the same rights as heterosexual couples - isn’t that discrimination in its truest form? In an age where a workplace can be heavily penalised for homophobic behaviour, why is no-one holding our government accountable for its shortcomings. Isn’t no action the same as a negative reaction?

The Coalition for Marriage would have you believe changing the Marriage Act is the beginning of some sort of radical gay takeover, and that they have a duty to protect their children from the plague of gayness that will surely ensue if same-sex couples are allowed to be legally married. First and foremost, you can’t catch homosexuality - just the same as you can’t catch stupidity. If you’re not comfortable with gay couples celebrating their love, probably don’t tune into the Mardi Gras or head to Connections on a Saturday Night - you’ll probably be scarred for life from over-homo-exposure. Just the same, even if you don’t vote yes, you still won't prevent same-sex couples -  they’re out and they’re proud. All you’ll be achieving is denying a minority group the same rights as the majority (and haven’t we been down this road before Australia…).

Errin Finucane, a member of the LGBTQI community has been actively rallying for marriage equality, and said a positive outcome from the plebiscite would be a massive step forward for the Australian LGBTQI community as they would be one step closer to being granted the same rights as every other Australian.

“It is that simple for me, I just want to be viewed equally under the eyes of the law and my capabilities of love and commitment to be viewed as equal.”

Even our national sport is getting on board, with the AFL Headquarters changing their logo to reflect a positive vote for changing the Marriage Act. By voting yes, you are committing to an equal Australia and joining (if the plebiscite is passed) 21 other countries who have legalised same-sex marriage.

If you are undecided about which way to vote, watch this very insightful video that shows two Australians, in love, who want to spend the rest of their lives together - would you say no to that?

And for those of you who need further convincing, here’s a look at what it would be like if the shoe was on the other foot.