Throughout history, women and men from all over the world have raised their voices against gender and sexuality inequality and have thusly helped change the way in which many of us currently live. Despite there still being frequent discrimination based on these factors, we often forget how far we have come to reach momentous occasions like this where we can all feel equal and comfortable within society.
On 18th May 1970, two students at the University of Minnesota applied to Hennepin County District court for a marriage license. Their application was denied based on the fact that the applicants were both men. The clerk, Gerald Nelson, was sued, however, the argument was not ‘valid’ meaning that their lawsuit was rejected. This is one of the many examples of people who have wrongly been denied the chance to get married solely based on the fact that they are the same sex. The most worrying part about these stories is that the majority happened fairly recently. I cannot seem to fathom how we have let authoritative figures dictate lives in such an intolerant and ignorant manner. This thinking is so backwards and unjust.
I was overjoyed when I discovered that the Senate decided to make same-sex marriage legal in Australia.
The Netherlands was the first country to make same-sex marriage legal on 1st August 2001, followed by Belgium on the 13th of February 2003. Same-sex marriage is generally accepted and practiced in England, Scotland and Wales but not in Northern Ireland. Despite this, the first same-sex marriages only took place on 13th March 2014, which, in the grand scheme of things, was not a long time ago - which I find completely ludicrous. Homosexuality was only decriminalised in 1967. I cannot fathom how heartless one must be in order to decline a couple the right to become loving partners. To this day, thousands from all over the world live in fear of letting their sexuality become known if they live in harsh environments and will be punished for the way they were born. With the help of the LGBT community, many lives and many views have been changed globally.
In December 2017, Australian parliament rightly approved same-sex marriage after 20 previous failed attempts. An overwhelming number of MPs voted to change the Marriage Act resulting in immediate celebrations and cheers in parliament after more than a decade of what appeared to be endless hostile debates. Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull stated that it was ‘a day for love, for equality and for respect’ along with others joyfully announcing that ‘Australia has done it’.
The decision was supported by the majority of citizens in a voluntary national poll, making the argument more valid and strongly supported. After the announcement, many senators and MPs shared personal stories explaining why they were thrilled with the news, including one MP’s speech which ended with a marriage proposal. In amongst the joy, some politicians expressed their strong opposition. I can understand and respect the fact that different opinions are shared but I strongly believe that we are all equal and free to do as we please - within reason - and therefore should not be discriminated against based on sexuality. There are more important things to be concerned about.
This momentous occasion marks the beginning of a new chapter in which, eventually, every human will be free to marry and love whoever they choose. We are one step closer to equality for all by gradually changing the views of those who choose to stay in the stone age and discriminate against other human beings.
By Nieve Wiggins
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