Tying the knot: quest for same-sex marriage in Australia

On ABC television programme, Q & A (9/7/12), presenter, Virginia Trioli, reflected a live and let live attitude in a question to Malcolm Turnbull (Shadow Minister for Communications and Broadband): "I've often wondered why it matters so much to you people what one couple down the road might do if they shack up together; why you think that this will somehow unpick the entire institution of marriage? I know gay couples together; they have nothing to do with my marriage whatsoever." Turnbull focussed his response on "commitment:"

When people say that two gay people together will undermine your marriage ... that is just absurd.

When gay people want to make a serious commitment to each other, in a way they're holding up a mirror to the heterosexual couples whose commitment has been lacking. ... So we should be focussing on commitment.(Emphasis added)

Some clear benefits of marriage flow for committed same-sex couples and their families. Research conducted by Professor Lee Badgett, University of Massachusetts, shows that:

Ø their children were better (and "legitimate") after their marriage. They showed signs of enhanced feelings of security, stability and acceptance.

Ø participation and acceptance in their extended families and communities had increased because of their marriage.

We should not lose sight of the fact that same-sex couples are real people just like the rest of us. Rob Mills reminds us of the human dimension in this conversation:

My gay friends aren't stereotypes. They're real people with real hearts and their love for their partners is just as precious as the love between a man and a woman. ... And what about the kids raised by gay people? They deserve the stability that comes with marriage. ... (The Punch, July 09)

World leaders support same-sex marriage

Democrat US President Barack Obama and Conservative UK Prime Minister David Cameron represent contrasting political philosophies. However, both have liberal views on social issues which are reflected in their support for same-sex marriage.

President Obama's support for same-sex marriage has evolved: "I think that attitudes evolve, including mine. ... I have a whole host of friends and staff members who are in committed, monogamous gay partnerships, who are raising children, and who are wonderful parents. ... a strong civil union provides the protections and the legal rights of married couples."

Prime Minister Cameron has promoted the Conservative Party as no longer the "nasty party" on such social issues, but a more socially inclusive, compassionate party more suited to equality in the 21st Century: "Yes, it's about equality, but it's about something else – commitment. I don't support gay marriage in spite of being a conservative. I support gay marriage because I am a conservative."

To put an end to the discrimination, French President Francois Hollande pledged same-sex marriage in France during his recent election campaign (2012).