The SSM Rant

This post is a bit of a rant, so be warned…
I’m tired of this Same Sex Marriage nonsense.

We need sensible, gracious, reasoned, mature debate on this issue. Yet when anyone (and I mean anyone) dares to even discuss the topic, they are drowned out in a torrent of abuse, intransigence, and name-calling.

From the left we are told that a plebiscite, is a bad idea because people might have to endure weeks of abuse, and in the end (shock horror) the answer might be ‘no’. And we certainly can’t have that. If you disagree with them, no matter how respectfully, you are automatically labelled a bigot and a homophobe.
From the right we are told that cataclysmic, universe-ending consequences will ensue if we agree to change the definition of marriage. So we can’t have that either. If you disagree with them, no matter how respectfully, you are automatically labelled as some sort of degenerate who is actively contributing to the moral destruction of society. 

When did it get to this? When did we get to the point of having to shut down debate and discussion because we can’t even have a mature, gracious, thoughtful debate on an issue that will certainly change the social fabric of a nation?
When and how did we get to the place where all that we can muster is name-calling, manipulation, abuse and games of one-upmanship? 

We have a serious need to discuss and debate serious topics of real importance, not just on this issue, but on our economy, education, healthcare. The SSM debate, on its own, casts a spotlight on the real issue for Australia. It’s a glaring example of our inability to act like adults and have a sensible debate, and be gracious in either victory or defeat. We are children!

For the record, as Christian, I don’t endorse SSM. But I don’t think the sky will fall in if it gets up, I don’t regard the LGBTQI community as my mortal enemy. I want to hear both sides of the argument. I want people to be treated with courtesy and respect as real people, with real stories, and real concerns.

So yes! I do want the debate, I want it to be respectful, gracious, reasonable and thoughtful. I want our leaders to stand up and lead the way, instead of playing games and trying to outmanoeuvre each other (Malcolm, Bill, Richard, Nick, I’m looking at you).Their failure in this regard simply contributes to the angst.

And at the end of the day I want to be able to have my say, secure in the knowledge that I’ll be able to look across at people who might disagree with me, give them a smile, say hello, and have them smile and say hello back. Surely in 2016 that should not be a big ask.

Seriously people, grow up!

OK, rant over. Normal programming can now resume.
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