Letters to the Editor

PETITION SUPPORT
I noticed an article (SSO 924) by Andrew Potts titled A little Liberal mumbo-jumbo, which surmised my views in relation to same-sex relationships on the basis of a petition I recently lodged in the Senate on behalf of constituents.
It is important to appreciate that the tabling of petitions is an ancient mechanism for the public to bring issues to the attention of the Parliament. The tabling of a petition by a Senator does not indicate assent to the language or views of the petitioners.
For the record, contrary to the report in SSO , I support measures to end discrimination against same-sex couples, and believe laws that discriminate against people on grounds such as sexuality have no place in a liberal democracy. At the same time, however, I also acknowledge and respect that many of my constituents support and have regard for traditional marriage.
Just as I tabled the petition referred to in your article, I would be happy to table a petition on behalf of readers of your publication who are also my constituents.
-” Senator Mitch Fifield, Liberal Senator for Victoria

GAY FLORA
When His Malevolence (Pope Ben) looks out from the beautifully appointed western doors of St Mary’s Cathedral, arm in arm with Cardinal Pell during the World Catholic Youth Day celebrations, what will he be confronted with?
Pansies in black beds, arrayed around the Archibald fountain, flying all the rainbow colours, engaging in sexual relations with each other and being admired by the visiting youth.
A flash mob open air gay and lesbian orgy? No, just the fortuitous planting of the annual viola species of flowers by Sydney City Council.
Coincidence or sly planning by council staff? Either way it’s deliciously poetic.
-” Mark, Darlinghurst

CONFUSING STANCE
I see Rev. Karl Hand has joined up Metropolitan Community Church Sydney to the No To Pope Coalition.
What does this tell the gay and lesbian community about Rev. Karl, a Christian minister jumping into bed with two atheist groups, Pope Alice and the Raelians, a group that claims to have cloned a human and are related to space travellers?
In the Bible, a letter to the Colossians tells us to keep focused on Christ, the head of the Church, or our differences will make us attack each other.
MCC Sydney has long honoured those Catholics who have worked tirelessly in the AIDS/HIV field over many years.
Karl, a junior minister, seems to be trying to make a name for himself in gay Sydney as leader of the true faith, a shining example to us all. But what type of example?
Since Karl has taken over as temporary minister at MCC Sydney he has managed to cause almost half the church board to resign and those remaining have split into factions, fighting one another and him.
This is not to mention a great number of long-term members who have left MCC Sydney, and financial giving has crashed to the lowest point I can remember in my 18 years of membership.
Is this the type of leader our gay and lesbian community and our church expects?
Karl, you have shamed MCCs the world over. It’s time for you to go. Resign now.
-” Matthew Boniface, Member of MCC Sydney

BURGMANN VIEWS
Re Burgmann to run for mayor (SSO 924), this is the best news since Kevin Rudd’s election. Meredith Burgmann has great integrity and is a strong defender of gay and lesbian rights. What a fantastic candidate! She has my vote.
-” Brett, Sydney

BURGMANN #2
Meredith Burgmann has a snowflake in hell’s chance of becoming lord mayor in September.
Just what we need, NSW State Labor running our city. They are doing such a great job running the state.
I would ask Burgmann, does she intend donating her Lord Mayoral salary to charity as Clover does?
Burgmann already gets a very generous retirement income as a former member of the Legislative Assembly.
-” Chris, Darlinghurst

BURGMANN #3
Meredith lives in my neighbourhood and has always been a passionate supporter of the GLBTI community. She’s definitely got my vote.
-” Maria, Sydney

NORMAL PRACTICE
Re Family Court changes afoot (SSO 924), while not intending to be an apologist for the Liberal/National parties (although I am sure that is how I will be painted because I dare to question Labor), I should point out that referring legislation to Senate Committees is not, in and of itself, blocking the legislation.
Such referral is a normal part of Senate business, and has happened for many elements of legislation from various governments since Federation.
Other legislation completely unrelated to those removing same-sex discrimination have also been sent to Senate Committee.
That said, I think you will find (based on media reports to date) that the legislation will get through based on many Liberal Senators supporting it.
-” Rob, Alexandria

NOT OUR SAVIOUR
The present reform package is most welcome, but I always find it funny when we in the gay community assume blithely that the ALP is a panacea for all that bugs us.
The ALP has always been a Catholic party and the Catholic unions have long provided much of the money to fund election campaigns.
These conservatives have always kept the progressives on a short leash, just as the Protestant right does in the Liberals.
The ALP is not naturally our friend unless they need our vote. Otherwise I’d be able to get married if I wanted. But that’s not in the policy, is it, Mr Rudd?

-” Chris, Surry Hills

SHAME ON YOU
Re Liberals stall second reform (SSO 924), the actions of Coalition senators recently are procedural filibuster of the lowest order.
Implications for marriage? Zero. People’s lives used as a political football for no valid reason whatsoever? Countless.
Shame on you, Coalition.
-” Brendan, Wollongong

OUR VOTES
One of the many problems with being classed as interdependent is that companies who offer benefits to their employees may use the excuse that gays and lesbians are classed as interdependent in federal law and not de facto as in state law so then we won’t qualify for workplace benefits -” but that’s what so many gays and lesbians want because they voted in the Liberals.
-” Neil, NSW

A WAY AROUND
As another way to get around these Liberal spoilers, could the Apostolic Johannite Reverend [Father Tim Mansfield, Forum, SSO 924] sue for suppression of religion?
The Constitution says The Commonwealth shall not make any law for establishing any religion, or for imposing any religious observance, or for prohibiting the free exercise of any religion, and no religious test shall be required as a qualification for any office or public trust under the Commonwealth.
The prohibiting the free exercise of any religion bit would do the trick. Any lawyers out there think this would work?
-” Kurt, Surry Hills

START LISTENING
Re Condoms to be handed out to Catholic pilgrims (SSO 924), this Pope has gone too far.
He is so concerned about picking up a few conservative Catholics that he has alienated thousands of Catholics who welcomed the changes of Vatican II.
No, Your Holiness, going back to sleazy devotional practices, condemning gays, investigating good and holy priests, and giving preferential treatment to nuns who wear old-time habits will never be the answer over the long haul.
Most Catholics I know are embarrassed by your recent decrees.
Holy Father, stop following your spirit and start listening
to the Holy Spirit.
-” Carroll, Canada

A LITTLE ADVICE
Re Amyl nitrate (SSO 924), just a few points: amyl is an illegal substance in all states of Australia, and nothing sold in any shop in Australia is actual amyl nitrate -” only close cousins such as alkyl nitrate, isobutyl nitrate and isopentyl nitrate.
Advice to anyone wishing to purchase poppers, room odourisers or DVD cleaner: please don’t refer to these products as amyl, because they aren’t.
As mentioned before, this substance is illegal and more than likely the person you ask will answer, We do not sell amyl -” despite there being a small display of glass bottles in plain view.
-” Polly, Victoria

Got something to say? Email your letter to editor@starobserver.com.au. Letters should include the author’s name, address and contact details for verification purposes. Preferences is given to letters under 250 words.