Letters – Melbourne (issue 123)

TOO MUCH POWER
With the subject of gay marriage being again brought to the fore with politicians and interested parties I cannot foresee a change in the attitudes of mainstream churches without a change in the law and an overhaul of the Marriage Act.
Churches in Australia hold too much political power and know they can mould political thinking in decision-making by our respective governments.
Under the Marriage Act in Australia, church clergy have the power to legally marry people, providing the marriage is between a man and a woman, without a civil ceremony.
If the Australian government is serious in granting gay couples rights equal to heterosexual people, common sense tells us they have to overhaul the Marriage Act to the extent of taking some power away from the churches and giving the legal power back to the government.
Should the law change, which I doubt as the churches do not want to lose their power and influence, I suggest that gay couples seek a church service with a gay-friendly church such as Metropolitan Community Churches.
— Ron

WORLD CLASS TALENT
I’d like to congratulate Tony Pitman and the cast and crew of the comedy play Suzy v. Samantha: Fur will Fly at Gasworks during Midsumma.
I went with a group of friends to the closing night show and we were thoroughly entertained and very impressed. It’s so refreshing to see an original, clever and very funny new play from a local playwright. Well-written and well-performed.
Our local talent is world-class. Well done, guys! Suzy and Samantha should go far.
— Rob

BE GLAD
I would like to respond to a letter in your Feb 10 edition by Luke titled ‘Pride #2’.
Luke should be glad for drag queens, not embarrassed. If it weren’t for drag queens, Luke might very well be in prison right now.
Let’s not forget that in the Stonewall riots it was drag queens who threw the first stiletto and that, if not for that, young gay and lesbian people today might very possibly still be imprisoned for who they choose to love.
Luke, what is shameful is that you enjoy so much privilege without any concern for the types of ‘minority sub-groups’ that won you these freedoms.
— Benjamin