The marriage argument

#1: Marriage is between a man and a woman. This isn’t even an argument. It’s stating a discriminatory position. It’s almost childish that we’re still discussing this in 2010, but remember academics around the world have proven the Bible is not only historically flawed, but often mistranslated to disseminate obsolete religious agendas.

#2: Marriage is a religious institution. No, it’s a social custom. Marriage pre-dates reliable recorded history, and many heterosexual couples choose to marry without the religious bells and whistles.

#3: Same-sex marriage corrupts family values. Equality is a noble goal which sends positive messages to kids. If anything, same-sex marriage would help remove the stigma of coming-out.

#4: A civil union is the same thing. No, it’s not. And if it’s just a matter of rhetoric, why does it matter what it’s called anyway, as long as everyone is afforded the same entitlement?

#5: True equality is just a pipe dream. This may be, but does this mean we should throw our hands in despair?

#6: Children need male and female role models. Studies continue to suggest kids seek out their own role models and are more likely to enjoy a healthy upbringing by devoted same-sex couples – for example – than heterosexual couples trapped in loveless unions.

#7: Straight marriages last longer. What a crock! Mixed couples are no more prone to longevity than gender diverse couples.

#8: People choose to be gay, so it’s your choice. If you still believe this, you might want to keep your myopic opinions to yourself.

#9: Other countries don’t have gay marriage. Wrong! The overwhelming majority of Australians support same-sex marriage and yet we remain one of the few Western countries dragging the chain.

#10: I don’t like it, marriage ends in disaster anyway. Umm, really? Why should my basic human rights be reliant on your comfort level? And if marriage is doomed anyway, shouldn’t we at least be entitled to the same state-sanctioned misery afforded to everyone else?

If I’ve forgotten something, have your say online.