I now pronounce you: second-class citizens

It comes as little surprise that our new prime minister — an unmarried, atheist female with no upper lip — has reaffirmed her position; she’s against same-sex marriage.

I’m no expert, but I do know leaders are often just spokespeople. And with an election on the horizon, this hot potato was probably a little too hot for parliamentary puppeteers.

Yup, we’re still living in the dark ages. It’s embarrassing. Truly embarrassing. The vast majority of Australians support same-sex marriage, and yet we’re still unable to marry the person we love. What does this say to GLBTI youth? We’re part of ‘whurking families’ too, aren’t we?

Old carrot-top was quick to capitalise on community apathy, labelling us ‘indifferent’.  Only a handful rocked up to the same-sex rights rally. And while most are probably anything but indifferent, actions speak louder than words.

But discriminatory legislation is exactly that, no matter how adroit the sugar-coated vernacular of our first female PM. Yes, the colloquial drawl makes her sound like she has brain damage, but don’t be fooled.

Marriage isn’t just a religious institution. It’s a social union. Millions of atheists marry, yet distance themselves from austere church ceremonies. And what about GLBTI Christians wanting to tie the proverbial?

You may not want to marry. But many do. Why deny them that option? As things stand, straight couples can marry. And we can’t. By definition, that’s inequality. Or am I missing something here?
People were arrested when homosexuality was illegal. You know how it is — if you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem. Instead of fighting for the rights we now enjoy, should our protesting pioneers have settled for less too?

Equality continues to elude us. Yes, thank you carrot-top. Even though most Australians disagree with you, thank you for reminding us we’re still considered secondclass citizens. One thing’s for sure: there aint nothing second-class about my vote.

Never trust a ginger with no upper lip.