The term ‘Marriage Equality’, in the way it’s used now, is nothing more than a misleading catchphrase obviously dreamed up by some PR or advertising firm. It’s currently only being used to refer to the introduction of legal marriage between same sex partners but there are many other minority groups who are denied the right to be legally married. Two obvious examples are intra-familial and polyamorous relationships.

True marriage equality will be when all consenting adults, regardless of their form of relationship, are legally entitled to have their relationship recognised and legitimised through marriage. Supporting anything less than that and labelling it ‘marriage equality’ is not only dishonest but highlights inherent bigotry in the activist.

The trouble with much of the discussion is that it rapidly becomes emotional and biased, without a clear and unambiguous set of terms agreed by all participants in the discussion.
* “legalise gay marriage” isn’t the same as “legalise marijuana use” – it’s not something that people do now, but if they’re caught they get charged with a crime and fined or jailed.
* “marriage equality” suggests there are unequal marriages. As the law stands now, “marriage” means “the union of a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life.”
* “redefine marriage” means to change the definition in section 5 of the Marriage Act 1961.

It is hurtful to all, and to a free and open discussion, to label people who have different views as homophobic, dinosaurs, or out of touch. Australia will be a better place if we can openly discuss our differences, with respect and honesty.