Letters – Sydney – 1052
MATURE APPROACH
I am saddened, but never surprised, at the extreme reactions of some when I 鈥榗ome out of the closet鈥� as a member of the Liberal Party.
I didn鈥檛 sign up to a political party on the basis of my sexual preference. To me, politics has moved beyond some kind of queer 鈥榣itmus test鈥�, and is about asking how we engage with the wider community to deliver results for gay people.
People who practice old-style, divisive sexual politics like this actually set our cause back, not forwards. I believe it is better to demonstrate the proud fact of who we are, in politics as in daily life.
Firstly, I have to address the inaccuracies of Stuart鈥檚 claims. I was a vocal supporter of the relationships register on Council in 2004, which actually lapsed due to lack of interest from the GLBTI community. More importantly, while I was Mayor of Randwick I made my sexuality a clear, unambiguous statement of fact. My partner and I went out into the community 鈥� the RSLs, the Rotary Clubs, the schools, the sport and lifesaving clubs, the churches and the army bases 鈥� as an openly, happily gay couple. Proud, loud and unapologetic.
My partner is a shy and private person and I know he sometimes found this difficult, but we knew our visibility was vital if wider acceptance was to be gained. Many people told us our openness and candour were an inspiration to young people 鈥� gay AND straight 鈥� in our community.
Our community should be mature enough to judge political candidates purely on their politics, and not expect them to explain themselves repeatedly by reference to their sexuality.
Instead, let鈥檚 get active and involved 鈥� out, about and proud in the community.
Support candidates like me at the election in March. I need your help, but more importantly, given the appalling state of the current government, so do the people of NSW.
鈥� Bruce Notley-Smith
Liberal Candidate for Coogee
PHONE RUNAROUND
Recently one of our members was gay-bashed on a train and received most unhelpful advice from Sutherland Police. We鈥檝e been calling several NSW Police phone numbers to find out when we can see a Gay and Lesbian Liason Officer in Newtown, our local station.
The operator鈥檚 response, whether it be from Newtown station, the Police Assistance Line or even the number advertised for GLLO information was they didn鈥檛 know. We were told repeatedly Ashfield was our best bet.
Our member who was assaulted was told this by Sutherland Police. Our acting Queer Officer was also told this by Newtown Police some years ago.
I mean no disrespect to our Ashfield friends, but why on earth would it be impossible to find a GLLO in Sydney or Newtown yet easy if you want to go out to Ashfield? Why, when you call the NSW Police, do they not know?
As I look up above my desk I see a poster 鈥� there is a very stern looking police woman advertising GLLOs and saying we can do something about the homophobic violence. It鈥檚 good to see they exist in posters because they don鈥檛 seem to exist to anyone鈥檚 knowledge anywhere else and certainly not in the numbers where they can actually do anything about the homophobic violence. Nice poster though.
鈥� UTS Students鈥� Association Queer Department
TANYA, SPEAK UP
Many politicians have been vocal of late considering their opinion of same sex marriage. However the Federal Sydney MP Tanya Plibersek has been strangely quiet on the subject. As the member for one of the most highly populated areas of gay people in Australia we are interested in her views.
Does she believe that we should have equal rights or does she tow the Federal ALP party line of marriage is only to be between a man and a woman?
Does Plibersek believe that a conscience vote should be held on this matter? Should she believe all Australians should be equal and would she cross the floor if need be should a conscience vote be called?
鈥� Ron
SIMPLY, UNFAIR
What is wrong with people? What is to be feared? My marriage is strong not because our government continues to discriminate against a minority, but because my husband and I value our 36-year relationship.
Our marriage provides us with emotional security and the privilege of planning our life together.
Recent studies show marriage encourages fidelity, raises the standard of living for couples due to improved health care, encourages better eating habits and safer surroundings because we have a sense of belonging in our lives.
The studies also show marriage improves a person鈥檚 mental health and social well being is improved benefitting all of society and promotes the economic well being of the broader community in which we all live. Marriage also encourages couples to work as a team, instead of as individuals, which research shows is what is inclined to happen when couples cohabitate.
Surely, marriage must be good for all concerned. Why are Christian and Family groups concerned about encouraging this for all Australians? Not all gays and lesbians want marriage (the same as many heterosexuals) but they should have the choice聽 and this is what we as parents want for our sons and daughters, Choice!
For those who are concerned about children in same sex families, research again shows that children from homes where the parents are married (straight or gay) are less inclined to be juvenile delinquents. They are more inclined to have a better education, be physically and emotionally happier, less likely to be living in poverty and less promiscuous. So again, why are Christian and Family groups concerned?
Opponents of marriage equality need to remember marriage has changed over the last 50 years.
* Interracial marriage no longer an issue;
* Inter-religious marriages no longer scorned;
* Families are blending;
* Single families are not uncommon;
* Rape is no longer permitted in marriage;
* Women are not seen as possessions.
Same-sex marriage is just another evolvement 鈥斅� no better or worse than the changes that have previously occurred.
People in same sex relationships don鈥檛 choose to be lesbian or gay, but discrimination is a choice. There is nothing to fear by becoming a more inclusive country.
Other countries are stepping up and recognising marriage equality. Let鈥檚 continue to move forward like Canada, Spain and Argentina have countries to name a few along with several others are moving ahead with marriage equality.
The continued discrimination that still exists in this country affects couples and families. As Retired High Court Judge, Justice Michael Kirby stated 鈥渢his isn鈥檛 right, it isn鈥檛 fair and it isn鈥檛 decent.鈥�
鈥� Shelley Argent
National Spokesperson PFLAG Australia
NO NUDES
Mardi Gras should be very relieved I won鈥檛 be in it next year. Not only does the organisation discriminate against nudists and refuse them entry, but my employer, whom I may not name, has just ruled out any hope of participating with them.
I鈥檓 told they cannot afford the corporate entry fee, despite earning a pre-tax profit of nearly $1,000,000,000 over the last three years.
鈥� Stuart
