Robin Saville has asked to put his point of view on gay marriage so here it is, his bio follows:
The Social Revolution (in the West). An upside-down world.
Those who support the marriage of same gender couples have powerful words on their side:
FAIRNESS EQUALITY LOVE
They have linked their struggle with the struggles against race discrimination and female suffrage and equality. Their wagon is painted the same colour as these others.
They have strong arguments:
IT HURTS NO ONE LEAVE US ALONE
Of course, we all fear to be labelled busybodies or, worse, persecutors.
Their position is bolstered by portrayals of homosexuals in the media such as Modern Family and other youth oriented media of loving, well-adjusted citizens of the community who work hard, volunteer, pay taxes and are good neighbours.
I do not deny that these portrayals represent real people in our community.
There is also the argument put forward by Christian defenders of the rights of homosexuals to counter the Book of Leviticus and other Judeo-Christian religious-based objections that:
God made us and God loves us.
As a Christian man, again, I do not deny this argument. I maintain He does love all of us.
It looks as though I am losing the argument.
But I cannot be persuaded that romantic love between those of same genders can be accepted and should be recognised in law through marriage.
I deny it.
My objection to marriage between same gender couples is based on a belief that there is a fundamental misalignment – not in society but in individuals. This misalignment is in those people who – do not believe they are homosexual, but – ARE homosexual. They are made this way- by their Creator or by Nature- however you interpret the world. I accept this. I accept they are homosexual and are attracted to others of their gender. No stamping of feet will deny this reality. But they are misaligned. Mismade. Not in balance.
I accept who they are. I accept they are my equal. I accept they are good people. I accept they are people.
But I deny that there should be this new place in our community. It is taking the ‘Rights Bus’ to a new and alien and inherently wrong destination.
I deny that the advocates for same gender marriage should have a right that contravenes societal norms, religion, tradition, biology and common sense.
May I use a word that may, but should not, discomfort you? The issue is fundamental.
I will use another word if it helps to convey my meaning: basic, essential, cardinal, intrinsic or integral.
A man marrying a man is, was and will always be wrong.
A woman marrying a woman is, was and will always be wrong.There is no shade of grey in this.
I am sorry. I will not change.
I am sorry. I cannot change.I close by writing that I am motivated by care and compassion to my fellow men and women – but not to those things that are beyond the fundamental.
I will not live in an upside-down world.
Bio:
41 years old. Married with 3 children. Lives in Goulburn. Elected to Council in 2012. Former ALP candidate for the Federal seat of Hume in 2010.
Works in Canberra. Former teacher.