I’m not sure that I have any right whatsoever to vote either way in a referendum that has no bearing at all on my own life. It’s a bit like asking me to choose between Earl Grey or Darjeeling! I don’t drink tea, so it’s not a decision that has any relevance to my existence. But if everyone I knew preferred Earl Grey, I’d probably make that my choice, because why would I knowingly deprive my friends of something that obviously means a lot to them?
In the case of this referendum, however, there isn’t any choice…. there may be one in ten of my friends who prefer Darjeeling… but there’s not a single gay friend in my life who will want to vote “No” to same sex marriage…. indeed, I doubt if there’s a gay person in the country who wants a no vote. To the only people to whom this vote actually matters, there is unanimity. A “Yes” vote for same sex marriage will bring untold happiness to an entire section of the community who have been persecuted, through ignorance, for generations. While, if truth be told, a “Yes” vote will in fact have absolutely no bearing on any aspect of my life.
The fact that I do have so many gay friends means that I feel extremely privileged to be able to lend my support to their cause. Why would anyone with an ounce of human decency choose to vote negatively?
Now here’s something else to consider. If, like me, you’re a father, you’d better waken up to the very real possibility that some day, one of your children will come home and announce that they are homosexual. Yes, it does happen. Two “straight” parents, despite genetics, discover that their child is gay! Well before you go out to cast a negative vote, you had better know for sure that you will be able to live with the guilt of depriving your own child of happiness, by depriving them the right to a legally binding relationship based on love and mutual respect. That is what it comes down to. And on that day, what will you say to your child? Your life, your love and your happiness aren’t important, because you’re a deviation from the norm?
If you are a Christian, remember that your God is the only judge, and leave destiny to Him. Instead of condemning, follow His advice and love your neighbour, love your enemy, and don’t go throwing stones if you are less that innocent yourselves. A “No” vote will affect you in no way, but it will cause untold hurt to so many. Is that a Christian gesture?
If you truly believe you can’t find it in your heart to support the future happiness of such a considerable portion of our society, then at least recognise that by abstaining from the vote, you are affording that group the right to self-determination and future happiness, without sacrificing your own moral code. Just stay at home, pour yourselves a cup of Earl Grey, or Darjeeling, (you DO have a choice) and allow humanity to let love win the day.
This is NOT about all gay couples getting married. Many of them never will…… it’s about giving them that choice!
A “Yes” vote is the ONLY honest, decent, Christian, humanitarian result.
Please vote “YES”!
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