Acts of Force

The debate continues.

In the wake of a new survey which suggests that around 90% of Redlands residence support same sex marriage, state Member for Queensland appears to oppose same sex marriage, particularly as it may force ministers of religion and others to participate in or supply to same sex marriages, even when it is in conflict with their personal values.

I was going to reply on FB. This blog seems more appropriate.

Legalising gay marriage doesn't force anyone to be "gay married", or to participate in gay weddings. In fact, if you refer to the Qld Anti-Discrimination Act (1991), the laws which protect people from discrimination on the basis of sexual preference or religion (or many other characteristics) already exists. See below.

To use the cliched scenario, it's already illegal for a baker to refuse to bake a cake for someone because they are gay. Do you really want to change the Anti-Discrimination Act to legalise discrimination against same sex fiancées by service providers? Do you really want to dismantle the Queensland Anti Discrimination Act?

ANTI-DISCRIMINATION ACT 1991 - SECT 7

Discrimination on the basis of certain attributes prohibited:

The Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of the following attributes—

(a) sex;

(b) relationship status;

(c) pregnancy;

(d) parental status;

(e) breastfeeding;

(f) age;

(g) race;

(h) impairment;

(i) religious belief or religious activity;

(j) political belief or activity;

(k) trade union activity;

(l) lawful sexual activity;

(m) gender identity;

(n) sexuality;

(o) family responsibilities;

(p) association with, or relation to, a person identified on the basis of any of the above attributes.

But in case you're still concerned about members of the clergy being forced to officiate at same sex weddings against their will, Labor's proposed bill on same sex marriage (2015) has considered the potential conflict. The Labor model includes the stipulation that ministers of religion will not be required to solemnise marriages where both parties to the marriage are of the sex.

The majority of Australians support same sex marriage and the number is rising. As legislators, it's your job to ensure that while ensuring the law reflects the values of the majority, the various special interest groups have their rights protected too. 

And don't be so anti-protest! It's the sign of a functioning democracy.