In light of recent developments regarding the marriage equality
plebiscite, we're reprinting beyondblue's position statement on marriage
equality from September 2015 below. Please use this thread for
discussion and support on this issue. ** Discrimin...
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In light of recent developments regarding the marriage equality
plebiscite, we're reprinting beyondblue's position statement on marriage
equality from September 2015 below. Please use this thread for
discussion and support on this issue. ** Discrimination in all its
shapes and forms, intentional and unintentional, is unacceptable.
Discrimination is the cause for many people of their stress, anxiety and
depression. Tragically, it is too often fatal when people self-harm and
die by suicide. We, the Board members of beyondblue, who are
professional and lay people, young and experienced, men and women,
straight and gay, black and white, and who are bi-partisan in serving
beyondblue, are working to reduce discrimination in our society. We know
the hurt, hardship and loss that such discrimination can cause. We
direct a lot of our resources towards ending that hurt and loss. Our
country long ago recognised the incorrectness of discrimination when it
introduced the: Racial Discrimination Act in 1975 Sex Discrimination Act
in 1984 Disability Discrimination Act in 1992, and the Age
Discrimination Act in 2004. Discrimination is often based on colour,
race, religion, size, looks, sexuality and any one of any other factors.
On sexuality, homosexuality used to be a crime; it is no longer. Yet
marriage between same sex couples is still not permitted in Australia.
For heterosexual Australians, entering into marriage is a choice they
can make freely based on the love and commitment the individuals have
for each other. However, individuals who share the same love and
commitment, but are of the same gender, are not allowed to commit to
each other through marriage. This is discrimination in the most obvious
form. For those who love, but are not allowed to marry, their sense of
loss, hurt, stigma and discrimination is profound. beyondblue is
committed to being an advocate for non-discriminating communities,
systems, policies and institutions, because we know discrimination is a
significant risk factor for mental health conditions and suicide.
Therefore same sex marriage is not a political issue but one of equity;
every Australian should have the same rights under law, including the
same rights to make the choice to marry or not. The continuation of the
current law reinforces that inequity, stigma and discrimination are in
direct conflict to the laws and intent of the anti-discrimination Acts
we have listed above. Many members of Australia’s LGBTI community would
like to marry in their own country. Many parents, children, relations
and friends would like to witness the union of two people in their own
country. Allowing same sex marriages will not make any difference to the
lives of the majority, including married heterosexuals, but it will make
a great deal of difference to those who seek same sex unions. No
law-abiding Australian citizen should be made to feel like a
second-class Australian. Yet that is what the current law clearly does.
Most LGBTI people lead happy, healthy, fulfilling lives. However, LGBTI
people have an increased risk of depression and anxiety, substance
abuse, self-harming and suicidal thoughts, and take their own lives at
much higher rates than heterosexual people. This is not because of
sexuality or gender identity. LGBTI people, just like any Australian,
face the same risk factors for mental illness and suicide. What is
different is the violence, prejudice and discrimination they face,
simply for being who they are. This adds an additional and unacceptable
layer of risk. beyondblue requests all our politicians, regardless of
their politics or personal feelings, to understand the ramifications of
a law that through positive discrimination causes so much unnecessary
hurt, pain, mental illness and worse to some. A law that is in direct
conflict with other existing laws. A law we consider to be out-dated,
inequitable and unfair. The Hon. Jeff Kennett AC Chairman Together
with beyondblue Board members: Mr Tim Marney, Deputy Chair Ms Georgie
Harman Ms Jessica Dean Professor Steve Larkin Dr Mukesh Haikerwal AO Ms
Fiona Coote AM Professor Michael Kidd AM Ms Johanna Griggs A/Professor
Michael Baigent Mr Paul Howes The Hon. Julia Gillard Professor Brett
McDermott
Hey there - read this to see what this section is all about
