To vote against same sex marriage, isn’t to vote against gay rights

To give the forthcoming referendum the title “Equality” is unfair, biased and disingenuous, because it suggests that all those who vote against it are in favour of inequality.

When politicians canvass for this amendment on the doorsteps they will give us a lot of “what’s it all about”, ie it’s all about tolerance, inclusiveness, equality. They will try to avoid saying exactly what it is — the changing of the meaning of marriage in the Constitution in order to provide for a two-man/two-woman marriage.

Up to 20 years ago, or less, this very notion would have been considered absurd or even risible. How has it come about that what was absurd then is merely not absurd now, but is regarded by many as positive and healthy?

It’s because our political leaders have been kowtowing to unrelenting media pressure and also to some TDs on the far left.

This title, I believe, was hatched by Enda with Joan’s imprimatur. (The government are hell bent on winning this one). Michéal agonised for a while, but then relented. Gerry knows his onions. Lucinda hesitated, wrestled, but then reluctantly, with a little nudge from pragmatic Eddie wilted.

I am convinced that many TDs will not have their hearts in canvassing for the amendment and will try to avoid doing so. Even at this stage it appears to be a ‘fait accompli’. However, deep down, I believe there must be many in whom there lurks a niggling feeling, a gut sensation that, maybe, the amendment is not after all quite right, the ‘equality’ logic a bit skewed, and so there remains some doubt and confusion.

No one person or group possesses a monopoly on empathy and compassion. We all have homosexual friends, acquaintances or relations, and, of course, we accord to them equal respect, affection, and dignity. To be against this referendum is not to be less tolerant, or less compassionate and each time one refers to it as “Equality Referendum” one implies this falsehood.

Rather than changing the definition of marriage in the Constitution, I believe it is reasonable that Constitutional recognition be given to same sex unions with all due rights and privileges, because to redefine marriage is to destroy it.

The issue is complex, but everyone must be open and honest. If we are unhappy about this referendum, then we must be prepared to declare openly and honestly that we have love and respect for all homosexual people, just as we do for all others, but we also think that this referendum to change marriage is wrong.

Joe Ahern

Hillgrove Lawn

South Douglas Road

County Cork