Moving marriage into a a whole new direction

Next month the Irish electorate will be asked to vote as to whether marriage should be redefined to include couples of the same sex.

We all know gay and lesbian individuals to be our work colleagues, brothers, sisters, sons, daughters and friends. The bestowed and inherent worth, value and dignity of gay and lesbian men and women in my view is a given.

This letter therefore is a reflection relating to how marriage is defined and the possible consequence of redefining it. The argument in favour of redefining marriage to include same-sex couples is, we are being told, on the basis of equality and diversity, namely that all individuals should have a right to marry.

If the Irish public chooses to change the current definition of marriage which is presently understood as between a man and a woman to include two people of the same sex, this would obviously change marriage according to its present definition.

Marriage ceases then to be defined as between a man and a woman and becomes a union or partnership between two people regardless of their gender, therefore according to the new definition making marriage gender neutral.

If based on the principles of equality and diversity this becomes the new definition of marriage, those very same principles may potentially require you to accept and recognise legally multiple partner or polyamorous relationships.

Is it being said that if I vote yes, one could possibly lead to the other? In some countries where marriage has been redefined the answer is yes. In the United States and Canada based on a redefinition of marriage, already there are applications for three persons or “throuples” to be “married” with a similar discrimination, diversity, equality argument being presented.

It appears a redefined landscape of marriage seems to indeed be moving in the direction of offering adult men and women more choice, diversity and a broader range of experiences. However the grave question I would like to pose in all of this is: are children been given a choice in these situations and is this the best and most suitable environment for them?

According to our present government and politicians, via the national media, this direction seems to be what’s best. And of course if that is what they are telling us is best for us as adults of this country, then who are we to question? As according to them, this is what is best for children too. Are you convinced?

John Smith

Parklands

Convent Hill

Bandon

Cork