“All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others”

Many of us would be familiar with this phrase from George Orwell’s book and film Animal Farm.

For me, Equality is having the same opportunity as anyone else (gay or straight) to achieve my personal goals.

What does Equality mean for you as a LGBT person? If you were Prime Minister, would you legalise gay marriage? Why or Why Not?

Hi holywoman

Welcome to the site! It’s good to have you with us and it would be lovely if you are able to share something of your ‘story’ in the ‘Teling our stories’ section.

In answer to your comments, I think the ideal church is meant to be different to society but in reality is often like a microcosm of the greater society surrounding it. Looking at 1st century church history illustrates that. Historians and scholars believe that in Jesus’ time, there were many christianities and diversity as there is today with different churches and versions of the faith. It has been said that ‘Peter’s people’, later gathering the support of the roman government, simply had more political clout, a dominant voice and a more organised campaign than other groups, resulting in the shaping of The Christianity that we’ve been taught existed in earliest times. So the politics of this world had it’s part to play in creating the church (as we interpret it) and subsequently during many times in history.

Now in answer to Pierre’s questions: I think equality is about being treated with respect and dignity, and generally being able to access the same supports that others can. With equality, there would be no such thing as discrimination which stops someone from having their basic human rights met.

The PM should definitely support gay marriage because denying it is an abuse of human rights. It doesn’t matter what his own personal beliefs are on this (and he’s entitled to those). The greater issue is about human rights and being merciful to the LGBT community who are discriminated against in this area and others. We need to be able to express our love and commitment with partners as our hetero counterparts can and be protected when spouses are ill/die, able to make decisions as next of kin because we are recognised as such.

Blessings,

Ann Maree

Hi again holywoman

I like your comments, including about the government being secular in theory and therefore able to support gay marriage. Good point. It would be great if church and state were completely separate but they are perhaps closer than many realise, which complicates things.

From my point of view as a non politician, it’s quite simple. Human rights are being breached and actions need to be taken to correct this. Somehow I think politicians need more than altruism to motivate them however. They need to know that major votes and seats will be lost if they fail to act.

I also agree that marriage is a commitment. For me it would be made to my partner as a declaration before God and my partner. And for others I know, who are non christian, it’s about the commitment to each other, involving the 2 people in the relationship. So why should this concern anyone else, and why should sexuality matter?

Thanks for your support anyway, holywoman.

Blessings,

Ann Maree