Today I called Mr Philip Ruddock to talk about gay marriage

The following is part three of a series on gay marriage. Head to part one to understand why allowing same-sex couples to marry is so important. In this post I look at what it was like to do some of the things I suggested previously to support gay marriage (which was part two).

Today I called my MP’s office to pledge my support for gay marriage in Australia. Getting in touch with your government representative is one of the most important things you can do. After all they’re in office, largely, to represent YOU.

I thought it particularly important I do this as I happen to live in the Berowra electorate, which means my MP is Philip Ruddock. Mr Ruddock headed up a 2004 amendment that legally defined marriage as an institution between “a man and a woman”, effectively making iron clad a commonly understood law that has never let same-sex couples marry.

When I called the office, I politely explained that I was a member of the electorate, and would like to register my support for gay marriage. I mentioned the bill the Greens had recently entered that would make this possible, and if possible I wanted to talk with Mr Ruddock about this matter.

The woman who answered the phone was perfectly nice, and said the MP was overseas at the moment, but she would pass the message along upon his return (my friend, rather cynically, has suggested that Mr Ruddock isn’t really “overseas” and more likely not interested in taking a call like mine). And also that my name would be added to “the list”. I also asked if it was OK that I send a letter additionally, and she said that was fine.

It was all very easy, and not scary at all.

Head to the Australian Equality Marriage website if you would like tips on contacting your MP.

I backed the call up with a letter that I’m going to reproduce for you now:

To the Hon Philip Ruddock MP,

I’m writing in support of the Marriage Equality Amendment Bill 2009. And as a member of your electorate, I implore you to support this bill as well.

Last weekend, I attended the wedding of a very good friend of mine. It’s the first wedding I’ve been to of ‘my generation’, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. But as we waited for the happy couple to enter the room, friends, family and co-workers gathered together to witness these two primary school teachers begin devoting their lives together – I can assure you there were tears welling in my eyes. It was just so wonderfully moving to see the way they looked at one another that day, so filled with love. Egads it sounds so cheesy, ha, like a daytime movie special. But I guess it’s hard to impart any originality on a rite that so many have gone through, and will go through …

Except one group of our society. One group who will be denied this important, and beautiful aspect of human life, simply because they are attracted to the same sex. It makes no sense!

My dear friend, the primary school teacher, and her husband are not religious. They uttered no religious vow, and, like many others in this country, did not see this as a religious expression. This was a personal expression of their love and devotion to one another. Perhaps, yes, this is also a cultural tradition that was born out of a religious tradition that forbids gay people to get married. But let’s face it, for the majority of this country marriage does not have Christian connotations. And if the majority of us do not view marriage as a Christian rite, then essentially, in Australian culture marriage is not defined as a Christian rite, and therefore the laws of Christianity need not apply to a State sanctioned act. (Of course, each religion and their followers may continue to abide by their own laws, within their own churches and communities.)

I have yet to be offered a single good reason, based on sound ethics, for why gay people should not be allowed to marry. To make the assumption that same sex relationships do not have the same elements of love, devotion and commitment, or the potential to have so once entered into as marriage, is, quite simply, discrimination.

It is my understanding that your amendments led to a legal definition of marriage as an institution between a man and a woman, and that you believe this to be an accurate reflection of the majority of Australians’ definition of marriage. My response to this would be that yes, perhaps this is what is traditionally understood as a marriage. But more because any alternative is not current legal and therefore not practiced or common! I also feel that when really asked, most Australians are comfortable with this definition changing – “getting with the times” so to speak, and moreover, as a leader of this country you must show leadership when the right and honorable thing to do is staring you in the face, even when it’s possibly an “unpopular” thing to do.

Please, let’s end our discriminatory laws. Let us have laws that value each and every human being as equal, and are blind to sexual orientation – which is, after all, simply a part of humanity’s diversity, and one that should not be discriminated against.

I have attached a wide range of point-for-point reasons as to why gay people should be allowed to marry in this country, as taken from the Australian Marriage Equality website.

Many thanks for you time. I would greatly appreciate a response.

I also sent similar versions to Kevin Rudd, Julia Gillard and Malcolm Turnbull.

In addition to this I emailed the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee in regards to this new Greens bill. Any Australian citizen can send one (called a submission), and it plays a big role in the success (or failure) of the bill. Please, play your part in taking this nation forward and submit a quick and easy letter via. email. Or for the time poor, here’s an online form that makes it super easy.

And now the most fun part of activism … wearing ribbons!

I’ve made 30 white knot ribbons, which I’m ready to give away to those who email me their address, no matter where you are in the world. By wearing one you are showing to all your support for gay marriage. Please, only email if you’re willing to wear this more than just once or twice, and particularly on August 1, which is a national action day for same-sex marriage. (Click here for instructions on making your own ribbons.)