A written response from Mr Philip Ruddock on gay marriage

Over the last few years I’ve felt an ambivalence about nationalism, no doubt spurred on by numerous travels overseas. A growing awareness of the great injustices and suffering in less fortunate countries than our own, while we here in Australia grow fat in our warm, safe houses made me feel indignant. Why should I pledge allegiance to this country over all others? I am a citizen of the world, and I care about every soul on this planet, not just the Australian ones.

But learning about the three duties Australian citizens must fulfill – duties I’ve effectively been born into – really brought it home to me. While I still very much like to believe I am a global citizen, like it or not, I am also an Australian, and that citizenship comes with certain rewards and obligations.

And one such reward – or is it an obligation – is the ability to shape the laws of this country.

I know this is civics 101, but it’s only recently hit me what laws really represent. They’re rules that, as a country – you, me and every other citizen -, we’ve decided to come together, create and abide by, because they make the place a safer, fairer and more prosperous place to live.

Do I agree with all the laws? No, but out of respect to this place I abide by them because this is what the country has democratically agreed is the way we want to live. Will I also fight to change the laws I don’t agree with? YES! And thankfully, because we live in a democracy, each of us, as a citizen has the ability to be a part of that process.

As many of you will have been following, I’ve recently been exercising my citizenship by getting in contact with my electorate MP (Mr Philip Ruddock of Berowra.) At first I simply wrote him a letter expressing my desire for marriage laws to be changed so as to allow for same-sex marriage. I didn’t receive a reply, but then I, quite accidentally, saw him at a charity event and was given the opportunity to speak to him in person.

Following our little tete-a-tete, I resent my original letter. And yesterday I received a reply! (Click on the image below to view the large version.)

Mr Ruddock, if you’re reading this, and to all the future young Liberals to take the Berowra seat (one of the most conservative in the country), this won’t be the last time you’ll be hearing from me. And that’s not said in a threatening way – moreover I’m simply glad to know you, and look forward to being in continual dialogue with you, as my representative in government.

Note: I’m not entirely certain of the legality of publishing the letter. Does anyone know? As my journalist friend said his old boss used to say, “if in doubt, publish!”