....  72% of Australian's would vote  "For"  - according to last week's Neilsen poll .........

Why don't you go first Seth? What impact/eventualities do you foresee?

Just for you Robi...remembering this is just my opinion on the legalising of gay marriage, and with the knowledge that even with hetro marriage even in the best of circumstances, things can go haywire, as with hetros gays can now have defacto relationships and it's nobodies business but theirs.

 We all see what is happening around us with the decline in church attendance and lack of interest in Dogma or Tenets even the acknowledgement or even dismisall of moral teachings {Which are basically meant for the readers own protection plus instruction.} Possible event 1.above decline/disappear.

RE in schools is disappearing fast, an intro of all religions maybe on the agenda. Plus sexuality now being considered in certain classes.                              Possible event... Confusion in what/who they are.

Robi you had a post in to me, yesterday? I was going to answer but cannot find, what was the name of post?

Not yesterday but the day before Seth, I asked you how your wife is on "Have a chat".

It appears your concern is that morals are going down hill and that same sex marriage would be one more example of the fact. My view is the opposite. I think society is evolving for the better in many ways and particularly in relation to the acceptance of gay people. There is more compassionate understanding now that homosexuals are born with their orientation, they do not choose it. They form loving bonds like anyone else and should be able to express their love and commitment in marriage if they choose, just the same as those born with a heterosexual orientation.

Many homosexuals feel different as children but it is not until they reach puberty that they realise they are homosexual. That period is fraught with danger for young teenagers and depression and suicide ideation or attempt or even success is common. Not only do they have to cope with homophobic bullying but they have to come to terms with their sexuality and the fact that they are part of a minority quite separate from the mainstream. They fear rejection from parents and other family members, friends and society in general.

When homosexuals are given the right to marry it will immediately convey a message of societal acceptance of homosexuality and all young people discovering their sexuality will have hope of a good future rather than fear and misery. It will also help to break down barriers and so lessen homophobia in society. 

So in my view, giving gay people the right to marry is the moral course. 

Robi I'll look it up again, sorry about not replying to your post re my wife but as you can imagine it has been a hectic week, spending ages at the hospital, listening to the doc and what could happen was a real downer, however owing to the fact she was healthy and was not on any medication, for which they were amazed owing to her age, she had her 92nd birthday yesterday and they had her walk a few steps today.

PS..Do you really think with acceptance of marriage, harassment will stop?

Whatever you believe is always morally right, the other is always wrong.

A very stressful week for you and Dorothy Seth, I can well understand that answering me on a forum was not at your forefront :). Good to hear Dorothy came through her op ok and is starting to walk. I wish her a quick recovery.

To answer your question: There will always be individuals who harass and even bash homosexual and transgender people but they will become the growing minority as more and more people become accepting of sexual difference. Bestowing same sex marriage rights conveys a message of equality, understanding and acceptance by the mainstream and that will be good for society as a whole. There might be an initial backlash from people who are angry about it but I hope not. On the whole we will all benefit from living in a more mature and caring society.