David. I think you're on a wrong course if you choose to use the old 'equality' and 'human rights' line. I'm sure you are aware that even the European Court of Human Rights recently ruled that gay marriage is NOT a human right. Here is a transcript...
“The European Convention on Human Rights does not require member states’ governments to grant same-sex couples access to marriage,” judges in Strasbourg said. “With regard to married couples, the court considers that in view of the social, personal, and legal consequences of marriage, the applicants’ legal situation could not be said to be comparable to that of married couples.”
As for 'equality' this has been a strong weapon used in the argument for SSM. However, a same sex couple can never be the same as a heterosexual couple. A man and woman are completely different and compliment one another in their relationship, which is vastly different to a same gender couple. This is why in a gay relationship there is often a male role and a female role as they try and imitate the marriage gender roles. Nature makes it clear why marriage is designed between a man and a woman. I am not against gays, nor am I homophobic, but I believe in marriage and will continue the fight to protect it.

@kipp. I couldn't stop laughing when I read your comment but later wondered if you were actually being serious? I am very sure of my sexuality! I am also very happily married and love life. I have many friends around the nation and am certainly not in the minority when it comes to the fight to maintain the definition of marriage. When it comes to sexuality I am anything but confused!Thanks though for your caring thoughts but I feel to decline your offer of counselling. Hope you have a nice day :)

@Lexi. Thanks so much for your comments. I hear what you are saying and appreciate the way you made comment in reply to my own. I see change as a wonderful thing, however I don't think that ALL change is to the benefit of society. I remember when here in SA there was a bill before Parliament to allow poker machines in hotels and sporting clubs. Many opposed it and warned of the consequences that would follow. The left said it was progressive and that adults should be allowed to gamble if they wanted. The Bill passed, and here we are several years on with an epidemic problem on our hands and nobody knows how to fix it. I'm not likening that Bill to the SSM Bill, they are different, I'm just saying that personally I don't believe that allowing SSM will progress society in every way, but rather I see many other problems forecast by some, yet easily dismissed by others. Therefore I have taken many steps to voice my opinion, as have most of those around me, and will continue to do so because I believe marriage is between a man and a woman. That said I also respect your right of opinion Lexi.

@David. Thanks for your thoughts on God. Ha! Am I not surprised?
I will certainly discuss them with Him when we next have a chat. :)

CedarJ,

I’m aware of this judgement…on the other side of the planet and it concerned two lesbians wanting to adopt a child from memory. Even Australia is not that backward.

Let’s go closer to home and see what Michael Kirby has to say on the matter. He wishes to marry his long-time partner and states he is treated like a second class citizen because he can’t.

Being treated like a second class citizen is a human rights and equality matter.

http://www.smh.com.au/national/why-im-treated-like-a-secondclass-citizen-justice-michael-kirby-20120503-1y0o3.html

More on Michael Kirby.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Kirby_(judge)

“Kirby has often spoken publicly in support of gay rights.[22] While President of the International Commission of Jurists he encouraged that organisation to give more consideration to human sexuality as an aspect of human rights,[23] and as an Anglican he has expressed disappointment at his church's stance on gay rights.”

And this statement shows why same sex marriage is so important and how religion is the main culprit.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2117920/Gay-marriage-human-right-European-ruling-torpedoes-Coalition-stance.html

“The vitriol seen in statements by many political and religious figures, particularly some senior clerics, in advance of this consultation demonstrates the persistence of deeply worrying prejudice towards gay people.”

And of course, same sex marriage is not a human rights issue in places like Iran where there are no gay people. Not alive anyway. Decisions from judges in a homophobic world are not necessarily reflective of the truth.

Oh, does your god speak English or maybe Hebrew or is it French? Say hello for me. ;)

David

AFA, David, can you please tell me if the level of STD's is higher in gays, as a percentage of participants, than it is in heterosexuals?

I suspect your answer, should you choose to give one,will provide the answer to your question.

I am sorry, but I simply can't accept one man penetrating another's anus as normal.

After all, if you are a believer in god, he would tell you himself that the act of sex is the humans way of multiplying. Don't you agree

Now on the other hand, if you don't believe in god, surely you agree that the act of sex was intended as a way for us to multiply, it's just that many choose not to conceive.

Now as far as supporting gay relationships, even unions, go right ahead, but the term 'married' is simply not available, as it is taken.

We, the vast majority are not standing in your way, we are simply protecting the sacred vows we took and we are not prepared to allow our valued values to be shared by gays,as marriage to most of us is sacred.

I wish you luck in your quest for an alternative word.

I will support it, what ever you come up with, but you simp,y have to accept that the word 'married' is off the market.

I wish you well and look forward to your forthcoming reply.

BTW, if it suits, I will do the research if you like.