I am disappointed that OLO even bother to give this article an atom of oxygen. Yes, freedom of speech is important but, surely, such fossilised attitudes have no place in a progressive forum

thanks David for being a voice of reason. Unfortunately when it comes to promoting perversion reason goes out the window mainly because people want their own immoral lifestyles condoned. It makes them comfortable in sin. Be encouraged and read the end of the book. All ends well for those who have repented and turned from their immorality. Others will have their moments of glee but it certainly wont end well for them.

Well, welcome to attitudes firmly rooted in the 15th century. Not sure how the doctor can belong to a society that purports to respect human life but is then so disrespectful, disdainful, insulting to, and intolerant of homosexual people. I do believe the Australian home for such dinosaurs is owned by Clive Palmer. Clive, come and collect the next prime specimen for your display.

Well Ireland or Eire has changed! At one time in the 1960s one couldn't get through customs with the contraceptive pill without being challenged. Divorce was not allowed. And Abortion? (Go to Hell) Anyway, I was amazed with a Yes vote. If the Roman Catholic church will not conduct marriages, then they are back to square one. Civil only. Fair enough. I suspect lawyers won't be offended, more divorces for them to handle. Personally, if same sex partnerships are protecting the mutual equity in their long term relationships I can understand it. But why get at the churches? They can't force them into conducting same sex marriage in churches. But the Irish, who can understand them completely?

Thanks, David, for a sensible input on this decadent mess.
Marriage can only be between a man and a woman, and all men and women have equal rights to enter that institution.
Whatever the relationship is between same sex couples, it is not marriage. They should work out what it is, and give it a name, not hijack the word already taken for a well established social institution.

They have already hijacked the word “gay”, and put it to its current inappropriate use.
It is sad that Ireland has succumbed, and I do not share David’s optimism that Australia will not be a future victim to the virulent same sex political activist movement

Bird's fur and horse feathers/bah humbug!

Given it's actually impossible for same sex couples to produce a child, without considerable assistance by others of the opposite sex, it's difficult how their relationships, which are for all practical purposes merely ratified rather than actually permitted, abandon children?

It's hard to see that change as violating the rights of children!

Which are considerably violated by conventional couples coming to a parting of the ways; or living in forced cohabitation; or by the historical abuse by the church managed orphanages/foster homes or at the hands church officials; negatively impacting on children!

The only real changes as far as children are concerned; may be the enhanced ability of some formerly discriminated against couples finally able to officially adopt; otherwise unwanted or church abused/outraged/buggered/raped children.

And for all practical purposes, no more evil than the love and care provided by same sex siblings, mum and aunt Samantha; dad and uncle Sam!

We for our part should do no less; as opposed to continuing to allow a 20% or less minority to decide what is moral or entirely natural/decided in the womb, in today's inherently decent society?

And given the "church's" history, which includes entirely unnatural celibacy; serial recidivist rape and buggery of small children, along with the even more evil cover ups!

It's time we got their unwanted noses/manifestly fake morality and their evil minds out of our bedrooms; and under the light of truth seeking warts and all public inquisition!

One needs to look at the hand with its pointing fickle finger, if only to see the three remaining fingers, are pointing right back at the accursed accuser!

Not for nothing is it writ large, evil is that evil thinkth?
Rhrosty.