Steve, you're absolutely right about that fishy character, but I think she might have reversed the roles by casting out a line and hooking you: http://forum.onlineopinion.com.au/thread.asp?article=4057#27332

I got married in my early 20's, hated his guts by the time I was 24 and divorced him at the grand old age of 25 then swore I would never again be so stupid. I am now 53 and still won't do it again, my kids are grown up and even my oldest grand-daughter is nearly 16. I am entirely independent to do what ever I want when I want to and I am too old and ratty to change now.

My very good friend Ian Hunter just became a member of the parliament of SA and his first act was to pay tribute to his "husband" Leith with whom he has been for 15 years.

Does my not wanting to be married and Ian wanting to be change anyone else's life? Who cares?

I think Howard is just throwing out diversions to avoid talking about real things like the catastrophic mess in Iraq, AWB, Haditha, rendition flights and a few others like people trafficking to Nauru.

Let's all pretend we are grown ups shall we and ask ourselves if gays and lesbians having a civil union will affect our lives and if not then leave it alone.

Arguments for why heterosexuality is "better":

a) it's natural. Yeah, well, so is cancer... just because something happens in nature doesn't make it good. (and obviously homosexuality happens in nature, too, so...)

b)but maybe what is meant by "natural" is rather: it is better for the evolution of the species... dear God, so is killing people with weack constitutions before they manage to reproduce, on this line of argument we will reintroduce Nazi experimental clinics for eugenics! and anyway, how do you know it is better for the evolution of the spieces?

c) it's normal. That simply means "more people do it" is that a good reason to think it is also "better"? don't we often admire people who are exceptional? who do things that the majority cannot manage? so why accept that simply because more people are heterosexual then it is also somehow a better form of sexuality? where's the logic here?

why don't you guys just come out and say "homosexuality is wrong because I don't like it", it makes just as much sense as the other arguments I mentioned and at least it's not hypocritical...

Schmuck, "homosexuality is wrong because I don't like it". Thats a bit simplistic, its deeper than that. Most objection is from paranoia and fear permeating the immoral moral ones. That equates to the depth of insecurity they have in their own understanding of sexuality and difference. Nothing is wrong if its acceptably agreeable to by the participants, what we imagine as agreeable doesn't relate to others reality.

All relationships should have the legal right be an equal part of society, they shouldn't be restricted or ostracised because of others fears. After all, theres a very thin line defining our sexual orientation and a lot of people fear feeling close to that line. If they understood themselves, they may find those fears are actually benefits, as they allow you to understand, yet not have to be agreeable.

In our world we have many variants in relationships, so all loving relationships should be hailed. Rather than trying to support failed moralistic concepts and deride successful different ones.

I know of relationships with two women and a man, who have become that way in their 50- 60's. Their intimacy if any, is irrelevant its what they get that counts. From what I've seen, they get companionship, love, a family, reduction in costs, security and a support base that normally diminishes in later life as biological family goes their own ways. Is that wrong.

Freedom is being able to express your feelings in a responsible way, no one has the right to determine someone else's responsibility. The results of their actions determines that.

Heterosexuality is the natural approach for procreation, it doesn't define love or its expression.

The issue of polygamy is an interesting one. About 12 months ago I phoned CentreLink to see how it handled the issue. I was told that to enter into a polygamous relationship was illegal in Australia. However, quadrigamists who are migrating to Australia may bring their wives. Only one wife may be claimed as a spouse. The other wives are paid the unmarried or deserted wives pension if they don’t work.

The generosity of the Australian taxpayer is unbounded.

SAGE
and the utter stupidity of our immigration deparmtment and government policy on this matter is further demonstrated by this rediculous and discriminatory policy.

Allowing polygamous wives entry to Australia who will in every respect BE wives and child bearing has more pox on it in terms of social and cultural impact than a house full of whores in an aids infested township.

How brilliant do you have to be, to work out that Muslims and anyone for that matter, can thus have 1 legal wife and 3 defacto.
Given that the child bearing rate of such a family is FOUR TIMES that of traditional monogomous families, does this not say something about the potential for uneven and discriminatory demographic change ?

On the issue of homosexual unions, it is as 'apartied' as discriminating against incestous, paedophilic and bestial relationships.

I care not one iota for the idea that 'they were born that way' or..'its their choice'.... because such logic can be equally (and IS being) used by such bodies as Nambla and anyone with a long standing sexual orientation towards children.

The trend, is always to LOWER the age of consent, thus blurring the line between 'paedophilia' and 'legal sexual activity'.

So, I call on all thinking Australians, to utterly reject the notion that Homosexual behavior has any place at all in our society other than to simply exist on an individual personal basis.

In fact.. when Jesus said 'Repent...for the kingdom of God is at hand' He would be meaning 'from' all that is unnacceptable to God.
It is abundantly clear, that homosexual behavior is TOTALLY unnacceptable to God, along with incest and bestiality.

What do we say to a Paedophile who claims "Look..I've been like this since puberty, I can't explain it.. I'm just like this, it was not my choice".. well we say KEEP YOUR PRIVATE PARTS INSIDE UR PANTS and touch any child at risk of us jailing you and throwing away the key !

Nambla speaks of 'positive adult/child sexual experiences' and quotes prominent people who had them as children.