Thu Aug 31, 2006

o) Articles by other people

"Viva same-sex marriage!!: from under the radar to full recognition"

This speech was given by Baden Offord at this year's marriage equality National Day of Action rally in Lismore (13.8.06).

I have been in a same sex loving relationship for 24 years. I used to be ideologically opposed to the idea of fighting for our relationship to be recognised as a legal and legitimate marriage or union. I believed that the institution of marriage itself had to give way to other forms of loving relationships. But my position has changed. I have been amazed at the effect of same-sex marriage in other societies.

For example, I teach every couple of years in Barcelona, and while there last year I was struck by the ease with which people in same-sex relationships (or marriages) lived their lives. Lesbian and gay couples were visible and expressive everywhere. They held hands and kissed and demonstrated their affection and love on every corner, promenade, in department stores, cafés and in every public space. That is what amazes me about what the Spanish state’s recognition of same-sex marriage has done. It has liberated homosexual love from always being under the radar! My brother who lives in Barcelona tells me that homophobia has greatly diminished since the state’s recognition of same-sex marriage.

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