#turbull

The Issue: Catholic bishops of Australia have today made a statement in relation to the current political debate and arguably number one most talked about argument- same sex marriage. The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference says “political decisions” can damage the institution of marriage and ‘hurt’ families. Both political party leaders, Malcom Turnbull for the LNP and Bill Shorten for the ALP have a significant stance on the issue, with the Labor party promising ‘same-sex marriage within 100 days’ if elected into Parliament, whilst Turnbull, who he himself is a supporter of equal marriage, promises to honor predecessor Tony Abbott by instituting a plebiscite on the issue – one expected to cost an estimated $160 million tax payers dollars.

What does this mean: In short, the Catholic Church just ensured that whatever political party supports its beliefs will have its full support, ensuring a domino effect in voters. Catholic adherents look to their church for their beliefs and values, ensuring that what the church supports is what they vote for. Turnbull and Shorten have basically just been threatened by the Catholic Church – cue shock! The LNP have a history of supporting the Catholic Church in its conservative beliefs, so it will be interesting to watch how Turnbull responds to this update.

Opinion example: It doesn’t make much sense to me as a person born at the turn of the century and a person who wholeheartedly supports equality that this is still only a topic of debate and not a widely support public policy. Why aren’t we attending the weddings of the fabulous, flamboyant people in love already? I once discussed this same topic with an ex-boyfriend who was heavily Catholic (when it suited him). He, like many Catholics and religious adherents to the Christian religion, believed in the ‘sanctity’ of marriage being between a man and a woman. I didn’t agree with him at all but his argument was that marriage was a religious practice, and same sex couples were going against that religious belief, so in turn they shouldn’t be allowed to get married under religious circumstances. I remember arguing til I was mute. Marriage isn’t just about a ceremony people throw thousands of dollars into and an open bar (though a positive indeed), but something that shows you are in love with somebody else by law. It has taken years into the 21st century for same sex couples to apply for combined health insurance, welfare benefits and even the right to adopt is still heavily criticized by far right enthusiasts.

What do you think will happen now that the Catholic’s have turned on the political parties and given them an ultimatum? Why should religion even be a factor in the political system? Send you questions, comments and opinions in!

         Jess