Men in matching kilts: just one more reason to support same-sex marriage
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Version 0 of 1. The debate around marriage equality in Australia has reached fever pitch, with two private members’ bills already introduced to parliament and the Labor party introducing a third on Monday. A majority of the discussion around the internet comment thread cooler simply centres on how best to get it achieved in Australia. There are some persistent holdouts, however, who are still debating whether in fact same-sex marriage should be legalised at all. For those people, I have put together a list of even more reasons marriage equality should happen now (besides the fact it is the right thing to do and has mainstream support among the population). Related: Same-sex marriage push: Tony Abbott says parliament has to focus on budget 1. Money, money, money Yes, it is true that there are some people who don’t really like the idea of same-sex couples getting married, but I can guarantee that they probably do like what we have in our pockets: cat hair, I mean, money. If you are on the fence about marriage equality, does $161m change your mind? No, I’m not some kind of eccentric billionaire offering you a deal you can’t refuse, that is just the conservative figure economists believe same-sex weddings would inject into Australia’s economy, with some estimates putting it as high as $600m. And most of that money would go into small businesses. For example, $161m will buy at least three wedding cakes. So change your mind, and come over to this side where we support small business and love our country. 2. Better weddings As a popular lesbian in her 30s who deigns to be friends with people of all sexualities, I have attended approximately 40,000 weddings in the past few years. While watching people still do the chicken dance in 2015, I have often fantasised about the kinds of weddings that some of my gay friends would hold. Weddings need a shake-up to stay trendy, and queer couples are the ones to do it. They will cast off boring and sexist wedding moments and establish stylish new traditions and fresh ideas. Most importantly, they will bring with them a sense of quivering excitement at finally having their love recognised as equal. And most importantly, hopefully they will replace the chicken dance with a new tradition of hardcore vogueing (see below). 3. One less thing for Australians to be embarrassed about There are a few things that could possibly be considered embarrassing about being Australian. There’s our treatment of refugees, the “Aussie Aussie Aussie” chants, racism, men who wear socks with sandals, and ... I could go on for hours. But now Ireland, a place where a grown man got stuck in a baby’s highchair at a fast food restaurant, has somehow made Australia look bad. This is simply unacceptable. 4. Aunts at family gatherings will have more opportunities to be nosy If it is true that you actually don’t like my kind, then this is the reason you should be ALL FOR marriage equality. For years I have escaped the nosy questions about marriage and kids from relatives at family barbecues, because nobody wants to remind me that I don’t have equal rights. All of that will change if we have marriage equality. I will be questioned and badgered and annoyed at every turn, just like my heterosexual cousins! I will have to engage in an exhausting and complex avoidance scheme, sneaking from room to room for hours at a time, pretending to be on the phone if I’m caught. If you truly do want me to suffer and be unhappy, this is your chance. Take away the silver lining. Support marriage equality. Related: I'm gay but haven't always supported gay marriage. The Irish vote changed all that | James Normal 5. It won’t hurt your marriage If you are married, I promise that having more people also get married won’t hurt your relationship. The morning after marriage equality passes you are not going to roll over to say good morning to your husband only to find a pile of dust where his snoring dadbod is usually sprawled. If anything, it will be worse for people who believe the institution of marriage should be abolished, as it will show marriage to be resilient, and still relevant. 6. Men in matching kilts! One of my friends recently went to Scotland to marry his Scottish partner, and they both wore kilts. I predict this would take off in Australia and what could be more adorable than a wedding where the grooms wear matching kilts? Let’s make the move and bring marriage equality to Australia now. |