‘There's a time for everyone if they only learn
That the twisting kaleidoscope moves us all in turn.'
The debate has circulated society for years and people seem to be under the illusion that we have become liberal, supportive and even generous in our attitude towards same-sex relationships. However, need I mention that it wasn’t until 2004 that same-sex were given the right to civil partnerships and it was still another year before a civil partnership took place in the UK. The event provoked a backlash of religious protests, with protesters swarming outside the City Halls in order to voice their opposition; not something you would find on a heterosexual wedding day.
Today, two of the London Roman Catholic Archbishops declared in a letter that will be read in 2,500 Churches this weekend that same-sex marriage was a ‘profoundly radical step’ that would reduce the significance and effectiveness of marriage. To me, that’s like saying you would reduce the effectiveness of food if you let everyone eat it; marriage should be a basic right.
Some people argue that same-sex marriages shouldn’t happen because of the increase of sexual promiscuity between same-sex couples. Others argue that same-sex relationships don’t last long enough, that the people involved aren’t committed. It is an interesting – near impossible - feat to try and measure the level of someone else’s commitment. Furthermore, if you proportionally compare the divorce rate for gay marriage with heterosexual marriage it’s considerably lower. In rational terms, the argument that same-sex couples are merely physical just isn’t true; it is based on stereotypes and presumptions.
As have many debates, it comes down to the issue of redefining. In our society, we like things to stay the same – for secure notions to remain intact and not be challenged and challenge often brings about change. However, imagine a world today where women were just domestic, where Africans were just slaves. Whilst it is going to be a long road, it’s a journey we should all support.
