Time for parliament to step forward in Faith as Religious and political back benchers take the lead on marriage equality The plebiscite is dead but not quite buried as democracy and faith evaporate as excuses to deny politicians a free vote on marriage equality .
The non binding nature of the plebiscite (postal or otherwise) delivers it a death blow as a real democratic option to decide on the issue ,similarly polls indicating the majority of Christians and others in support of marriage equality puts paid to the steadfast objections of conservative political and religious leaders .
It is my hope that Sussan Ley who knows the health and well being implications of institutional inequality and discrimination and other Federal members of parliament will vindicate our faith in them by joining other back benchers in calling for a free vote .It’s simply about moral courage and being part of someone else’s freedom The same voices opposed to gender equality ,the abolition of slavery ,discrimination according to race and religion ,investigation of abuse and domestic violence now are raised to thwart marriage equality but we expect our politicians to use their opportunity to step up to serve the electorate rather than side step those who rely on them The right wing of the coalition have all but lost their party the next election just as the religious right has fatally compromised the confidence of the Australian public in the institutional church However the open support of backbenchers,and many clergy for marriage equality is a sign that despite often tentative leadership many believe the core values of compassion and human rights will triumph if we put people first .
It is tragic vision impairment that some religious traditions currently pronouncing on refugees and ,economic and environmental injustice bring the wounds of Jesus 2000 years ago sharply into focus but fail to see the contemporary physical and emotional suffering caused by faith based hatred and discrimination over which they have direct control and for which (as tobacco companies )society increasingly holds them accountable ,Equally ancient prejudices hiding within the closet of religious freedom shouldn’t lightly be let loose on Australia’s children .
Politicians ,frightened as they are of political brutality cannot be blind to the injustice of the system of which they are a working part This is every politician’s urgent opportunity to work to rectify a major defect in Australia’s social ethical and political life and the electorate ,international (and possibly celestial )audience are all watching Don’t blow it .
Archdeacon Peter Macleod-Miller St Matthews Albury NSW
