Aline Courtois Essay

For Australian law to be effective it must be dynamic so it can reflect changing societal views, which law reform can help attain. A significant area of recent social change is the acceptance of same-sex relationships in Australian society. To mirror this, current law reforms have been somewhat effective in achieving just outcomes regarding the recognition of same-sex relationships in Commonwealth law. The combination of official recognition of same-sex relationships to an extent, attempts at removing discrimination in legislation, and the delay of justice denotes this. Considering the achievement of justice and the protection of individual’s rights, it is evident that law reform has significantly improved recognition of same-sex relationships, but there are more essential responses that need to be enacted.

This essay will be critically analyzing the social policy of same sex marriage using four Australian newspaper articles to demonstrate and examine how inequality through diversity and difference are present and experienced in the public domain. The essay will draw upon What ideological values and assumptions are present in both the newspaper articles and social policy?, What are the social justice concerns in relation to the current same sex policy?, concluding with a reflective component exploring where in relation to the social policy issue I am as a developing social worker.

For the past 3 decades the views surrounding marriage has undergone a great deal of change (Lennox, 2015, p. 1101). This shift is due to the continual discussion of gay marriage. The interplay of religion and politics has led for much controversy. In the United States, the use of Christian and Jewish biblical texts are the main sources drawn upon for opposition, but have also been used as a supportive means of equality. Beyond the religious there are also psychological and physical health arguments, as well as civil rights arguments. Same sex marriage is examined through different paradigms, thus giving rise to religious, political/legal, and religious arguments surrounding the legalization of this institution for gay and lesbian couples.

Back in this time many Australians weren’t aware of the fight for same sex marriage and many strongly disagreed. However, now that America has passed the legislation in support of gay marriage, Australians now see this as a more achievable

Another type of family in which the Australian legal system has been effective in is dealing with Same Sex Relationships. However there has been a slight degree of ineffectiveness in this issue with same sex relationships finding it extremely difficult in the past in order to obtain the same rights as married couples or even De Facto couples, thus one can interpret that in the case of Same Sex Relationship Justice is delayed thus the justice is denied. Same Sex Couples it seems are unable to ever achieve the rights and be recognised through marriage as the Marriage Act 1961 specifically states that marriage is between a man and a woman and in order for Same Sex couples to be able to marry a new law must be passed as well as that section of the marriage act be amended. However all states and territories in Australia recognise Same Sex

Everyone under the Australian law deserves the right to be treated rightfully and justly. But currently, people are being discriminated due to who they choose to love. Love is something that has no boundaries. As a nation, we need to come to the acceptance that we aren't able to control people's views and values. There are 1,138 advantages, rights and protections accessible to married couples in federal law alone. Benefits accessible only to wedded couples include hospital visitations whilst someone is sick, access to family health coverage, ability to file a joint tax return amid a disease, the choice of documenting a joint expense form to diminish

Australia, as a secular nation, declares freedom for all citizens in its constitution. However, it appears for influence of Christianity is still prevalent in its political agenda. This Christian influence comes from Australia’s settlement in 1788. The underlying Christian influence affects the political agenda in many ways: 2 of which are marriage equality, and inequality for same-sex couples in adoption and surrogacy laws.

Australia’s Senate and House of Representatives recently rejected bills to accept homosexual marriage in Australia. Labor MP Stephen Jones and Labor Senator Trish Crossin have both put forward a bill to gain marriage equality with both bills failing to pass through to the governor general (House of Representatives – 98-42, and

The controversial issue of gay marriage has recently been very much part of the centre of media speculation, due to the fact that Australian Labour Party Leader, Bill Shorten, has lately been aver strong supporter of the American legislation which legalised gay marriage throughout the United States. I strongly support Bill Shorten’s sentiments. (State points)

In Australia, 1.2% of our population are gay or lesbian. 54% of Gay and Lesbian couple said If they could marry they would, but due to unfair laws in Australia they are unable too. 80% of Australians in same-sex relationships support marriage equality even if they do not wish to marry. Many people think that Gay marriage should be legal as it will welcome people in our community and make them feel safe. At the moment the government is saying that is okay to exclude people that are gay or lesbian, just because they don’t fit in. People that are gay have a hard time trying to fit in as most people will exclude them as they don’t fit into society, this leaving more people depressed. A lot of people are leaving Australia to get married, but if it was legalized it will benefit the wedding industry.

An emphasis must be placed upon the fact that although the legislation legalising homosexual marriage and the recognition of suppression against minority groups are indeed monumentally progressive towards a society which does not solely benefit heteronormativity; it will not be the final obstacle that must be overcome before we achieve equality between sexual differences and orientations. The development towards equality that has been made until the general present stance, has been gradual and filled with debate regarding morality, religion, legislation and human rights. The last major advancement to improve homosexual rights was the decriminalisation of practicing homosexuality itself - one that only occurred in Tasmania in 1997, the last of Australia 's states to do so. The reasoning behind the illegality of homosexuality was established on multiple, passionately argued, reasons; such as to aid in the prevention and spread of AIDS/HIV and the basic interpretations of its ' immorality. However, through the indignation and widespread attention that this issue gained, and through Nicholas Toonen, an Australian activist for the rights of homosexuals, the necessary changes and amendments to Australia 's legislation were made, (Toonen v Australia, 1994). Following the decriminalisation of homosexuality around the majority of the world, the next significant issue has

According to Wilson, T (2015), author of Australian Human Rights Commission, ‘Same sex marriage: a law that protects the right of all parties’. He believes that a law should be designed to protect the rights of all. Besides, marriage is a union of two people who love each other. It could be between a man and a woman, two men or two women. People have the right to love who they want and get married to who they love. No one has the right to prevent the love between two people even though they are same sex.

There is presently much controversy regarding homosexuals and whether or not it would be wrong for society to accept marriages between same-sex couples. The masses express confusion regarding the homosexual community and individuals are generally inclined to discriminate homosexuals. While some consider that marriage is not actually an important thing and it is irrelevant whether or not a gay couple unites through official means, recent events show otherwise and it is apparently very important for a homosexual couple to have access to the institution of marriage in order for both of its members to be provided with a series of rights that are normally beneficial in the case of heterosexual couples.

I will analyse and compare Gay marriage across two faith systems. The first religion is the anglican church which in nz supporting gay marriage the second religion in comparison will be the Seventh Day Adventist Church which as a global church opposes it and the celebration of it. Further on in this report i will discuss the key events and people that influenced same sex marriage being passed in New Zealand and what impact it is had on the congregations across the nation. I will back up these finding with evidence from the bible and other relevant writings. I will then include an evaluation were i will discuss the pros and cons and understanding their relevance to same sex marriage and the changes within a religious traditions .Finally i will conclude and discuss the wider

Some people against to allow same sex marriage, due to their religion, procreation of children and marriage stereotype (ProCon 2015). On the other hand, the major of people encourage same sex marriage. This essay will argue that same-sex marriage should be legalized in Australia for three reasons: equal civil rights, benefit of the economy, and there is no effect on child development who is raised by same-sex parents.