COMMENT: Time to become equals

I find it disappointing to see Australia trailing so far behind the rest of the world when it comes to marriage equality.

Since 2000, a steadily growing number of Governments have allowed gay couples the right to say “I do”.

The list includes countries I believe many Australians would consider less progressive than our nation.

Last year, landmarks across the US were lit up in rainbow colours in a strong show of support after a historic Supreme Court ruling legalising same-sex marriage.

Greenland, Ireland and Finland also legalised same-sex marriage last year, while last month Colombia ruled people of all sexual orientations deserved equal treatment under the law.

Why do we continue to deny that right to Australians?

I find the popular line of argument that allowing homosexual couples to wed somehow erodes heterosexual marriages completely illogical.

How does letting two people who love each other, regardless of their gender, detract from my heterosexual relationship?

I can’t imagine how frustrating it must be for gay couples to feel like second-class citizens and for their commitment to each other not to be legally recognised.

While we’re ahead of some places where homosexuality is punishable by death, I think it’s time we joined more than 30 countries Australia is lagging behind.

I’m glad to see outdated attitudes slowly becoming more tolerant and look forward to a looming decision on the matter in Australian politics.