Advocates for change argue that one particular set of values (Christian in this matter) should not be imposed upon the whole of society. But that is not the nature of society.
Whether it be a family, town or nation, we use values to place expectations upon others and sometimes make it law.
Should we become non-biased in applying faith derived values to marriage, one could argue for polygamy, which is acceptable in some Islamic countries, or arranged marriages as is common in some cultures. To disallow such practices is clearly an imposition of one faith value system upon another.
Yet we believe that is acceptable and see it evidenced in legislation today.
I would be far more concerned if we had a society where values were not enshrined, and choice was predicated on popular relativism as seems common today. Another argument for same sex marriage is a belief that an individual has the right to marry whomever they desire, regardless of gender.
Often aligned with this is the expectation that one has a right to children, which may include adoption or IVF procedures.
A change in the definition of marriage will readily facilitate the recourse to adoption and IVF by same sex couples. Same sex couples will almost inevitably argue for the "right" to children. Such a voice is heard now and my fear is that we are moving towards a society where children become an "entitlement" or "right" and are therefore commodities, or possessions rather than a gift to be received.
I acknowledge that possessive parents are not exclusively found in same sex relationships, but I contend that such relationships may be more disposed towards such a mind-set. Parents who see their children as gifts bring a very different mind-set from those who see children as an entitlement.
They tend to be more open to the flowering of their child in whatever direction they venture. This tends to encourage children to be more confident and open to the world around them.
I recognise that there are children in our Catholic Colleges from many different family backgrounds, including same sex relationships, who are well adjusted and capable students.
This is part of our social fabric and such parents and children will always be welcomed in our College. But this matter requires serious thought as it comes with many surrounding issues that will impact upon our education environment and our children's welfare. It is not simply about two people and their personal preferences - some of our politicians need to be made aware of that.
