A recent issue in the media has been the debate on whether or not Australia should legalise same-sex marriage. It is a common thought that same-sex marriage could harm society, however legalising same-sex marriage will not disadvantage society in any way shape or form. If anything, banning same sex marriage fosters discrimination within society. Not legalising same-sex marriage also allows Australia to be viewed negatively when compared to other countries that have legalised same-sex marriage, also due to Australia depriving same-sex couples from the proven health benefits of marriage. It is a claim that same-sex couples have equal rights; however this is not the case.

By denying same-sex marriage, the society of Australia is fosters discrimination. By allowing the judgement towards homosexual couples it could quite easily lead to children learning these bad habits in regards to discrimination. What will it lead to next? By supporting the discrimination towards one’s sexuality also supports the discrimination towards ones hair colour, race, body type, and eventually even the smaller things like someone’s a name or coloured pencil. Society itself would become a much more negative place to be if discrimination is encouraged. A form of discrimination I have experienced is the name calling of people whom have red hair. This is another example of a negative experience of discrimination. By calling someone a ‘ranga’, it results in the victim feeling distressed, and upset. The point is, society has already begun picking and choosing parts of people to highlight in a negative manner. How far are you willing to let this go on? Hair colour is something you can change, your sexuality is not. One’s sexuality does not have a negative impact on anyone else, therefore same-sex marriage should be legalised.

Australia wouldn’t be the first county to legalise same-sex marriage. The fact that Australia knows of such a change in law and has not yet made a change should bring shame to this country. In order to love your country, you need to be satisfied with the choices they make, and without the legalisation of gay marriage one could never love this country. On April the 17th 2013, New Zealand broke the chains of the ancient times and legalised same-sex marriage. This for many hit close to home, due to New Zealand being a neighbouring country to Australia. Australia certainly isn’t the brightest crayon in the box now is it? Australia needs to take a step from the dark ages and modernise the country we all live in, it’s the 21st century after all. It seems just the tiny bit ridiculous that fashion seems to be overviewed and changed more frequently than the obvious discrimination towards ones sexuality. If Australia was a ‘free’ country as everyone exclaims, everyone should be able to marry the one they love as a result of the legalisation of same-sex marriage.

Legalising same-sex marriage will lead to health benefits for same sex couples. When comparing unmarried couples and married couples a number of health benefits have been shown including both physical and psychological benefits for married couples. Therefore, same-sex couples are at a terrible disadvantage due to not having the opportunity to gain these health benefits that heterosexual couples have to opportunity to grasp. This leaves homosexuals not ever having the complete state of health that they could have if they were allowed to marry the one they loved. Put yourself in their position. Despite the fact not all of you in this room would have experienced love, but just try and imagine this for a second. You were in love with someone you could be you complete self with, and want to spend the rest of your life with. But one thing stopped you from celebrating this in a way that your relationship is then acknowledged, the Australian laws. To fix the unimaginable circumstance of not being given the right to