In an impassioned defence of gay marriage, Melbourne lord mayor Robert Doyle says government has no place in people’s bedrooms and should be happy if ”people find each other, love each other and develop strong partnerships”.
Government should say ”it is not our business to determine who you should love”, Cr Doyle told Fairfax Media.
His stance contrasts sharply with that of new Premier Denis Napthine and is likely to put pressure on the Liberal Party he once led in Victoria. As lord mayor, Cr Doyle signs relationship declaration certificates for ceremonies at the Town Hall.
Cr Doyle, who has spoken of growing up in a non-traditional family, urged the state and federal governments to change laws to allow same-sex marriage.
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”Don’t try and define what a family unit is. A family unit is a family unit that functions,” he said.
”I didn’t have a father from when I was very young, wasn’t in my life at all. I was raised by my mother and she is still the most admired person in my life. Don’t tell me that we weren’t a family unit because there wasn’t a father in the family.”
The lord mayor, who is a patron of gay and lesbian radio station Joy FM, said it was time for change.
”Same-sex marriages should be treated in exactly the same way as heterosexual marriages,” he said. ”It is time we actually said Melbourne is one of the most tolerant, diverse cities in the world, that is what we should be proud about.”
His comments come in the same week as US television star Ellen DeGeneres said that Dr Napthine was wrong for opposing same-sex marriage and the US Supreme Court considered the legality of gay marriage.
Cr Doyle said: ”I think we’ve all moved on. I think it’s time to say this doesn’t need to be a divisive issue. It is not the job of government to stare into people’s bedroom windows. It is not the job of government to tell couples whom they should love and spend their lives with.
”What we should be happy about is that people … develop strong partnerships, that’s what makes good community.
”I think you have got to be a bit careful about judging others. What you should strive for is … personal fulfilment in relationships and hope that all others in our community have exactly the same opportunity.”
Melbourne city councillor Richard Foster said he also supported marriage equality.
Author: Jason Dowling
Publication: The Age
Publication Date: March 5, 2013