Bloodymindedness - Number 1 in a series of 5000
I don’t imagine anyone will make too much of a song and dance about it, but I was pretty disappointed to see a story in the paper this morning telling of the Federal Government going out of its way to obstruct gay couples wanting to marry in countries that recognise these unions.
Same sex marriage is legal in the Netherlands, Belgium and Spain. However, at least in the Netherlands, there is a completely separate requirement that non-nationals wishing to marry demonstrate that they are not already married in their country of origin by obtaining a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage, or a Single Status Certificate.
I do fail to see how it is not discriminatory that Australian embassies have been instructed by the attorney-general’s department, not to issue these documents in the instance of people wishing to enter into same sex marriages. And it certainly demonstrates a level of bloodymindedness that in my opinion points to a deep vindictiveness. It is one thing to pander to the conservative rednecks of your own constituency by not recognising gay marriages in Australia, it’s entirely another to reach out so miserably to the other side of the world like this.
And while I’m on it, can anyone explain to me how this doesn’t also show a failure to truly separate church and state? I can’t see any non-religious argument against gay marriage. Let’s face it, the institution of marriage is in enough trouble, so why would we be turning away couple who are going to so much trouble to get on board?
For about 8 years now my mantra has been "it’s always darkest just before the dawn". And then things always manage to get that little bit darker. Time to put on a bit of Radiohead I think…..
