They claim marriage should be between a man and woman
An Australian gay couple has been on the receiving end of much anger because of their opposition to marriage equality.
Mark Poidevin and Ben Rogers appeared on the evening news and current events show, 7:30, to offer a surprising point of view.
As you may know, Australia is getting ready up to hold a non-binding mail-in survey on marriage equality. Specifically, Australians will be asked on a postal ballot if they support same-sex marriage. Should the majority vote ‘yes’, parliament will take the issue up for a vote.
The gay couple who oppose #samesexmarriage. #abc730 @JulesHolman @paigeymackenzie #auspol Story: https://t.co/Cl3mDQlDBl pic.twitter.com/ZMBA2fwWxH
— abc730 (@abc730) September 4, 2017
“We’ve been through our ups and downs like anyone else, but I love him dearly and there’s no-one else I’d like to spend my life with than him,” Poidevin shared with the viewers of 7.30.
The couple explained they believed in upholding and preserving traditional marriage between a man and a woman. Religion – particularly for Poidevin, who’s identifies as a devout Catholic – was one of the primary reasons they are against same-sex marriage.
More: How bi and curious differ
‘If we make one exception for one community, that being the same-sex couples, where does it stop?’ he said.
“Do we then see other cultures being allowed to have multiple marriages? Do we see the age of consent being lowered for another group of minorities? That is my concern, of where it would lead.”
They strongly believe they are not anti-gay
Both men shared they’ve been criticized for their opinions.
“The campaign’s gotten nasty on both sides and I think the comments that I hear are, ‘You’re a homophobe if you don’t support gay marriage’,” said Poidevin.
“I’m a gay person here that’s coming out and saying, ‘well, no it’s not. It’s your right to have a view, your right to have a view either way and people should be respected”. He added: “You’re not intolerant if you don’t support a view.
Hey guys, thanks for that. You just validated a lot of terrible, terrible people who will now use you as ammo against the GLBTQ community.
— BM (@macleanbrendan) September 4, 2017
Brexit Comparisons
Poidevin thinks the mail-in survey may go in the same direction as the UK’s Brexit vote and the election of Donald J. Trump in the United States.
He holds the belief that most people aren’t being honest in public polling because they fear being called homophobic if they admit they’re voting no.
“This could be the Brexit or Trump moment for Australia, where the polls are saying one thing but you go to the ballot box and people are clearly in another mind, going to vote another way,’ he said.
h/t: Gay Star News
