Monday 14 August 2017

Good neighbours

I do the shopping for a 94 year old woman. She was telling me how they got some new neighbours in the street. One of the other residents informed her "I think they might be lesbians." My friend replied sternly "We don't care what they are, as long as they're good neighbours".

"Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others."
Philippians 2:4

Are we being good neighbours if we don't see those in the LBGTQI community as our equal? Are we being good neighbours if we think we have the right to cast a vote in order to give them our permission to marry? Perhaps we need to think about whether we are being particularly neighbourly in our campaigns to defend or vilify what is not a personal issue for many of us.

"Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor" Romans 12:10


Women didn't have the vote. America had slaves. We learnt the error of our ways and changed the tradition. Perhaps we need to do the same with marriage. If Centrelink can see them as a couple to minimise money paid to them, surely the Government can recognise their union too?

"In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
Matthew 7:2

We are sitting on the wrong side of history, and as we look at the riots unfolding in America, do we really want our 'religious protections' to unleash the same here? The laws the government are looking to put in place under the guise of protections will quickly be used against Jews and Muslims too. And possibly the converse where the Muslim businesses can refuse to serve me, an uncovered non Muslim woman, should they wish, under the protection of their religion, because surely what is good for the goose is also good for the gander?

Perhaps the right thing for our government to do is to see people as people and afford them equality, and allow the religions to operate in their places of worship, but in the secular world of business and daily life, follow the tenants of loving thy neighbour?

For the record, my 94 year old friend has great neighbours.

As a postscript, after writing this, I was alerted to Father Rod's post on FB where he states more eloquently than me "In the mean time the most effective way to stand up for our own rights is to stand up for the rights of others. None of us are free until all of us are free. 

Perhaps the real debate should be around how we live as loving neighbors in unity and diversity.

Even though you may not personally believe in same sex marriage, I believe that one of the over arching themes of the gospels is justice, and all justice is social. 

Marriage Equality is an issue of justice and we can all support this issue without denying our personal faith."

Lastly, you don't have to agree with me but I will delete any comments that are rude to me, other commenters, the LBGTQI community or the Liberal Party MPs so play nice please.
Linking with #MummyMondays and #OpenSlather

12 comments:

  1. I believe in same sex marriage. But for all those who don't I love your second last para "Marriage Equality is an issue of justice and we can all support this issue without denying our personal faith."

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  2. I read a brilliant article by Tom French in the week - I'll see if I can add the link. For me, marriage isn't about religion at all, it's about love. I am not religious, not even one bit, and I still got married, because it just so happened I love a man. I just can't get my head around the injustice of it all. Love is love, whether your partner is the same sex or a different one. And as for all this stuff about the bible, now I'm no expert but doesn't the bible promote "love thy neighbour"? So what I want to ask the zealots is where is the love?! Here's the link http://blog.tomfrench.com.au/2017/08/10/hey-christians-watch-plebiscite/

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  3. My mother is quite religious and isn't always as (ummm....) evolved in her thinking as I'd like. It could be the fact that she's 73... but... she has no problem with same sex marriage. She's never understood why others feel it threatens their way of life or their beliefs and I can very much appreciate her thoughts on the matter.

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  4. My Dad is 93 and he is mellowing in so many of his views...I must say I have not asked him about this issue but I suspect all he would want for anyone is for them to be happy and content.

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  5. Oh my stars my inlaws and I have gone around and around about the subject for years. Thanks for linking up to #globalblogging

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  6. I wish this would all go away..... it's breaking so many hearts ��❤️ I've tried my best to convince my 80yr old friend Love is Love but he won't have it. Let's hope the majority rules and the yes vote happens xx #teamIBOT

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    1. I wish it would go away because I'm sick of it. I've taken myself of SM a little because I keep getting into arguments. It doesn't even affect me (except in the waste of my tax dollars which I would rather went to medicare). I can't imagine what it's like for those people that are directly targeted.

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  7. I love how you've included bible passages. I have seen some staunch opposition to the 'yes' vote from seriously christian people on FB. It makes me sad for them, that they can't be tolerant of change in today's society. that they are ruled by scriptures written over 2000 years ago. I am sure there is something in the bible about tolerance and not being an arsehole.

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  8. I'm a firm believer in letting love be love. Thanks for linking up to #fortheloveofblog. Just a note also that you haven't mentioned that you linked up to #fortheloveofblog x

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    1. It was there until yesterday - I thought the link was closed. Will keep there for longer.

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