Gay Marriage!

1. Do you think this is a political move to win votes before an election and could you see this happening closer to the Australian elections? and...

2. Should there be such a thing as same-sex-marriage or should their be a same-sex 'union' recognised by law and leave out the word marriage?

Write up your thoughts and opinions understanding the complexity and sensitivity of the topic. Ensure that you practice good writing, common sense and that you consider and appreciate everyone's personal thoughts on this topic. 

I believe that there is no point denying the right to gay marriage for much longer, and it's great that Barack Obama has voiced his support for people to live their lives in a way that suits them, particularly when the decision doesn't affect outsiders to the relationship.

In my mind, I don't see it as being a ploy to win votes before the election. Having been to America on numerous occasions and spending a particularly lengthy period of time in the more traditional Southern states, I have witnessed first hand the religious belief that is inherent in the majority of American culture.

That's not to say that there isn't culturally and socially forward-thinking pockets of people spread across the US, because there are many, but the majority of older American's are God-fearing, and this move is likely to lose him votes with this large group of people. However, maybe if he doesn't win the election, it will still set him up to be a hero in other ways for the more open minded citizens?

Suppose that gay marriage was made legal, and Obama was still the president, there would be a LOT of issues coming up. For example, to be married you need to have a marriage celebrant/minister and many of those people are older and religious, so they may not want to marry gay couples despite it now being legalised. Would these people, who could possibly refuse to marry a couple who are legally able to now be married, be liable to face the law if they didn't conduct the ceremony? It would be very interesting to see what happens!

And what if a bill was passed, and then another conservative president came into power. Could he then take away the bill?

In regards to whether it should be 'same-sex marriage' or 'same-sex union', I don't think it makes a difference. To me it is different words for the same thing, and to call it a union would only be appeasing those who oppose it - who shouldn't be worrying about it in the first place (in my mind!) since it doesn't affect them.

I hope that Obama legalises gay marriage!