Yo Julia, 

You are hiding behind the values of a religion that you are not even a part of. Because of this, the rights of the nation are being ignored.

You mentioned: “My position flows from my strong conviction that the institution of marriage has come to have a particular meaning and standing in our culture and nation and that should continue unchanged”. 

Let’s break this up.

Starting with “My position”. Firstly, your opinion is irrelevant. It should not matter what your beliefs are, because your beliefs do not run this country. The values of the people do. We have elected you in promise that you would uphold the nation’s values and attitudes and as of late you have neglected this in order to keep a lead against Tony Abbot and to also prove that your own beliefs are superior. This is not acceptable. The same can be said with “my strong conviction”.

“The institution of marriage”. This awfully confuses me. Can anyone exactly tell me where marriage started? It is not possible, so therefore the only conclusion I can make is that you have taken this view from the bible. I have to ask; Why, you as as a non religious person, is hiding behind the views of Christianity? You yourself are living in a de facto partnership. I understand that it is not my business, but it is almost without question that you have had pre-marital sex, this is acceptable as you are not Christian, nor religious. Then why is it acceptable for you to use these beliefs as a simple answer, or what society would term a ‘cop out’. I as a Catholic am proud to say that most young people that I know that are Catholic are in support of Gay Marriage. Though I am not speaking for the majority, I know that a large amount of Christian people think this way. This proves that Australia’s society is changing. 

“A particular meaning and standing in our culture and nation”. You know what else has particular meaning and standing in our culture and nation? Mateship, courage and equal rights. How are these being observed by our Government by taking away a person’s basic right to marry? Culture’s change. This is obvious and as a mature and intellectual human being you should understand this. It is no longer the common belief that once a woman marries a man she becomes his property. Any man to believe this would be shunned by society. This is an example of how society can change for the better so that the simple rights of a person can be acknowledged.

“That should continue unchanged”. I’ve already acknowledged my thoughts on this. Times change, society changes get over it. You’ve seen this yourself. It has directly affected you. As a female even 20 years ago, you would have had no hope in being elected for Prime Minister. Consider that.

I suggest rethinking your opinions and disregarding them. Your opinions do not govern this country. Your values and attitudes are not those of Australia’s, the values and attitudes that constitute our law are those made by the people, reflecting the nation’s thoughts and feelings, values and attitudes. Not those of a woman hiding behind an easily defended viewpoint. Think of the betterment of the nation.