'It's about equal rights'
2006-10-04 15:14
Dear Jon,
While your sentiments on the matter of same-sex marriages surely reflects that of a large majority of South Africans, it remains discriminatory.
You claim not to have heard a single good argument in favour of same-sex marriage. Hopefully this letter will provide you with that.
The fact that male and female of every species exists to ensure procreation of the species was never in dispute.
However, the reason for entering into a relationship is not for the sole reason of having children, but rather to find a companion to share your life with.
A person, whether male or female, should be allowed equal rights regardless of whom they have chosen to be their partner in life.
You comment on the sexual behaviour of animals as well as doctrines laid down by different religions. You mention that certain "breeds" of animals have homosexual traits. I would like to refer to an article available online from National Geographic.
Homosexuality in nature is not an isolated occurence, and certainly not limited to certain animal groups.
With regard to religion, I would like to ask you if you think the constitution as well as social norms should be dictated by religion.
Which religion would you propose should we allow to do this, since most religions are mutually exclusive?
It would be quite interesting to see what happens with subjects like monogamy and democracy when this happens.
News24 claims to be a proponent to freedom of speech. I would like to claim that marriage is the ultimate form of freedom of expression, and should not be constrained by personal views of those who decide not to approve.
Andrew Pienaar
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