There are more than two hundred thousand words in the English language.
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One reason for this is that we frequently use different words to highlight subtle differences in meaning or context.
Take for instance, plebiscite and referendum. Virtually the same thing, but one (the plebiscite) is non-binding.
Here's another: gay and lesbian, both are homosexuals but one is male and one is female. A subtle difference in these days of gender equality.
I submit that there is at least a subtle difference between a same sex union and a heterosexual breeding pair, so there should be different descriptors.
While I firmly support the right of same sex couples to have a legally and socially recognised institution I utterly reject the hijacking of the word marriage, which has had a particular meaning for thousands of years.
The argument for "marriage equality" is that it provides same sex couples with the same rights and legal status as heterosexual couples.
The truth is that this has been available in Australia for nearly 20 years now.
The Civil Union was introduced for just this purpose and provides the same safeguards and legal standing as a natural marriage.
Apparently this is not good enough.
If it’s the words Civil Union that are the block then perhaps we should find another word.
Since homosexuals are content with the epithet 'gay' then perhaps they could 'merry' each other and we can introduce into the language a new institution - Merriage.
Seriously though, we destroy our traditions at our peril and while we are capable and willing to accommodate change, we should maintain the true meaning of marriage; the union of a Man and a Woman for the purpose of procreating and raising a family.
For this semantic reason alone I will be voting No.
Ed Coleman
Port Macquarie
Your support needed
Around 15,000 Australians are being taken unexpectedly due to sudden cardiac death every year, according to new analysis released by the National Heart Foundation of Australia to coincide with the launch of their annual Big Heart Appeal.
Heart Foundation’s National CEO, Adjunct Professor John Kelly AM, said the impact of losing a loved one is devastating, and when it happens without warning it’s much harder to comprehend.
“This September we’re raising awareness about sudden cardiac death and funds for research – so with your help, together we can stop other families from losing loved ones unexpectedly,” Adj Prof Kelly said.
“Sudden cardiac death is tragic and can happen to people at any age.”
Sadly around 1,250 families will lose a loved one to sudden cardiac death while the Big Heart Appeal is being held this September. Adj Prof Kelly said the Big Heart Appeal is all about Australians coming together to save lives and fund research into heart disease.
“The Heart Foundation is already funding researchers who are investigating many of the causes of sudden cardiac death and how we can treat and prevent it,” he said.
“We need your help. The fight against heart disease and sudden loss of our loved ones depends on vital heart research continuing.
“This September, more than 65,000 big-hearted volunteers will be knocking on doors in their neighbourhood to help raise over $2.5 million to fund world-class research.
“Your change can help make a change. Please give generously if someone knocks on your door, or help them out, as they can’t knock on every door, by knocking on ours at bigheartappeal.org.au and donate online.”
John Kelly AM
Heart Foundation CEO