Jul 30 - SHSG Shaken By Same Sex Marriage Referendum Proposal
Further to the Equality Rights Group press release on the matter of same sex marriage rights and a suggested referendum on the matter, The SHSG (Secular Humanist Society Gibraltar) share the concerns expressed by Felix Alvarez and others.
A statement from the group said: "For some time now this social, political and human rights ‘football’ has bounced in and out of the public press, television, radio and on social media, the very suggestion by the Chief Minister that the matter may be considered and/or decided by means of a referendum does not appear to us to be a just or equitable approach to a matter which ultimately is one of natural equality.
"The SHSG fully support Felix Alvarez, and concur that the issue ought to be in the manifesto in advance of the forthcoming election, particularly given the Chief Ministers own personal positive view of gender equality, moreover, the law demands equality and discrimination is not something a civilised society should condone – for any reason. Equality is a right not an option, which begs the question as to why hold a referendum at all when the outcome would not have any weight or significance.
"Less charitable minds may consider its absence from such a manifesto could indicate a certain reluctance to alienate a political parties’ religious constituency, the religious official constituency being the principal opposition to equality. If same sex marriage is the political ‘football’ then the referendum begins to look like the ‘long grass’ into which some might hope to kick it.
"Of course we at the SHSG have no such dark thoughts, however in solidarity with the ERG we also feel that justice and equality for all citizens is not a referendum matter, as Felix quite correctly indicated -no other sector in this Community has ever been singled out for the rest to ponder whether they are worthy enough or deserve to be considered and treated as equals.
"As the legislature in other countries, one by one, are embracing true equality without a referendum, how then might Gibraltar be viewed by the world if it alone enacted one? It’s a no win situation, an outcome which didn’t accept equality would portray the good people of Gibraltar as small minded and bigoted, acceptance of equality, although by far the better outcome would potentially be divisive within the community here, particularly as the senior religious factions would almost certainly campaign vigorously against it.
"Given the very positive support on social media and the similarly positive reaction to a recent television debate in favour of true equality, perhaps a political party might see the advantages of including such a policy in their manifesto?"
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