Should we call out bigotry?

Bigots, Prejudice and Homophobia.

Should we call out bigotry?

The Australian "christian" lobby are at it again. They are opposing equal rights, trying to limit marriage and being generally hypocritical. We have seen them before; with their outrageous claims of consequences of "changing marriage', more nonsense about "changing Marriage", claiming there are "victims" of marriage, and incredibly claiming they shouldn't be called bigots for being bigoted.

So what happened this time? Well the Greens brought another equal rights bill before parliament. Some opposed the bill. Why? Well, honestly i don't know why any decent person would oppose equal rights. Now i don't know the individuals who opposed this are in fact bigots or homophobic, but isn't the act of opposing a bill that would give gay people equal rights in and of itself, bigoted and homophobic?  So naturally describing them as bigots, prejudiced, or homophobic would fit, wouldn't it? 

That's what someone did. Seems to me he simply accurately

described those displaying bigotry as bigots.

The quotes in bold are actually from the ACL website, link provided if you don't believe me. 

The reply in italic is my opinion on the matter, i always try to be honest and as respectful as i can be to those who want to prevent me from having the same rights as they have.

 “Adam Bandt’s labelling of three parliamentarians ‘bigots’ simply because they are standing up for marriage between one man and one woman is a new low in Australian politics,” Mr Shelton said.

But you see that's the thing isn't it, they are not "standing up for man-woman marriage", if they were they wouldn't be bigots. There is noting wrong with liking man-woman marriage, what is bigoted is opposing marriage equality. Not wanting another group to have the same rights and privileges as you due to their race, religion, sexuality or gender. The bill before parliament in no way canceled, negated or negatively effected man-woman marriage. So if that was the reason for opposing it, they need to vote for it immediately.

 “Changing the definition of marriage will take away freedom of conscience, thought and religion from millions of Australians and it will lead to more children being denied their parents. All Australians must be free to discuss these consequences without fear of being labelled a ‘bigot’,” Mr Shelton said.

First no one is "changing the definition of marriage", we just want to make our marriage laws constitutional and non discriminatory. No, no it really wont take away any such things from any Australians, again its about allowing all Australians to have equal marriage rights, no one loses. I honestly have no idea, "more children being denied their parents", seriously, what the hell is that about? The legal marriage age isn't being changed. Children can only benefit form their same sex parents being treated equally under the law by being married, surely. Marriage is a good thing, why is the ACL seemingly so against marriage and helping children's parents get married? 

That last bit, after he makes so many disingenuous comments, can you imagine if this issue is allowed to go to a plebiscite? 

How can i possibly make this simpler, that's why people label those who spout bigotry as bigots because spouting bigotry is bigoted.

Also i am curious if the ACL was opposed to the changes made by Howard in 2004, which you may remember the "definition of marriage" was changed to block same sex couples from marrying. I have a feeling that the ACL are not advocating we repeal those changes. As that would allow those religions that accept the natural variations in human sexuality to marry their loving couples, somehow i doubt there really concerned about redefining the legal definition of marriage, or freedom of religion for that matter.
Also just quickly the current definition of marriage is unconstitutional as it violates freedom of religion, The laws should not be made to favor any one religion over another, and yet marriage laws have been changed to do so. Anyone for freedom of religion must be for marriage equality or they are probably a hypocrite.

“A law which effectively labels most Muslims, Christians, ethnic Australians and other supporters of man-woman marriage as ‘bigots’ is not the way to unite Australia.”

 The marriage equality bills don't do any such thing. To the best of my knowledge this bill didn't address hate speech, or anti-vilification laws. Though i personally feel we need some, as i can only imagine the damage the ACL could do if it opposes equality coming up to a national vote.

Again supporting man-woman marriage doesn't make you a bigot, but opposing marriage equality does.

 Mr Shelton said the Turnbull Government’s peoples’ vote on marriage to be held after the election should be conducted in a respectful manner where both sides were free to speak without fear.

Respectful...I don't consider the ACL to be respectful at all. I don't have confidence that they can be respectful at all in the future. 

 Look, i have no problem with a group opposing equality, its a bigoted, prejudiced act but if that's their way then fine.  

What i do have a problem with is that these groups never actually seem to honestly address the topic, its always nonsense about religious freedom (that their actually fighting to prevent), or children well being (that their opposition to equality actually endangers), or timeless tradition (since 2004), change is bad (except when it furthers discrimination, like when Howard changed the law), etc.

Its all really very sad, its the same nonsense circular "arguments" over and over again, none of it is really important or even relevant. I really don't understand this kind of film-flam act, where they say bigoted things, but then get upset when someone calls them out on it. 

Also i cant help but imagine what they could do if they turned their efforts to doing good in the world instead of persecuting homosexuals. I mean surely there is good to be done, why not do good?