If you don’t agree with same-sex marriage, don’t marry someone of the same sex

I am nothing if not predictable so expect some more recycled material here.

Ireland is having a referendum next month. And the subject? Should equal marriage (AKA same sex, gay marriage) be made legal? It is probably none of my business to have an opinion as to whether the Irish should be voting on this, but in my humble opinion, they should not be having a vote. If it’s not my business, nor is it the business of most Irish folk.

I do not know the percentage of gay people in Ireland, or anywhere else for that matter, and neither do I care. I do not regard gay people as different or as if there is something wrong with them and why should I? Some of my best friends etc etc and they are no more likely to make a pass at me than someone of the opposite gender. I think that’s what much of the fears are about among some insecure opponents.

Obviously, the Catholic church remains opposed to equal marriage and its elderly virgin frock-wearing priests are campaigning for a no vote. Well, they would, wouldn’t they? Even if some of them were gay – I know: perish the thought – they could not take part in equal marriage because they have to spend their entire lives not doing what nature intended. And if regard every sperm as sacred, I dread to think…oh, I think I’ll stop there.

The answer is utterly simple: if you don’t agree with equal marriage – and in this instance I will add that if you don’t agree with gay marriage – then don’t get married to someone of the same sex. After all, no one is telling you to love someone of the same, or of the opposite sex. It’s purely a matter of how you were born. No one can compel you to marry someone of the same sex and no one can compel you to marry someone of the opposite sex, unless your parents have chosen for you the wrong religion and that’s another miserable story.

Quite frankly, for most people, this is none of your business. Have an opinion, that is your right, but don’t tell someone they can’t get married to whoever they like.

Well done to the likes of Brian O’Driscoll and Gay Byrne for supporting the ‘yes’ campaign. Love is love and it’s much better than the hate you see from those who oppose equal marriage.