Letter to the Editor

TO THE AGE
Despite David McCarthy's claim to the contrary ('Keep tight leash on dogs of hate in marriage debate', 26/9) the controversy over same-sex unions definitely does involve freedom of speech.

He is right to call for mutual respect in public discussions, but wrong to depend on the concept of equality. It is the principle of equity ('fair shares') that should properly be involved and this requires consideration of the rights of children and their welfare.

Moreover, he derides 'those who think they are the arbiters of what's right and what's not', but what is he doing himself if not that?

As for his suggestion that a plebiscite will be undemocratic, the reverse is obviously true. Of course, a referendum might be a more judicious way to proceed, since a 50.1% win for either side in a plebiscite might lead to further disunity and problems.

NJ, Belgrave, Vic