If we don't tell our local representatives our thoughts... and if they don't ask (for whatever reasons)... how can we expect them to represent us?

So here is my letter, just emailed, to Cowper MP Luke Hartsuyker.

Hello Luke,

I'm writing to you as a constituent, living in Sawtell.

I wanted to make it clear to you that myself, and many others in your electorate, support legislative changes that would allow same sex couples to be married under the law. You may be of the belief that there is not strong support for this in the electorate, but I believe you have an opportunity to be a voice for progressive change within the National party and within the Opposition Caucus.

I know that you are a principled man and I believe you would not support the idea that same sex couples should be discriminated against in this way. Yes, I understand there has been many legislative changes in the past to recognise the rights of same sex couples, but I do not believe we will have true equality for all people until this issue has been resolved. The idea that any member of our community has lesser rights than others is a difficult one to countenance, especially when equalising these rights would have no negative repercussions for others.

I think we would both agree that the Government should not be getting in the way of people who simply want to live their life with the same freedoms that everyone else enjoys, and this is one area where legislation is in place that specifically restricts the freedoms of a certain group in our community.

I have yet to find anyone in my community that supports this discrimination being maintained, and I hope you understand this when representing your electorate in Parliament. I urge you to be that strong, passionate voice for fairness and equity within your party and within Parliament. Please support changes that would remove this discrimination from the law.

With my thanks and regards,

Cameron Bragg

I'll let you know the response!

An answer!

Cameron,

Thanks for taking the time to share your views on same-sex marriage.

Regards,

Luke Hartsuyker MP

So I sent a follow up email  to Luke asking what his position will be.  

Thanks for the reply, Luke.

Are you able to advise on what position you will be taking when the matter comes before Parliament and your reasons for taking that position?  I'm hoping that your position is in favour of such a change, of course.

Regards,

Cameron

And I received the following reply.

Cameron,

 

Thanks for your email. The institution of marriage, being an exclusive relationship between one man and one woman, has been the foundation of societies for thousands of years, and I do not support changing this definition. I recognise the rights of same-sex couples to live as they please, and I supported the removal of discrimination against same-sex couples in social security and other federal laws. However, I believe it is important to maintain the traditional marriage as a foundation of our society.

 

Kind regards,

 

Luke Hartsuyker MP