Courtney McGrailDear Editor, As a practicing Catholic gay man on the cusp of turning 40, I hope that I can face the next decade of my life in the happiness, security and protection of a civil marriage.
I love my Church and the traditions and values it has blessed me and my family with, however I cannot reconcile its stance and position with regard to the civil marriage equality referendum. Marriage is a simple but easy aspiration for the majority of people to have and enter in Ireland. I hope that the people see that this is about civil marriage not religious marriage. This is about children, your gay children, your friends and neighbours unborn gay children.
This is our chance to make Ireland a better and equal society. Catholics voted for divorce despite Church opinion on the matter and I hope that reasoned churchgoers will see the benefits that this constitutional amendment can bring.
The laws about children and family relationships are already enacted in law and this referendum is not about anything else.
I would urge people to consider the arguments very carefully and to note the independent referendum commission’s view that this referendum will not change the constitutional status of marriage.
Marriage is an important societal institution, what’s so wrong with allowing more people access this institution?
This referendum offers us a chance to cherish all of the nation’s children equally. I want that and I think if people reflect on that, they will arrive at the same conclusion.
Please help me and other Catholics and non-Catholics – vote ‘yes’. Remember the little boys and girls growing up now and in the future, and how this constitutional amendment will help them to feel better and confident about themselves.
Reach out to those children so that they may suffer no more.
Yours etc.,
Richard Deane,
Kilmainham,
Dublin 8.