ALR383 Government Relations and Issue Essays

ALR383 Government Relations and Issue Essays

ALR383 – Government Relations and Issues Management

Essay – Same–sex marriage

Sam Stacker

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As society has revolutionized and with democratic ideology denominating has the western world, liberation and equality campaigns stemming from "third sector" (Keane 1998) lobbying groups, stand as a key component to the operation a "civil society"(Keane 1998). Carrying an objective to influence legislators or regulatory agencies, these political advocacy groups play a critical role in the operation of a healthy liberal democracy. In contemporary society, the notion of Same–sex marriage has polarized public opinion worldwide and is recognized as one of the most controversial non–economic issues to ever confront the Australian ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...A notice comprising of there perspective was disseminated to parliament testifying that the protection of the unique definition of marriage as stated in the 'Marriage Act 1961' "serves the common good, particularly the good of children"(The Australian Christian Lobby 2012, p.5). The document, formalized by over 50 religious leaders from a myriad of churches located around Australia, illustrated not only to parliament, but all bodies operating within the public sphere of the strong religious opposition to the matter. In 2012 the ACL further exhibited its supremacy as a dominant lobbying group as it lobbied against a bill introduced to the South Australian Legislative Council aimed at legalizing same–sex marriage. The welfare of Children remained at the forefront of concern for the ACL whom insinuated children "will have to be taught that homosexuality is the same as heterosexuality" (Dunkin 2012). The bill was subsequently defeated as was a same–sex marriage bill introduced into the South Australian Lower House in July 2013. The ACL's most monumental lobbying triumph, however, commenced on the 22nd of October 2013, shortly after the territory's legislative assembly passed 'ACT Marriage Equality' laws which came into effect in Canberra on the 7th of December 2013. The ACL actively lobbied against the new controversial laws again bringing to light the disregard for the welfare of children and broader social and religious values. The Commonwealth

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