The Shameful Naysayers
Who Waves The Hate Flag?
Presumably most Australian’s don’t need reminding of the heinous marriage equality survey inflicted upon us three years ago. You know, when suicide rates in the LGBTIQ+ community accelerated, the whole nation was judging our lives and we all felt that much more vulnerable and exposed? Yeah, that’s the one.
Now we’re facing the prospect of a religious freedom bill which would aim to ‘protect’ religious groups from discrimination (although what they need protecting from in a country like Australia is anyone’s guess), while legally allowing them to discriminate against others if it’s in the name of their faith.
The bill, which has very little support in Canberra and has already been sent back for a major rewrite, would not only make it legal for religious followers to declare that the LGBTIQ+ community is going to hell and that pregnant, unmarried women are sinners, but religious affiliated businesses could also legally sack or refuse service to someone on the basis of sexual orientation.
I recently returned from the USA, where I was reminded just how many businesses and straight allies embrace our community (in and outside of Pride month) in nearly every city, large and small, by displaying anti-discrimination messages and signs of welcome and assured safety.
Likewise, back home, throughout the marriage equality survey, the ‘yes’ paraphernalia in house windows, on streets and social media with many big, bold messages of love and support were abundant, from some of those you might least expect.
Yet, generally speaking, and particularly in these times of political change, the naysayers, haters and non-supporters remain largely hidden and secretive about their stance.
Sure, the anti-equality sector was not afraid to hide behind a plethora of ugly television and billboard campaigns and even some ludicrous skywriting incidents. There’s also never a shortage of keyboard warrior trolls including Israel Falou who infamously spouted anti-gay hate speech in the name of religion on Instagram not long ago.
In fact, the postal survey results told us Australia is rife with homophobes because at least 40 per cent of the population voted no.
So, where were the anti-equality signs in their shop fronts and residential yards? When were they publicly adorning their ‘no’ badges for all to see?
The short answer is — they weren’t. Why? Because the vast majority of them were, and still are, ashamed.
They’re ashamed that unlike those in favour of equality who are all about love, acceptance, compassion and support, they are about judgment, fear, persecution and hate.
Well, who wouldn’t be cagey about owning that kind of hostility in public, rather than behind the safety of a computer or airplane up in the sky? Even the “It’s Okay to say no” billboards circulating during the survey reeked of guilt, because they knew, deep down, it’s not okay. It’s nastiness to the core. It’s saying you aren’t worthy and cannot be given the same opportunities as the rest of us.
Moreover, most of them know the real offense in all this, the real disgrace and utmost sin is their own ignorance and hatred. The kind that attempts to kick a marginalised community while they’re down. Similarly to the Ku Klux Klan, conveying hate and assuming superiority, yet disguising their faces with white hoods — the ultimate in cowardice and oppression.
Yet, if the religious bill is passed, that’s possibly the kind of future we’re looking at. One where our civil rights are grossly impeded.
Originally published at https://www.rosslarkin.net.
