Australia: Martyr complex among "no" voters

[Neo-Scholastic]

The concern of marriage law is the regulation of a particular kind of social bond, the on-going commitment of a man and a woman that includes sexual intercourse of the kind that can, but need not, lead to pregnancy. No homosexual relationship, regardless of the level of physical intimacy or emotional commitment, can lead to pregnancy. Marriage as traditionally defined is completely different from any other kind of sexual enterprise or living arrangement. The potential for offspring is what differentiates a traditional marriage from friendships, roommates, business partnerships, drinking buddies, and such. There is no discrimination or prejudice in recognizing the distinct character of a traditional marriage and affording it unique legal privileges such as tax benefits, and responsibilities like child custody arrangements and mutual financial obligations. No one is being denied rights based on sexual orientation. Theoretically, anyone, regardless of sexual orientation, can enter into an enduring union capable of producing children married. Just because some people, because of their sexual preferences, don’t want to be in that kind of relationship doesn’t mean they are being denied it.