 CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION
Ahead of the National Day of Action, Gillian Maury asks: ‘Why should my
gay children be treated differently to their straight counterparts?’
 Ahead of the National Day of Action, Gillian Maury asks: ‘Why should my gay children be treated differently to their straight counterparts?
My name is Gillian Maury. I am the mother of three children: a son who is gay, a daughter who is lesbian, and a straight, married daughter. My lesbian daughter and her partner of ten years have a divine daughter of 16 months, so I am also a proud grandmother. My husband Jean-Pierre and I are passionate members of PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) and appreciate any opportunity to seek justice for our children and those of our fellow parents. PFLAG is a support group for parents of same-sex-attracted children. We hold regular meetings, have an information telephone line – (02) 9294 1002 – a website (www.pflagaustralia.org.au) and provide resources to educate parents, educators and young people on issues of homosexuality. PFLAG will be present in force at the National Day of Action on Sunday, August 3, with Sue and Les Mico as guest speakers.
There is simply no logical reason why same-sex couples should not be allowed all the same benefits and rights as heterosexual couples. To legislate otherwise is not only discriminatory, but demonstrates the irrational prejudice against homosexuality that exists among many of our politicians and legislators.
Civil unions and partnership registries are certainly a start, but marriage in Australian society gives benefits and status beyond civil unions. Not all same-sex couples want marriage, and nor do all heterosexual couples, but in a fair society, they should all have the same option. At the very least, same-sex couples need to feel reassured that their relationship is understood and respected legally. Why should our same-sex-attracted children live in a constant state of anxiety about situations beyond their control and decisions that heterosexuals take for granted?
Time and again, when talking with same-sex-attracted people, the words ‘uncertain’, ‘insecure’, ‘anxious’, ‘worried’ and ‘second-class citizens’ come up. You can imagine how upset we as parents feel about the effect this has on our precious children.
People who argue that children need a mother and a father have not read the evidence that children thrive with parents and extended family and friends who love them, regardless of sexuality. I can honestly say that no one could be better parents than our daughter and her partner, and indeed many of their same-sex attracted friends.
As for adoption: to suggest that same-sex couples should not adopt is, on the basis of all the evidence available, patently ridiculous, and simply highlights ignorance and bigotry.
A last word on marriage: our younger daughter was married in a beautiful ceremony, and as parents, we would really love our other two children, if they wished, to have that same experience, and for it to be widespread, official and legal.
We do feel that things are changing, and are optimistic that there is a groundswell of outrage, and that justice and reason will prevail.
Gillian Maury is a member of PFLAG (Parent and Friends of Lesbians and Gays).
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