When a same-sex partner dies, the surviving partner does not need to have the grief of loss compounded by having to prove that he or she is authorised to make the funeral arrangements. In a married relationship, these matters are rarely called into question, and the validity of the relationship can be easily demonstrated if necessary through production of the marriage certificate. Married partners have immediate access to all relationship entitlements, protections and responsibilities. The law is created to protect us, not to take our rights away, which, unfortunately, is what our government is doing with the current Marriage Act (2004). Another practical benefit of marriage is that it is a widely recognised legal relationship. The criteria for establishing de facto status, and the rights ascribed to de facto partners, are different between the Australian states and between Australia and other nations.
Some opponents of equal marriage claim that the presence of same-sex couples will weaken or taint their religious institution. I understand that we are all humans who have different perspectives and beliefs, so such people are, of course, free to hold whatever views they wish in respect of homosexuality and the treatment of same-sex couples, but we should not let them dictate marriage laws for society at large. Australian law should not be based upon such degrading and offensive notions. Moreover, legal marriage is an internationally recognized human right for all people. Article of 16 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights guarantees "men and women of full age, without any limitation due to race, nationality or religion.the right to marry and to found a family. They are entitled to equal rights as to marriage, during marriage and at its dissolution." It is unjustified for such a temporal matter like marriage being limited by religious objections to same-sex marriage. Providing same-sex couples with the equal right to marry will not harm religious institutions in any way.
