Senator Dean Smith Just Introduced His Marriage Equality Bill With An Extraordinary Speech
"Not only does our country live these values, it votes for them as well."
If you thought you were done crying about marriage equality, think again. Liberal Senator Dean Smith just introduced his marriage equality bill to the Senate with a truly extraordinary speech about what the bill means to him as as a gay person, a Christian, and a man. He was met with a standing ovation at the end, and man, we’re emotional.
Smith has been preparing to introduce this bill for a long time, trying hard to make it a fair, reasonable bill that balances the need for marriage equality with concerns about religious freedoms. He opened his speech by pointing this out, and making it clear that this was not a hastily constructed piece of legislation.
“Let me be clear,” he said. “Amendments that seek to address other issues or which seek to deny gay and lesbian Australians the full rights, responsibilities and privileges that they already have will be strenuously opposed.”
“Australians did not vote for equality before the law so that equality before the law that is already gained is stripped away.”
.@DeanSmithWA says his SSM bill reflects the best of liberal and conservative ideals. MORE: https://t.co/E8FsNjlhGM pic.twitter.com/RcTTjovz9V
— Sky News Australia (@SkyNewsAust) November 15, 2017
As if this wasn’t emotional enough, he then turned to what the bill means to him personally.
“Mr President, as a young man I never believed I could serve as a senior adviser to a Prime Minister or a Premier because I was a gay man,” Smith said. “John Howard and Richard Court both proved me wrong.”
“And I never believed the day would come, when my relationship would be judged by my country to be as meaningful and as valued as any other.” He then paused to tear up. “The Australian people have proved me wrong.”
Dean Smith: "Let me be clear: Amendments that seek to address other issues or which seek to deny gay and lesbian Australians with the full rights, responsibilities and privileges that they already have will be strenuously opposed" #auspol #yeswins
— Katharine Murphy (@murpharoo) November 15, 2017
He also spoke to what the bill means to him as a Christian, pointing out once and for all that supporting marriage equality and being true to Christian faith are not mutually exclusive.
“My faith is not a platform, it’s a refuge,” he said, acknowledging the genuine fears of Christians while making it clear that this bill should not threaten them.
“This debate must not be about replacing one persecuted minority with another, or giving hope to one group while inflicting fear on another group,” he said.
“Don’t underestimate Australia. Don’t underestimate the Australian people. Don’t underestimate this country’s sense of fairness, and its sense of decency, and its willingness to be a country for all of us. Not only does our country live these values, it votes for them as well.”
As he finished his speech, the chamber rose to deliver a standing ovation. We’re so with them.
The bill is being debated in the Senate today, and there’s sure to be many more emotional speeches. Keep those tissues on hand.