Dear Editor,
I write this in reply to Robert Sherwood’s letter to the Editor, published in Issue 454. The necessity of a donor in the case of a same sex couple wishing to have a child is blatantly obvious. Having said that, the need for a donor to reproduce is not strictly limited to those in same sex relationships.
Both male and female donors are frequently needed for and used by heterosexual couples experiencing fertility issues to successfully conceive and carry children to full term. Donors are also frequently used by single, heterosexual women to conceive and successfully carry children to full term. The observation that legalising same sex marriages effectively legalises adultery had probably not been referenced in any reports or news articles because it is completely preposterous, shows a complete lack of understanding of the issues
surrounding marriage equality and is quite frankly offensive.
Mr Sherwood’s view of traditional marriage and family in Australia is outdated. His view and knowledge of reproductive and fertility processes and laws in Australia are uneducated. It may surprise Mr Sherwood to know that monogamy is in fact a relatively modern concept and that polygamy has traditionally been common practice amongst many religions – including Christianity, with very little impact on the gene pool.
Not only is Mr Sherwood questioning the commitment of those in same sex relationships, he is also effectively insulting many “traditional” families who have conceived by donor or IVF and have raised children in loving, safe homes. Children who are now teenagers or young adults who will read his letter and may question the view of their family or worse themselves.
Having moved to Canowindra three years ago as a young, female in a same sex relationship I have found the town to be an overwhelmingly accepting, open and welcoming community. My partner and I await the results of the upcoming Marriage Equality Survey with anticipation and hope – hope that the majority of Australians find our committed relationship to be as valid and important as any “traditional” heterosexual relationship.
Yours sincerely,
Jessica Delahunty