Religious beliefs should be treated with compassion and respect but not when those beliefs directly result in the oppression of someone else.
If I were Hindu, it should be my right not to eat beef, but that shouldn't mean beef is banned for everyone.
Why you banning beef
@TerryRandall ?
I don't think he is to be honest with you.
What you are talking about are cultural and traditional beliefs built up over centuries if not thousands of years. Doesn't the concept of marriage fall into this same category ?
In Hinduism there is no absolute truth, you have to consider situation and make a decision that resonates with your conscience. No other person can make that for you.
"There are millions of Hindus all over India who eat beef and still considers themselves good Hindus. There are also million others who do not eat beef but eat other meat because that is the Hindu way. There is another group that does not eat non-veg food on Tuesday and Saturday, to be good Hindus. Yet another group is there who are pure vegetarians, because according to them Hindus are not supposed to eat meat.
Just remember this never let anyone else's definition of Hinduism become your own. There is no one way to be Hindu."
This sums it up really - the same applies to the SSM decision making - so I'm OK with an
individual making this decision - I'm OK with a society that is open enough to be able to debate these matter - yes they will be emotive at times. I'm OK with brands aligning themselves with a cause - as long as they are clear that these views are only representative of their board - not necessarily the view of their employees - do you seriously suggest that there isn't one person working for the NRL that won't vote No - TG talks of inclusivity - how does that employee or player feel now after the leader of the game has said this ?
This SSM problem could have been resolved a long long time ago like all these political footballs ... they just decide not to act .... don't want to be held responsible, blah blah blah.
One European country (can't remember which one) all unions get registered under a Civil Union contract .... after that the couple can then hold whatever ceremony they wish under whatever religion and call it whatever they like.
This discussion has become another SSM microcosm, while in actual fact we should all just be enjoying the lead up to a non political grand final - and leave these discussions to the news / papers / talk back radio / etc.
... is anyone here excited that our U/20s are playing a grand final tomorrow ?
The world isn't %^%&%ed .... it's freakin awesome .... but change takes time .... it isn't always for the better though as a society we can only hope it's leading us all to a better life - this is just one small issue in terms of the world that is probably getting more attention than it should ... Should have just been a vote at the last election .... our resources are better spent trying to work out how the hell we are all going to feed ourselves in 100 years time and how to resolve famine in Africa, etc etc.
