Month and Week Decided this is getting Real

Daith wrote: »

Yeah that sounds better that what I was thinking. The only thing is regarding "sex" though. Wouldn't that lead to "floodgate" arguments. Could it not just be left at "All laws enacted by the State on a person’s eligibility to marry shall be made without distinction of gender."

Actually the legislation mentions same sex so yeah could work.

With the civil marriage equality referendum fast approaching, we all need to get armed and ready. Emotional buttons are likely to be pressed in different ways over the coming months. The tone of the opposition will sting like hell. We’ll all be facing comments about our lives and lifestyles, who we are, and what other people think we are, and we’ll be made vulnerable, especially those of us who aren't out, or who have self-esteem issues rooted in attitudes to our sexual orientation.

But we’re going to have to rise above it all, remain positive and in the face of opposition, we’re all going to be challenged to step up and speak out one way or another. It might be in our staff rooms, it might be at our Christmas dinner tables, maybe it will be as simple as changing our Facebook/twitter profile pictures to one of those funky ‘Yes’ designs. For many of us, it will be about getting out there, knocking on doors, and for the first time in our lives, canvassing for votes.

Of course, not everyone is a political junkie or activist. For many, referendums and elections are about ‘politics’ and political parties, which they find alienating. But the same-sex marriage referendum will be the best kind of voting opportunity, because it’s dealing with real-life, human stuff.
I understand that the idea of knocking on people’s doors, asking them to vote and trying to persuade them how to vote is daunting. It conjures up all manner of fears and worst-case scenarios. I’ve been around a few blocks and worn out a few shoes myself, for a broad range of elections and I still get the heebie-jeebies. But if you go out canvassing for same-sex marriage, you won’t be alone in leaving your comfort zone. It’s rare that a referendum is about things like the equality of love. Politicians and political activists are hardly used to talking about same same-sex partners and their families.

But going out, knocking on doors and talking about these things is fundamentally what it will take to get the referendum passed.

Canvassers, both first time and seasoned, may be worried about the reactions they get on doorsteps, but think about the message we have to give. Passing this referendum won’t just be good for the LGBT-identifying couples who might one day choose to get married. Equality in all its measures is good for everybody, as is choice. The issues at the heart of the question this referendum will ask are centred on acceptance, respect and inclusion. Knowing this will make asking for support easier. When it comes to promoting democracy and equality, it’s hard to get it wrong and it’s hard to argue against.

Over the years I’ve had a blast canvassing. I got to meet new people, make new friends and catch-up with old ones. I’ve stood at DART stations at dawn and on high streets across the island, alone and with like-minded colleagues, having the craic, wearing the t-shirt, creating the photo opp and spreading the word.

Last year I got involved with the successful Seanad Referendum campaign. It was a such a great experience and at the end of six months I came away with new skills, essentially a changed woman. Changed by the knowledge that even when the task feels too big, the obstacles insurmountable, the challenge too personal; even when the opposition feels stronger and wealthier, it never pays to give up. I also learned that you don’t need to be an expert to share your story or voice your opinion and it’s okay to follow your own initiatives. I wrote my own articles and got them published. I accepted invitations to participate in debates against Government Ministers in community centres; I made my own signs and designed my own campaigning materials. During the Seanad campaign, one of my morning mantras was: “What can I do today to secure a vote?” Some days all I could do was re-tweet and others were off-the-scale exciting. I wholeheartedly accept that not everyone has a burning desire to help improve the world through the joys of noise-making or petition signing. And just because someone isn’t a card-carrying, placard-waving political animal, it doesn’t mean they aren’t making a difference in their community or contributing to a cause.

The key to winning this referendum will be hearing the call for a ‘Yes’ vote from a broad array of voices in and outside of the LGBT community. The ‘Yes Equality’ campaign led the way on this strategy with the joined-up thinking of GLEN, ICCL and Marriage Equality. But other civic groups are already joining in to help maximise the message by reaching out to their members and constituents. We’re seeing the Trade Union movement for example launching its ‘Yes2Equality’ campaign. As a campaign activist of SIPTU LGBTQ Network I have been addressing Divisional conferences and asking ordinary members all around the country to support their LGBT co-workers and vote yes next spring. USI have been at universities and colleges around the country ensuring students are ready and registered to vote.

Activism comes in all sorts of shapes and guises, and every effort counts. Every tweet, re-tweet, share, ‘like’, badge worn, leaflet distributed, public forum conversation, local newspaper article, small gathering, chat with your nearest and dearest, even wearing a t-shirt to work – all of it will count when it comes to the end result. You don’t need to be an expert; all you need is to be willing, able and positive about change.

The ‘Yes Equality’ campaign has excellent materials and resources for canvassing with. Go online and download the ‘Action Pack’. It’s a do it yourself guide to organising your own events and encouraging group initiatives.

If you have an idea that you think will help change or encourage hearts and minds to support the extension of civil marriage to same-sex couples, get out and act on it.

I firmly believe that the outcome of this referendum goes beyond the extension of civil marriage and belongs to no one group or special couple. It will ultimately serve to strengthen our democracy and pave a better and more inclusive way for future generations.

bodice ripper wrote: »

Is it too late to register? I didn't think I would be resident in the state at the time. Turns out I will

Ten of Swords wrote: »

Aodhan O'Riordan (Lab) has justified fears about the success of this referendum and said if it were held now it simply would not pass.

Voter complacency and 'taking for granted' will be the biggest factors. Not a ringing endorsement, I hope their campaign plan is pretty robust and visible.

http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/labour-minister-warns-samesex-marriage-poll-faces-shock-defeat-30874701.html

There is also the 'Stick it to the government' crowd as epitomised by this comment, this person needs a reality check I think.

hotmail.com wrote: »

I just see this as a strategy to ensure the Yes voters actually come out to vote.

Daith wrote: »

Esp when you hear things like people want the referendum month changed because they're off to Gran Canaria.