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Gay
man says same-sex marriage is about equality ‘It’s not meant to be adversarial at all’ This is a multi-part series exploring the issue of same-sex marriage from a variety of community perspectives. Today we speak with Jackie Turk and Ash Phipps, members of the Peterborough Pride Commission. A few years ago, a Peterborough woman and her female partner approached local churches about performing a holy union. To their delight, two local United ministers were supportive of the ceremony, which is comparable to marriage although not recognized by law. Jackie Turk and her partner decided to hold off making the commitment until they finish post-secondary school. Now, with the federal government’s ruling on same-sex marriages, Jackie may have the option of another ceremony. Only this time, it could be legally recognized just like a heterosexual couple’s union. Canada is considering re-defining marriage from being exclusively a union of man and woman to a union of two persons. It is awaiting a Supreme Court of Canada decision first, which may not happen until next year, according to recent reports. Jackie, a member of the Peterborough Pride Commission and president of the Fleming Association for Queer Students, says the opportunity for gays and lesbians to marry is a matter of equal rights. “It’s so we have a choice,” says Jackie. “Most of the negative (reactions) I’ve got, seen or heard is based on religion (or) lack of education.” Ash Phipps, a gay man, says in smaller communities, like those that surround Peterborough, there is less exposure to alternative cultures. He says that factor has an impact on how people view same-sex marriages and gay people in general. “I don’t think it’s all coming out of religion,” says Ash. Much of the dialogue about same-sex marriages in the media has religious roots. Some denominations refuse to marry homosexual couples while some parishioners criticize an intimate relationship between people of the same sex, triggering defensive reactions from the gay community. However, Ash says it doesn’t need to be an argumentative matter. “It’s not meant to be adversarial at all,” he says. “There doesn’t have to be an adversarial point of view from either side.” He notes some churches are supportive and those who aren’t won’t be forced to marry gay couples anyway. He, too, says the gist of the debate is about equality. “It’s not about excluding anyone, it’s about extending the same rights to everyone.” The newly-formed Peterborough Pride Commission is hosting the city’s first Gay Pride Day this Saturday. Ash hopes for a diverse crowd and the parade and other events will be educative for community members. Organizers have a no-nudity policy and are hoping the event will dispel stereotypes. “Given a few years of the parade and more exposure, (the community) will see it as a celebratory event.” Aside from organizing the parade, the commission will soon offer community education through public speaking and workshops for different groups and organizations. “There are a lot of stepping stones to future years, as with the gay marriage,” says Ash. “It’s one step at a time.” |
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