Hi everyone, my name is Amanda and I am studing a Bachelor of Accident Forensics. I am an avid artist and horse enthusiast. (I also love African animals) Later I will include some photos of drawing I have done, even though some of you won't like them, I hope you will enjoy seeing them.

For now I will be addressing the first blog entry requirement. So the topic I chose to observe is a very controversial one, which I am sure many people will have different opinions on. That topic is gay or lesbian marriage. (yes everyone can role their eyes and judge me now). From my understanding, same sex marriage in Australia is in the process of being approved. My contextual lens is tinted by both, my Christian beliefs and a lesbian family member.

I come from a Christian family that has put me through Christian schools and the ideas on same sex marriages are very clear cut. That idea is that same sex marriages AND same sex relationships are wrong and go against the scripture (the bible). If I were to solely agree with the beliefs that I have been taught from a young age, I would say that same sex relationships were the devils work and the acceptance of same sex marriage is an indicator the the world is coming to an end (as God is ready to wipe the Earth clear again and as he did with Noah and the floods).

However, my aunty is as I stated before a lesbian, which has given me a totally different perspective to the one the chruch gave me. Through her I learnt that she was only happy when she was with another lady. She told me that the idea of same sex marriage was awesome as it meant that she could finally marry the lady she has lived with for 18+ years. Hearing about her happiness certianly altered my perspective.

I am lucky to have representations from the two sides of the argument as I can see both the positive and negative ideas sourrounding the topic. The strong Christians who have no affiliations with the gay or lesbian community would precieve the same sex marriage grant as an abomination or a serious downfall to society. Although, the gay and lesbian community would see the same sex marriage grant as a, for lack of a better term, God send. People that they loved would finally be allowed to marry them legally.

I am aware of one Christian based group pushing strongly for the dismissal of this pending law. While there are a large number of Christians who would do almost anything to stop this law, ultimatley I believe the influence from the people who believe in equal rights (as well as the gay and lesbian community) will get this law passed.

Personally, I am still alittle confused as to where I stand on this debate. This will sound weird but I have been able to accept same sex relationships (even though I don't really like the idea), but I have to say that I side with the Christians when it comes to marriage. I think marriage should only be between a man and a woman, the way God designed marriage to be. If I had grown up without Christian beliefs I would probably be a lot less bothered by the law. And I would like to not care, but unfortunatly I can't. So I am very sorry if I offended you (I'm sure there's at least one) as it was not my intention.

Until next time,
Amanda :)