Shocked and disappointed at Craig’s same sex views

Mr Craig was quoted as stating- “This was a clear attack on the moral fabric of our society in Northern Ireland and would have led to the breakdown of the family structure that sits at the core of a stable society.” Firstly, I wish to point out that quite a lot of families in Northern Ireland are doing a good enough job of breaking down the structure themselves. I am not the only one who knows many people who are in the position to marry but choose not to do so as it would “mess up” their benefits. These “upstanding” people are draining our systems dry. Heterosexual couples who are permitted to marry quite often decide against it purely for financial reasons and to enable deceiving of the public pocket. There are many heterosexual couples who are receiving benefits under false information such as housing benefit, heating allowance, school uniform aid, school meals, transport and decorating grants- just to name the few that I am aware of. Family allowance increases with each child that is born, although they are still registered as a single parent? Come on politicians wake up to this obvious abuse of the system, or should I say obvious attack on the moral fabric of our society, Don’t get me wrong, I am fully aware that benefit cheats exist within all sexuality groups. I am just highlighting the issue of people who choose not to marry for this sole purpose. Should this not be a more pressing money saving point to be addressed by the MLAs rather than campaigning against a minority group who quite frankly get targeted with enough abuse already without our politicians making it seem OK to discriminate against us. Yes we have previously been given the Civil Partnership right and that is great, however it is still different to marriage. Myself and my civil partner work, We pay our own way in society. We would love to be part of a true stable society but in all honesty in Northern Ireland at this current time such a thing does not exist,

Mr Craig also was quoted as saying- “Speaking as both a father and a committed Christian I find this clear attack on both family and those who hold to the traditional definition of marriage.” How would allowing same sex couples to have the same rights as everyone else be an attack on anyone? A lot of heterosexual couples who do get married choose not to do so in a place of worship and choose not to have religious input at all. This is their choice. Alternatively many same sex couples who would get married if they could would like to have it carried out in a place of worship as many same sex couples are people of faith. Some places of worship would be for this and some would be against. That is their choice. I despair at how the use of the word Christian has diminished over time. Is it really Christian to be against anyone? As per the word family - I am part of a family. We are part of a family. I am a daughter, a sister, an aunt as well as a civil partner. Me and my partner having the same rights as everyone else would not attack “the family”. There are lots of gay family members in lots of different families. We are still part of a family unit. We love our families. We do exist. We are part of the society, We are part of the work forces. Most importantly to the politicians- we are voters. Thank you for narrowing our voting choice when faced with the vast numbers of politicians who call at our doors and shake our hands.

What would equal marriage change for you? If you are heterosexual it would change nothing for you - you would continue to lead the same life. Why oppose something that would not affect you at all? Why not hold a yes/no referendum and let the people of Northern Ireland decide, after all, it is our lives you are playing with.

Yours hopeful for a better future- for all of our families.