Last Saturday was the wedding of one of my nieces.
All went well, the bride looked lovely as did the bridesmaids and a good time was had by all.
I was struck by the overwhelming seal of approval people, family, friends, society gives to such unions, especially in these times when a traditional church wedding is not necessary anymore.
Like at similar family events, I also reflected on how my family has done so well in life.
The reception was at my brother's farmhouse; there was a huge marquee and not one but two bands.
Things were a little over the top in my view but at £25-30,000 (NZ$65-80K), I'm told that's about the norm for a middle class wedding in Britain.
But yes, I reflected on how well everybody is doing and central to this is strong family ties.
There have been no divorces in my family and I was not aware of any in the grooms family either.
The kids are also turning out well. If not university educated, they have good and secure jobs. Everybody has been brought up properly and this had led to kids who have stayed out of trouble and succeeded.
This is a contrast to what I have seen in New Zealand, where I know people with broken marriages, broken families and a whole host of problems.
I am sure there is obviously a link, with broken marriages and broken families now blamed for creating a 'broken Britain.'
So does government have a role in all this?
Well, certainly people need to pick the right partners, but there has been much about how government has undermined traditional marriage over the years.
New Labour in Britain stands accused of treating all kinds of partnerships the same, and even penalising marriage through the tax system.
This is highlighted in a piece in the Daily Mail, based on a documentary the BBC is about to broadcast. The UK Tories see a link too, planning to make divorce a little harder.
Certainly, the benefits of marriage and strong families and partnerships are so clear they should be encouraged.
Funny thing is, the people who have such views want to keep marriage a purely heterosexual affair, when surely the benefits of marriage should be extended to all.
As I have said before, there are sound conservative reasons to accept gay marriage and promoting and recognising similar stable relationships there.
5 comments:
Homosexual relationships tend to be highly unstable and emotionally charged. Physical abuse is at least twice as high amongst homosexuals as it is among heterosexuals. Studies in Vermont and the Netherlands have also revealed that civil unions last on average about 18 months [breakups mostly due to an anonymous outside liaison affecting the core relationship i.e cheating] But of course such facts are ignored by the media and homosexual culture.
Homosexual men in particular are not simply folk who prefer the same sex , but are people who are "pansexual" They seek sexual gratification in any place by any means possible to satisfy their erotic desires. They are hedonists in the truest sense of the word, and long-standing monogamous relationships are the last thing most homosexuals want. Yet another reason why the whole idea of "gay marriage" is such a fraud.
Beware collectivism, Anon, and tarring all with same brush. It never bodes well.
Nice post, FM. Glad the wedding was a lovely day. Your family sounds like mine here in NZ. Very close with strong, secure relationships, thank heavens.
Couldn't agree more with your comments re civil unions. I don't personally like the term gay "marriage". I think 'marriage' should pertain to heterosexual relationships exclusively in my opinion.
But two adults should not be prevented from voluntarily setting up together, no matter who they are. Whose business is it?
Same with voluntary adult polygamous arrangements. As with same-sex situations it's not my cup of tea, but then again, it's not my business.
I'd remove the state from marriage forthwith. Contract law would cover everything beautifully.
Then I must ber a complete freak Anonymous.
A 'homosexual' who has been in a stable, non violent relationship for almost 13 years.
Most of my gay friends are in similar relationships.
I love it that you think we are out there seeking sex with multiple orifices and inanimate objects.
Makes me feel really boring.
You are.
I'll second that.
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