Fiji is not alone in the debate on same sex marriage. In fact it’s a tense battle from country to country between the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer movement and its opponents.

Last year, the US Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that all US states must recognise same-sex marriages, in a historic victory for LGBTIQ rights.

The US joined a list of 21 other countries where same-sex marriage is legal nationwide. Here’s the list and the year it was approved (Mexico is not included because the country only allows same-sex marriage in certain jurisdictions):

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has publicly disclosed that there will be no same sex marriage in Fiji. He sticks by the traditional definition of marriage as a union between a man and a woman. His statement has gone viral in social media, many supporting his position because most religions in Fiji endorse his stand based on their beliefs.

Christians, Mr Bainimarama is one of them, base their opposition to same sex marriage on biblical text. They believe  God had a purpose in creating the earth and providing for our mortal birth and experience here as His children.

In Genesis, Old Testament of the Holy Bible, it says: “God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created  him; male and female he created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth” (Genesis 1:27–28). “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh” (Genesis 2:24). Christians believe marriage between a man and a woman was instituted by God and is central to His plan for His children and for the well-being of society. Strong families, guided by a loving mother and father, serve as the fundamental institution for nurturing children, instilling faith, and transmitting to future generations the moral strengths and values that are important to civilisation and crucial to eternal salvation.

Christians also believe changes in the civil law do not, indeed cannot, change the moral law that God has established.

Because we live in a democracy we are free to express our opinions as long as we do not infringe on the rights of others who necessarily do not agree with us.

Just as those who promote same-sex marriage are entitled to civility, the same is true for those who oppose it.

The minority LGBTIQ camp should not be treated disrespecfully. The same goes for all minority groups.

Christians and non-Christians are taught to love and treat all people with kindness and civility—even when we disagree.

We call on all people to respect that principle in the same sex marriage debate.

NEMANI DELAIBATIKI

Feedback: nemani.delaibatiki@fijisun.com.fj