[box]Independent candidate for the up coming South-West Coast by-election, MICHAEL McCLUSKEY, has publicly endorsed the push for same sex marriage equality. He explains more here:[/box]

[quote]

[dropcap style=”font-size: 60px; color: #8F9F59;”] I [/dropcap]strongly believe in the right of individuals who identify as being attracted to partners of the same sex to be given the freedom to publicly express their relationship commitment with each other via the institution of marriage if they should choose to do so.

Anyone with a sound working knowledge of brain science (neuroscience) and the ever expanding field of epigenetics, which deals with the expression and function of our genes, would understand that brain function does not fit neatly into a handful of ‘boxes’.

There are many normal and varied patterns of behavioural expressions along the complex spectrum of brain functioning and human individuality. This includes normal variations in sexual identity and expression.  Like many other human traits, sexual attraction does not fit neatly within a ‘single label’ and both ‘same’ and ‘opposite’ sex attraction have equal validity.

Society is in an ever-evolving state in relation to our tendency to want to ‘pathologise’ human differences between individual members within a community. Thankfully we are slowly becoming better at embracing our differences be they of a sexual, racial, ethnic or religious nature. Not so long ago we physically punished a child for being left handed. Thankfully that belief lives in the past. How much longer will it be before some of our antiquated beliefs about same sex couples are also left to the history books?

[dropcap style=”font-size: 60px; color: #8F9F59;”] A [/dropcap]ustralian society has travelled a long path in its relationship with sexual identity.

It was not so long ago we were imprisoning people who were in same sex relationships. Even as late as the 1970’s psychiatry was still labelling same sex attraction as an abnormality. Psychiatry’s DSM, the ‘bible’ of psychiatric disorders, which is drawn up by some of the greatest medical minds in the world, was still labelling same sex attraction as a mental illness that needed medical intervention to help ‘cure’ it.

Thankfully today the level of acceptance within society towards same sex couples has come a along way from those well meaning but very ill-informed social, religious and scientific dogmas.

The current scientific research is quite clear on same sex attraction. Same-sex attraction, orientation and behaviour is a healthy variant along the normal spectrum of human sexuality.

The American Psychological Association Task Force on Appropriate Therapeutic Responses to Sexual Orientation in 2009 clearly states that ‘The research and clinical literature demonstrate that same-sex sexual and romantic attractions, feelings, and behaviours are normal and positive variations of human sexuality, regardless of sexual orientation identity. There is a growing body of evidence concluding that sexual stigma, manifested as prejudice and discrimination directed at non-heterosexual sexual orientations and identities, is a major source of stress for sexual minorities. This stress, known as minority stress, is a factor in mental health disparities found in some sexual minorities.’

The Australian Psychological Association also states that it ‘supports full marriage equality for all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, on human rights, health and wellbeing grounds and that the most important family factors for children’s well-being are family processes and the quality of interactions and relationships, not family structures (like having a mother and a father).’

I believe the quality of love a child receives is the ultimate determinate of their future emotional, mental and physical health and this quality is not defined by the gender of the care giver. Our economic potential is also intimately linked to the quality of love we receive in childhood.

The current political approach to same sex equality might best be characterised by paraphrasing an old quote: “Sometimes the longest journey a politician undertakes is the one from their head to their heart”.

Dr Michael McCluskey B.V.Sc. (Hons.)

Independent Candidate

South-West Coast electorate

(8 Megan Ct, W’bool.)

[box]In the lead-up to the Nov 29 state election, Bluestone Magazine invited candidates from the three major parties – Liberal, ALP and Greens – to tell us why they were running for the seat of South-West Coast. Michael McCluskey is an Independent candidate who contacted us with his response to this same question. He has chosen a question and answer style.[/box]

[dropcap style=”font-size: 60px; color: #A5CECD;”] W [/dropcap]hy have you decided to run? 

I have held a long term frustration with the way our political system operates, particularly in regard to the lack of science-based, ‘bigger picture’ thinking amongst our politicians. The quote ‘A statesperson thinks about the next generation whilst a politician thinks about the next election’ rings very true to me.

What skills do you believe you can offer the community and the electorate? 

I believe my diverse background, in particular my strong grounding in science, would be an invaluable asset to our current political system. Initially I worked as a dairy farm hand for 3 years before joining the Federal public service as an Employment Officer.

After leaving this role I then went to spend the next 24 years as a veterinarian, serving the agricultural industry and then later the equine (horse) industry. I have also completed extra university study with units in Psychology and Economics, and obtained entry into the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists.

What are the main issues affecting our community?  

I believe the main issue affecting us is the level of violence within the community. Until we more effectively deal with this issue our four main well beings – economic, social, environmental and animal well being – will never realise their full potential.

[dropcap style=”font-size: 60px; color: #A5CECD;”] W [/dropcap]hat other issues are important to you?  

Health care– Currently our pets and racehorses receive access to a better healthcare system than what most humans do, particularly in relation to surgery waiting lists. A well funded and wisely operated health system, with timely access to needed care will bring greater economic and social well being both in the short and long term.

Education– If we look at any community throughout the world there is little doubt access to education is a key determinant of how well a society functions, both economically and socially. Whether one takes a trade, university or other creative pathway, we need to do all we can to maximise access to these pathways, including restoring the TAFE system.

Public transport– an efficient, well funded public transport system, along with the provision of quality roads will produce a significant boost to the economic, social and environmental well being of all our communities.

Fracking for natural gas mining– the known short term and unknown long term risks associated with injecting many millions of litres of chemically laden fluids into the ground/aquifers outweighs the potential benefits. It took politicians nearly 80 years to acknowledge lead in petrol was harmful to our children. For the sake of our grandchildren we can’t afford to wait another 80 years on this issue.

[dropcap style=”font-size: 60px; color: #A5CECD;”] W [/dropcap]hy didn’t you run through a political party? 

My concern is once in the party system, the ability to speak one’s mind and act with one’s head and heart can be stifled, which for me defeats the purpose of being in politics in the first place. If we can’t vote with our conscious on every issue, are we really being true to ourselves and to our electorate?

How can we fund these important issues you have raised? 

Reducing wastage within our system is one key component. $100 wisely spent is better than $1000 poorly spent. Tapping into some of the billions of dollars entering our superannuation system presents an opportunity as well. It would help fund vital projects in healthcare, education and public transport, as well giving super funds a safe, alternative asset class in which to invest in. In the ‘chase for yield’ there is already concerns about asset prices being pushed beyond fair value due to pent up investment demand.

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