You would like to think that the world is becoming more tolerant of people who don’t conform to stereotypical lifestyles.
Here in Ireland, we have seen that people are getting more involved with the kinky lifestyle, and when they do, they are not being shunned by society.
In 2015, Ireland will hold a referendum on same sex marriage. Just 20 years after homosexuality was illegal in Ireland, same-sex couples may actually get the chance to marry. Here at Kinky.ie, we will of course back a ‘yes’ vote
Sadly, not everywhere in the world is so understanding. Croatia has just voted in a referendum to define marriage as “the union between a man and a woman”, effectively outlawing gay marriage.
90% of the Croatian population is Roman Catholic, and the church, unsurprisingly had campaigned to pass the change. 104 members of the 151 strong Croatian parliament also voted for the change.
Many government members and human rights activists have spoken out against the change, saying it directly affects peoples right to happiness and choice.
Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic has pledged to push forward with legislation to give extra rights to same-sex couples.
A Softening in Attitudes
Thought this is disappointing, correspondents do say that attitudes to the gay community are changing.
During Zagreb’s first gay pride march in 2002, participants were beaten up by bigoted extremists.
Today, parades are regularly held, albeit with heavy security.
Maybe, just as the kinky lifestyle took its time to be accepted in Ireland, the process of homosexuality being accepted in another Catholic country like Croatia may take a while?
Change will come though, I am sure of it. As we said earlier, just 20 years ago homosexuality was illegal in Ireland. It would be silly of us to look down out nose at other countries as if Ireland has always been a land of milk and honey for those with alternative lifestyles.
Change will only come through a changing of peoples attitudes and a lot of hard work from campaigners.