It seems that the Federal government has scrapped the $ 200 Marriage Counselling vouchers that were supposed to save people from divorce. No new applications will be processed after February 9 and those with existing vouchers have until the end of June to put them to use.
It seems strange that we are spending money trying to preserve marriage at a time when marriage as an institution is fast falling out of favour. There was a time when having that ever important marriage certificate was almost a compulsory legal document to allow any couple to apply for a housing loan or access any of the services that a moralistic society provided. An unwed couple had problems gaining a rental property and were usually shunned by society.
How different it is today. The vast majority of couples cohabitate and many raise a family without the burden of marriage. Strangely, while the "straight "couples of this world are abandoning marriage, the "gay " community is demanding access to that piece of paper that proves that they are legally bonded in the eyes of the state. It is an issue that is confounding politicians and the churches, but it is also gaining legal acceptance on an ever wider front.
Exactly what those Marriage Counselling vouchers were supposed to achieve was unclear. Much publicity surrounded the supposed benefits of making estranged couples more compatible and this seemed to be aimed at providing " sex and desire "lessons.
That seems to bring the whole issue of "marriage "full circle. Neither the churches or the good burghers of the community were ever comfortable with the "sexual act ". It seemed a good idea to contain it within marriage and consequently it was seen as a "sin "if it were performed in any other circumstances. We enacted laws that punished "adulterers "and "fornicators " and swept even the suggestion of homosexuality under the carpet. The moral tone of the world tried to ignore sex and during the Victorian era it was unspoken in decent society.
The problem was that sex was - and is - something that has an overwhelming appeal to most people. Back in those days of sexual repression the sexual undercurrent moved freely and widely, but the "eleventh commandment "applied - do not get caught ! An exposed sexual liaison brought shame and disgrace, and a heavy financial punishment if it resulted in divorce action. Today - despite the common herd freely indulging in sex - it remains a danger to those at the pinnacle of society. A president narrowly escaped impeachment over an affair with an intern and a man who was probably the best military strategist on the planet stood down from office because of marital infidelity.
So - we have a two tier system. Politicians. Presidents. Kings and the vast array of those that rely on public support to remain in power are expected to be dutifully married - and faithful. The screen world, sports stars and celebrities in all other areas of entertainment actually burnish their image and gain supporters from the publicity their peccadillo's draw in the media - and they change partners more often than they renew the cars in which they travel.
Strangely, the marriage business is still a burgeoning industry. Very ordinary people pay extraordinary sums of money to stage an extravaganza fit for a movie star. Once, marriage was the end product of courtship. Today, "try before you buy " is the theme that sometimes ends in marriage - and sometimes simply becomes a way of life that no longer raises eye brows.
The money saved by curtailing those marriage counselling vouchers would be better spent in subsidizing the cost of child care facilities. Along with marriage, the notion of a home maker and a breadwinner lost favour as the economy made double incomes essential. The essential now facing Australia is to create the conditions that allow the modern family to work and still raise children. The ability to remain childless is now a fact of life.
Much of the thinking of government is still influenced by the morality that existed a century ago. Both the churches and the lawmakers need to clear the cobwebs and accept that sex is no longer the bogey of a distant age. Trying to corral sex within artificial boundaries didn't work in the past and it certainly won't work in the future.
The wise will accept reality - and legislate accordingly !
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