If the Labor Party had won the 2016 election, Gay Marriage  would have been legislated for “within 100 days”.  They didn’t win and the people will rightfully have their say now.  That is how it should be for such a monumental social change.  Let us hope Australia is the ONLY English speaking nation whose people are clear-sighted enough to see that marriage is “a social institution with a biological foundation” (Clive Levi-Strauss, a modern day anthropologist) of mother, father, children.

Indeed sadly, Australia is, as Tyson says, a “secular society” where we were in my youth a Christian one so I ask where is the “bullying and hateful rhetoric” coming from?  Same-sex couples have the same legal status and benefits as any other couple in Australia. That includes taxation, superannuation, Medicare, DVA spouse pension, next of kin status.  In fact no different to a de facto couple.  It all hinges on the fact that heterosexual couples have babies and babies have rights. To my way of thinking all the churches have been remarkably silent so far and I hope they soon rise to the challenge.  Remember too, that even though you receive the paperwork it is not compulsory voting and I urge everyone to get your vote posted by 7th November.

Pat O’Brien

Urunga