Australia’s same-sex marriage plebiscite: oceans of assertion, and puddles of proof
by Michael Cook, MercatorNet:
Australians should keep their eyes on the ball: the welfare of children.
A war of words in Australia over same-sex marriage could make President Trump’s threat to “rain down fire and fury” on North Korea look like playground bravado.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has announced that there will be a postal plebiscite in November on same-sex marriage.
It’s the least worst option for Mr Turnbull’s conservative Government. Although personally in favour of same-sex marriage, he is committed to a national consultation.
Mail order democracy is an odd way of resolving the issue. The plebiscite will not be binding on Parliament; voting will not be compulsory (as elections are in Australia); and it will be conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics rather than the Australian Electoral Commission.
The plan is certain to be challenged in the High Court, although government ministers are confident that it will survive.
This will probably be the only chance that Australian voters will have to express their opinion on the matter directly. Polls – most of which are at least two years old – suggest that about 70 percent of voters “support” same-sex marriage. Although much of that support is lukewarm, it looks like an uphill battle for supporters of traditional marriage between a man and a woman.
The survey will be posted out on September 12 and must be returned by November 7. The result will be announced on November 15. Even before the High Court has ruled on the legality of a postal plebiscite, the campaign is already full of “fire and fury”.
Supporters of same-sex marriage are enraged – or claim to be – that a plebiscite is even taking place. A national debate, they say, will open the sluice-gates of vile, homophobic abuse and inundate Australia with hatred. A bit like a normal day in Parliament, but without the sergeant-at-arms to restrain the crazies.
Let’s examine their claims.
Read also: A re-education crusade in Australia after same-sex marriage?
Related Posts
Tags
Share This
