The pain of a plebiscite

Here in Australia, we have recently had a federal election. The two major parties made many promises on various issues, but one of the stand out differences in this election between the two parties was their stance on the seemingly vexed issue of Same-Sex Marriage (SSM). The Liberal/National Party Coalition have promised a plebiscite would be held if they won power. The Labor party promised that if they were elected they would bring something to parliament within 100 days to change the law.

The Coalition won the election - just - but they won. As such, it would seem appropriate that they be able to carry out the planned plebiscite. But it isn't going to be that simple. The Labor party have indicated that they aren't definite in supporting the legislation for the plebiscite. While they are free to determine what they will do, I think it is fair to raise the argument that the people have voted for the Labor party position and have not supported it enough to elect this group to lead our country. Perhaps then they should accept that they have been voted down and just get out of the way.

The Greens have also announced they will reject the plebiscite legislation. A group of independents - who have more power now - have announced that they will not support the plebiscite legislation. This will cause a huge problem for the Coalition. It will mean that if the Labor party and enough independents reject the plebiscite legislation, then it won't be held, and they are then forcing the Coalition to break an election promise. That's my understanding anyway.

Australian politics is a messy business.

There are, as I see it, three main reasons these parties want to reject a plebiscite. First, the cost. Second, the impact on society, or at least on sections of our society. Thirdly, it is a decision that could be resolved with a vote in parliament.

Strangely enough, I agree with them.

The Cost

Reports in the media suggest it will cost $160,000,000 to hold this plebiscite. The fact that a plebiscite is not a referendum and so doesn't commit the parliament to anything is relevant here. Some have described it as a hugely expensive opinion poll, and perhaps this is exactly what it would be. Could this money be better used? Probably. Do we have plenty of money to throw around? Well, the reports from the government in recent weeks suggest we don't - and there is much to say about the Coalition's apparent economic heritage being embarrassed, but that's another story.

So, if we could save $160 million, why wouldn't we?

The Impact

There is a fear, and I think it is fair, that if we do hold this plebiscite there will be sections of our community that will be pilloried, mocked, damaged and scared to speak out. The Greens have said:

 "We've listened to the LGBTIQ community, 85% of whom are opposed to a damaging and unnecessary plebiscite because of the harm that it would do."

taken from The Guardian

I agree. But not in the way the Greens intend. Our country has changed amazingly quickly on this issue. 25 years ago you could say you affirmed a traditional view of marriage without expecting much of a response. Today if you do that you are the one who will be pilloried mocked and, at times, abused for daring to say anything.

Will a plebiscite cause harm? Probably. But I think those who will be most mocked and harmed in the process are those who oppose any change in the marriage legislation rather than those who support it. (I might be about to find out.)

A Parliament Decision

Under Australian Law, it could be a simple vote in parliament to change the definition of marriage to open it to same-sex marriage alongside the historical and traditional man & woman view. So, along with the Greens and Labor and some independents, I'd be very happy for our parliament to take a vote.

But here's something to keep in mind. While a vote in parliament can change the definition (and it is changing the definition, not providing equality), a vote in parliament can also affirm the current legislation.

My call to Australia's Parliament. 

My call the the members of Australia's Parliament is this - put it to a vote. And show the courage to stand against the tide of media and loud social commentary and vote for the legislation to stay as it is.

And if that happens, then my call to the community of Australia is to let this issue drop so that, as many have argued, our parliament can deal with more important matters.

This is my call.