The same-sex marriage plebiscite dominated discussion during a heated Q&A program on Monday night, with author and actor Magda Szubanski clashing with Nationals senator Fiona Nash over her support for the vote.
Szubanski, who identifies as gay, questioned whether Senator Nash believes Szubanski is her equal and should have the right to marry.
“My view is still the traditional view of marriage,” Senator Nash said.
“I completely respect your view and your desire to see that as equality, others have a different view.”
Plebiscite not about equality
Both Szubanski and Barnes argued that the harm done to the LGBTQI community would greatly outweigh any benefits of the non-binding vote, with Szubanski drawing on her own experience with suicidal thoughts as a teenager.
“As an LGBTQI person, you’re a minority of one, within your own family. It is such a precarious feeling,” she said.
But Senator Nash said she believed the media was able to ensure the debate is kept positive.
“They have a lot of power and a lot of responsibility to lead this debate in the way we all want to see it head,” she said.
Earlier, Labor MP Tony Burke suggested Labor would oppose the plebiscite after the party meets to discuss the issue.
“My instincts tell me we’re going to end up opposing it,” Mr Burke said.
“If the intention is to have equality, it’s not equality if you pick this as the one issue in the last hundred years that you have to have a plebiscite over.”
This post originally appeared on ABC News.
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Top Comments
The best thing I heard in the mess that Q&A was, was when Magda Szubanski said that she won't attack Pauline Hanson but she will oppose her. How refreshing.
Now if some of the people on here could get that it is not necessary to attack (or censor) a view they either don't understand or agree with and put forward their opposing view with respect we just might get to an understanding as to where our differences lie. I mean, apart from simply being a "moron".
Burke complaining the coalition won't do what Labor had five years to do, but lacked the inclination. Labor comes to this debate with no credibility and now they want to oppose the process for SSM.
Labors sincerity in SSM goes no further than their throats, their actions prove this.
The general public who support ssm were disappointed Labor did nothing on the issue. I feel that was one of the main reasons they were not re-elected.
The general public want this done, regardless of who is in government.
It's the same old political bullshit. Left vs right, blah blah blah. Australian politicians from all sides are an embarrassment that this is still being debated.
So, enough of just blaming what was and wasn't done in the past. The time is now!
There is only so long that you can hold onto your Labor blaming cards. Question; Do you believe in gay marriage? If not, why?
Well I am the general public and I want a plebiscite as do MANY Australians.
Why? Because you don't agree with Guest5?
Guest5 is right. Labor are using this as a political football and should be called out for their blatant hypocrisy.