Senator Penny Wong has slammed the decision to hold a public vote on same-sex marriage, claiming it will expose children to more hatred and harm.
Following on from the Senate’s rejection of a same-sex marriage plebiscite, the Turnbull government will move to conduct a postal vote, The Australian reports.
In a powerful speech in the Senate on Wednesday, Senator Wong urged the Turnbull government to forgo an expensive and divisive public vote.
“This ain’t a respectful debate,” she said.
“This is a vote because some in the Coalition can never countenance equality, and they’re never going to change their minds.”
Senator Wong has two children with her partner Sophie. She rejected claims that a public vote could be a “unifying moment” for Australia.
“The Australian Christian Lobby described our children as the stolen generation,” she declared .
“We love our children and I object, as do every person who cares about children, and as do all those couples in this country, same-sex couples who have kids, to be told our children are a stolen generation.
“You talk about unifying moments? It is not a unifying moment. It is exposing our children to that kind of hatred.”
Her speech comes in the wake of former prime minister Tony Abbott’s heartless attempt to encourage Australians to vote “no” against the same-sex marriage.
As SBS reports, ballot papers for the vote are expected to be posted from September 12, with a return date of November 15. We could learn the results by November 15.
A High Court challenge to the proposed postal vote on same-sex marriage will be lodged this week.
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