Australia Reacts To Same-Sex Marriage Postal Vote Decision

"If you value mutual respect: vote yes. If you want all Australians to be equal: vote yes"

Following on from the Senate’s rejection of a same-sex marriage plebiscite, the Turnbull government will move to conduct a postal vote.

Politicians and same-sex marriage advocates have argued the voluntary, non-binding vote disrespects LGBTQ citizens and is a sham. Did we mention it will cost Australians an $122 million?

Speaking in the Senate on Wednesday, Senator Penny Wong said a public vote would expose the children of same-sex parents to “hatred”.

Hundreds of other Australians weighed in on the current marriage equality in the country. Here’s our round up of some (of many) powerful takes on the matter.

My darling young LGBTQI tribe Do not lose hope! Grieve, yes But then rally, safe in knowledge that by far most Aussies love & support us ?❤️
— Magda Szubanski AO (@MagdaSzubanski) August 9, 2017

PENNY OF THE HOUSE WONG, FIRST OF HER NAME, QUEEN OF GAYSIANS AND THE SENATE, KHALEESI OF THE RED-WALLED SENATE, BREAKER OF BERNARDI & ABETZ
— Benjamin Law 羅旭能 (@mrbenjaminlaw) August 9, 2017

If you value mutual respect: vote yes. If you want all Australians to be equal: vote yes. If you believe in free speech: vote yes #auspol
— Christine Forster (@resourcefultype) August 8, 2017

https://twitter.com/DavidCampbell73/status/894802690852610048

Lucy Leaves Out Malcolm’s Brown Leather Jacket To Remind Him Of Who He Used To Be: https://t.co/sxROTbjG3O pic.twitter.com/WeOn6CtCZT
— The Betoota Advocate (@BetootaAdvocate) August 8, 2017

Funny how almost the only people in favour of a SSM plebiscite are those who are opposed to SSM. @RNBreakfast
— Jane Caro (@JaneCaro) August 6, 2017

https://twitter.com/darrenhayes/status/894873041573789697

https://twitter.com/Asher_Wolf/status/894883902455660545

I didn't have to ask every Australian if my love was good enough. Why is Malcolm Turnbull insisting on this outrageous plebiscite?
— Tanya Plibersek (@tanya_plibersek) August 8, 2017

Here's an artist's impression of what Australia's same-sex marriage #plebiscite could look like pic.twitter.com/nc4K6ifFmJ
— The Shovel (@TheShovel) August 9, 2017

So, @TurnbullMalcolm's solution? Plebiscite 2.0, voluntary postal plebiscite & a free vote only if 'Yes' wins. Heads I win, tails you lose.
— Senator Penny Wong (@SenatorWong) August 7, 2017

If the postal vote goes ahead, you must update your electoral details NOW to be eligible to participate: https://check.aec.gov.au/. Australians have until August 24 to update their electoral details.