Not convinced

REGARDING the bullies on the “Yes” side of the same-sex marriage debate. Thank you, Paul Murray, for your column (TC, 2/9.) You demonstrated respect towards those who support the “No” vote (even though you are proposing to vote yes) and highlighted the “ridiculous” response to a TV ad for the “No” side, saying, “Imagine if this was reversed and the ‘No’ people went after the appearance of someone in a ‘Yes’ ad”.

“Fake news” is also getting worse with Bill Shorten on his popularity bandwagon complaining about a “hate” poster “blanketing” Melbourne, which was later revealed by journalist Andrew Bolt to be a complete hoax.

Changing the marriage act is a very serious decision which will affect everyone and needs to reflect the best interests of the whole community, not just the bullies. By comparison, the number of people interested in SSM, reportedly 23,000 out of a population of 24,641,662 (census 2017) is only about 00.0933%. Please think about what else a “Yes” vote might change for us, as seen in other “Yes” countries.

Safe Schools and programs such as “True All Schools” are already introducing relationships, reproduction and sexuality content for children as young as four, (which in our day was the parents’ responsibility), with special offers and financial benefits available for schools who sign up for the True package. This company also has links to LGBT information, so read between the lines. — SUSAN RUTLAND, Cent Heights