Haters walk a fine line

YES and no campaigners in the same-sex marriage survey could face a fines of up to $12,600 if their material includes hate speech.

The government is finalising a deal with Labor to pass protections governing the conduct of the survey campaign.

The bill would make it an offence to vilify, intimidate or threaten to cause harm to a person on the basis of their sexual orientation, gender identity, intersex status or religious conviction.

The offences would only apply during the survey period, which began yesterday and ends when the result is announced on November 15.