Positive result can undo damage of bitter campaign

AS I awoke yesterday, knowing that the same sex postal survey results would be announced, l was undeniably anxious on which way the vote would swing.

Thankfully, over 60 per cent of the nation voted yes.

I was vocally opposed to a public vote due to the division it would create within various parts of the community across the country.

Put simply, this expensive and non-binding vote should have been kept within the parliament. Yet our leaders, in particular the Prime Minister and the Liberal party, once again selected an easier option for them, but a hard, bitter, traumatic and controversial campaign for the people of Australia.

The damage created by this campaign, with its hateful messages and advertisements, will hopefully heal over time, particularly for the young people of Australia struggling with their sexuality.

However, it’s humbling (and bittersweet) that a majority of Australians voted yes. Now the community, family and friends that support gay marriage can have a short reprieve and a sigh of relief.

Despite the majority of the nation being in support of gay marriage, we are just back to where we were this time last year – in the hands of Parliament to decide our fate.

Although the voice of the majority cannot be ignored, the recent citizenship saga, issues with offshore detention and the electricity crisis prove our leaders and political parties are sorely out of their depth.

The reality is that our leaders should have had the conviction to vote within the Parliament the first time around.

Now it’s time for our leaders to take note and respect the wishes of the majority – it’s time to make same sex marriage legal, without delay or further debate.

Having strangers vote on my right to marry my partner Cameron of almost 20 years wasn’t ideal, but thank you to those who voted yes! Let’s hope that the positive result can undo some of the damage caused and we can all look forward to a brighter future with equality for all.

On a lighter note, once same-sex marriage is approved, just imagine all the fabulous weddings about to be witnessed. It’s time for all couples to step it up a notch as once gay weddings commence, the average price of a wedding in Australia will no doubt skyrocket!

Bring it on!