TJ Ryan Foundation Research Associate, Graeme Orr, writes in The Conversation (15.9.16) about the federal government’s proposed plebiscite on same-sex marriage, arguing that the public vote should be allowed to proceed in order to make any progress on the issue.
‘Australians should say “Yes” to the plebiscite on whether same-sex marriage should be legalised, in both senses. “Yes” to the simple question: Should the law be changed to allow same-sex couples to marry?
‘And “Yes” to whether that question should be resolved by a direct vote of the electorate.
‘I’m surprised how many progressive folk are running a mile from the idea of a plebiscite. We don’t have to love a process or think it ideal to make the most of it.
‘This doesn’t mean we should embrace plebiscites or citizens’ referendums as a form of government into the future. Systemically, that would be flawed. But sometimes, when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade – sweet and sour though it will be.’
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