IT’S APPROACHING two years since the Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey, a nationwide plebiscite on marriage equality, took place. Although participation was entirely voluntary (unlike elections and referendums, which are compulsory), 79.5 per cent of eligible Australians had their say, with the Yes side receiving an overwhelming 61.6 per cent share of votes.
Despite a clear majority favouring the rights of same-sex couples, the issue of marriage equality still often proves to be a polarising one. Many people hold views deeply rooted in personal experience, religion or political leanings, and are often unlikely to be swayed on their position. That said, it is not unheard of for those once opposed to same-sex unions, to find themselves questioning their stance, or in some cases, changing tack completely. Take, for example, Australian former-Prime Minister, Julia Gillard. In 2015, as plans for a vote on marriage equality were gaining traction, she made her intention to vote Yes public: “…if, much against my views about what is best for our nation, a plebiscite or referendum is held on same-sex marriage, then as a voter, I would certainly cast my ballot in favour of same-sex marriage.” This surprised many, as only three years previous to this, and as Prime Minister, she voted against a bill for marriage equality. But such changes of opinion are not limited to the realm of politics. In some cases, they can even be found in our own LGBTIQ community. Madi is a researcher at a local Sydney university and was originally opposed to the idea of same-sex marriage altogether. “I don’t believe in marriage,” says Madi. “I believe that legally and financially rewarding coupling is a Eurocentric and heteronormative tradition that our community would be wise to reject.”