Concerns over marriage plebiscite

The controversial plebiscite on same sex marriage could exacerbate mental health conditions of those already marginalised in the community says a local LGBTI spokesperson.

The plebiscite, which will be held on February 11 next year, will ask Australian citizens if they approve of a law to permit people of the same sex to marry.

The Bill was presented by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to Parliament on Wednesday with the question ‘Should the law be changed to allow same-sex couples to marry?’.

Albany Gay and Lesbian spokesperson Sarah Schouten said the non-government binding vote will cause more isolation for those who do not identify as heterosexual.

“We know already LGBTI people have significantly poor mental health and higher rates of suicide and we know that is due to discrimination and exclusion in the community,” she said.

“I think if the plebiscite goes ahead it could legitimatise homophobia and exacerbate people who already (are at a) higher risk of suicide. LGBTI people in rural communities communities are even more at risk of poor mental health and suicide due to isolation and lack of support.”

Ms Schouten said the taxpayer funding of the $160 million vote was insulting and feared it would facilitate hurtful campaigns.

“LGBTI people deserve to be treated equally and to have a plebiscite I think it is degrading to ask strangers for the right to marry somebody and to be in a loving and exclusive relationship,” she said.

“I think that LGBTI people should be treated equally already under the law without the need for plebiscite.

“There is already a debate around it but I think it will bring the people who are against same sex marriage to the forefront... for people who don’t identify as straight that will be in our faces even more — the discrimination and exclusion in society.”

However, Member for O’Connor Rick Wilson said there needs to be more faith in the Australian public and he believes a mature debate can be held

“By having a plebiscite it will legitimise the result. I believe a vote in Parliament would never be seen by the losing side as a legitimate expression of what the Australian people really want,” he said.

“I think (deputy leader Bill) Shorten should get behind a plebiscite and give Australian people the benefit of doubt and give them credit to construct mature and respect debate. Not everyone who disagrees with same-sex marriage is a homophobe or a hater.

“I don’t personally understand why people think we can’t have a debate ... that’s what we do in a democracy, we disagree, we have a debate, and we have a vote.”