The fact that all Australian voters will now decide on the vexing issue of same sex 'marriage' is a huge win for democracy. Putting aside the rights or wrongs of the issue (enough has been said), the idea that such a question can be decided by Parliament/politicians/parties is abhorrent.

That 30 Coalition politicians - members of a party NOT having same sex marriage on its platform - demanding a 'conscience' vote epitomises the arrogance and disdain for voters held by some politicians.

These 30 have no business being Coalition politicians. Parties are different, and people vote for parties which best suit their needs. The Coaltion is the closest thing to a conservative party we have in Australia. The Prime Minister has betrayed conservative voters already with his decision not to repeal Section 18C of the race act: but he has done the right thing by them this time. He rightly decided that the issue in hand was matter for us, and not the whims of politicians.

I have emailed a Senator supposed to be representing my state, asking him why he thought that his conscience was better or more important than that of the people he is supposed be representing and who pay his way. The probability that I will receive no responses is irrelevant. These people must be made to know that WE ARE ON TO THEM.

While some of us might not like the result of the people's decision, we will accept that the decision was democratic, and learn to live with it.

Though I disagree with a few details of your argument (like 18C) I agree with the sentiment. A referendum is the best way to side, and although the constitution doesn't require one, nor does the constitution prohibit one.

My one remaining concern is timing: despite the cost of holding it independently I'd rather it not be on election day as that could distract people from the government's dismal economic performance.

I look forward to voting on all of the governments contentious decisions.
If it is good enough for SSM then it is good enough for GST increases, pension cuts, GP tax, 100k uni degrees, the TPP and all the other "free" trade agreements, cuts to the dole, climate change etc etc.

This is nothing but a delaying tactic and a LIE.
Clownshoes will never have a plebiscite on SSM.
Anyone who believes a word this serial liar says has got to be certifiably gullible and willfully blind.

I somehow doubt whether this issue will go away
any time soon. Not if the opinion polls are any
guide. Whether the politicians like it or not -
the pressure for this to be resolved will continue
and a Referendum appears to be one of the best ways
to do it. However, someone suggested a postal vote
as a cheaper way of handling this matter.
Perhaps that would provide a more economical way of
handling things. The issue certainly can no longer
be ignored. The time has come for the issue to be
voted on.

Masterstroke by TA because how can you argue with a vote from all Australians? Gays blah blah blah are one per cent of the population and want to sue the rest of us into submission. It is just like Goodes they want to be admired and they want to be loved. I can do neither and wish they would go away and leave me alone.
I oppress no one because they are the oppressors, get a life and move on boys and girls!

ttbn "we will accept that the decision was democratic, and learn to live with it."

Not if the decision is No.
We will never hear the end of it (Fascist oppression!).

While I'm all for direct democracy, until this process is computerised, it's an incredibly expensive way to decide anything.

Implement digital direct democracy and we will have no need for cloned representatives and their "consciences".