Dear Dustin,

You may be interested in the following link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recognition_of_same-sex_unions_in_Australia

Scroll down to "Marriage Equality (same sex) Act 2013".
And I quote:

"The High Court determined that the word "marriage" in
Constitution s51(xxi) includes same-sex marriage thus
clarifying that there are no constitutional impediment
to the Commonwealth legislating for same-sex marriage in the
future. It can do so by amending the definition of "marriage"
in the Marriage Act."

Well, I'm still curious as to why same-sex couples aren't eligible to marry, but it appears Dustin has successfully side-tracked everyone.

//Some regions of Canada had successfully challenged the law as being unconstitutional.//

Unlike Australia, Canada have a bill of rights written into their constitution, lucky devils. Section 15 of their Charter of Rights and Freedoms contains guaranteed equality rights, which were the basis for the legal challenges.

//That set the legal precedent and effectively forced their federal government to comply.//

Yep, because otherwise they'd have had to fiddle with the bill of rights. Generally not seen as popular move with voters in countries that have a bill of rights.

//it’s also appropriate to point out the lie that is perpetrated when people say that Canada has adopted SSM because . . well, I dunno . . because they are progressive and have obviously seen the light of day//

They adopted it because Canadians have an explicit and constitutional right equality under the law: "Every individual is equal before and under the law and has the right to the equal protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination and, in particular, without discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability."

Australia doesn't have that spelled out in a bill of rights, but quite a few of us agree wholeheartedly with that principle and will be voting accordingly.

The 'NO CAMPAIGN' has published disgusting untrue hate material against gay's. Claiming "92% of children of gay parents suffer abuse", imploring voters to "stop the fags" and labeling homosexuality a "curse of death".
The government was warned that this type of hate material would surface, during the "survey" period, something they chose to ignore. There is a possibility that extreme elements within the 'NO CAMPAIGN' may resort to increased violence towards gay people, to show their dissatisfaction, and to reinforce their message. Turnbull has been called upon to strongly condemn this material. It is not clear who is responsible for this rubbish.

Josephus, and others of the same ilk, where do you stand on this kind of attitude?

Lets hold a gun to peoples heads;

"Australia's Catholic church is threatening to fire teachers, nurses and other employees who marry their same-sex partner if gay marriage is legalised."

http://www.canberratimes.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/married-sunday-fired-monday-churches-threaten-to-dismiss-staff-who-wed-samesex-partners-20170817-gxy4ds.html

What a lovely bunch that church is.

Here's my 2 cents,
You lefties stick up for the Muslims and I don't see you having a problems with Mosques overflowing into the streets and the country looking like the beginnings of the UK, France or Germany.
So quite honestly, I think you should also show your Christian members of the community the same courtesy.

Pretty sure it says 'if a man layeth with another man he should be put to death'.
Since your all so tolerant of Islam I really don't see why you should have a problem with 'God Hate's Fags'.

Do you think the Muslims embrace gay culture?
You support them but do you not think they are supportive of homosexuality?

I mean we're living in a progressive world and obviously these people are just expressing their beliefs, these people should not be triggered by gays or exposed the anxiety and depression of being forced to do things against THEIR beliefs.
Tell me if this passes how long till some gay sues a church leader for not marrying them in a church?