Presbyterian minister and writer, Mark Powell, wonders what happened to the same-sex marriage boom that was to happen after the ‘yes’ vote giving the go-ahead for people of the same sex to tie the knot with the trashing of the Marriage Act. Great things were predicted, and at least 50% of homosexuals would race to the altar, according to supporters. There would be an economic boom, said the leading economic geniuses in the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. The Queensland government, who share the ABC’s brilliance in finance, agreed. Jobs-would-be-created! Government - issued marriage licences would swell! There would benefits “directly from the increase in spending through a range of taxes." (actual taxes not identified). ANZ economists reckoned the loot from SSM would be “be over $1 billion” if only half the number predicted took the step. The real money masters, going broke themselves, Fairfax, punted on a $3 billion gain.

Not surprisingly, all the pundits were wrong; and the whole process is likely to have cost much more than it brought in. Since “marriage was redefined”, there have been “just shy of 2,500 marriages”. (about 5% of SS couples) 94.3% of same sex couples have decided to leave their relationships as they were: no marriage for them.

So, it was all “magic pudding” economics from people who “don’t understand how the economy works”.

The original reason for SSM was a lie. The economic benefits of SSM have proved to be another lie. But, as international SSM pusher, Masha Gessen said: “Fighting for gay marriage generally involves lying …. “

I voted yes, because it was the fair thing to do, avoid knowingly mixing with same sex people, a bias I think is my right,but if they want to wed, in a world that more and more hetro sexual do not bother doing so? ok by me. other issues concern me far more than this issue

First he's angry because gays can get married. Then he's angry because they're choosing not to get married.... they're a weird bunch, these tories.

Hi Belly - you "avoid knowingly" mixing with homosexuals? Why? What are you afraid of? Btw - gays are everywhere and you deal with them daily. "Unknowingly", of course.

HereNow my training about human rights was intensive , that controlled my behavior as a union official and still does as a human, but give me a break!as a single man, the oldest remaining at home after dad died syndrome,I have often faced unwanted advances, from other men, felt just a breath of the fear women do every day, when using a toilet after dark, have seen workers who had to work in a park/beat and face being charged with discrimination, for asking that nude people simply move on,while campaigning for the yes vote until I had enough, being propositioned all the time, dislike me, and my views, while I am aware some of my mates are gay, I chose not to be other than my post said, Do I have that right in your view, after all it is about rights isn't it?

Toni,

I am a liberal conservative, and on that basis I voted for SSM because I believe in equality for all under the law. However, I don't subscribe to identity politics where everyone is equal, but some are more equal than others.