A couple of weeks ago I wrote that I don’t really give a toss if same sex marriage win’s or loses. I still stand by that. I do however believe that this is a contentious issue and rightly so and therefore people should have a vote on it.  One thing I didn’t mention is my voting intention. On the topic of same sex marriage I will be voting No. I will be voting no, not because ‘I’m homophobic’ or a ‘bigot’ or ‘hitler’ or because I don’t want equality, Im voting no because of the reasons why people voted for Brexit and Donald Trump. Supporters for same sex marriage will no doubt condemn me for this, and I can take it but when you see people being abused for not ‘conforming’ to the status quo or being bullied and harassed for their views, out of protest (maybe it is the Taurus in me) I tend to dig my heels in.

It was reported by The Australian (1/9/2017) that Liberal Party Vice President Karina Oketel who is from Sri Lanka has experienced worst bigotry over her views on same sex marriage than any racist labels she has endured. Ms Oketel told The Australian she has been racially vilified for her skin colour in the past but that was mild compared to when she defends the current marriage act.
This kind of bigotry coming from the Yes campaigners is disturbing. I have seen first hand on social media that the Yes campaigner’s do not even want to understand why people are voting no. They just want to shut down debate.
Now the arguments made by those who are against same sex marriage can be debated. Safe Schools, Polygamy marriages, Incestrous marriages all these things can happen without same sex marriage. In fact Safe Schools is happening now but without proper debate these issues will continue to burn up until the last person sends off their voting papers.

The continual bigotry and the hatred on those from the Yes side will mean people will just vote no. Do not tell me how to vote. Do not say voting No is wrong. Do not undermine my democratic right to have self thought. We are not living in George Orwell’s 1984. We are living in a liberal democratic society of 2017. This is why I am voting no.