Why a secret ballot - i think the Australian public should know where each of them stand. Its not a secret society.
A secret ballot because that's the only chance of politicians voting to represent the views of their constituents as opposed to the views imposed on them by their party. For example, I can't imagine Pauline Hanson allowing One Nation members to support gay marriage in an open ballot. Equally, I can't imagine Labor members being allowed to vote their consciences if they oppose it. Personally, I favour a plebiscite because I regard this as one of the biggest, if not the biggest, social issues in 50 years. I think the cost is justified given the importance of the issue.
But how is it the biggest social issue in 50 years? How does this effect you at all? If lesbians got married to tomorrow how would anything change for you? I just don't understand why anyone cares enough to oppose it apart from just not liking gay people.
In my opinion it **is** the biggest social issue in 50 years. You may have a different view and are entitled to that view. But, with respect, please don't characterise me as "just not liking gay people". You don't know me. I have gay friends, male and female, who know my views and don't have a problem with them. Some of them are for gay marriage and others don't care one way or the other. I have a view that marriage is a bond between a man and a woman. Others have different views. That's what makes the world go around.