Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey

The Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey was a national survey designed to gauge support for legalising same-sex marriage in Australia. The survey was held via the postal service between 12 September and 7 November 2017. Unlike voting in elections and referendums, which is compulsory in Australia, responding to the survey was voluntary.

Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey
Results
Choice
Votes  %
Yes 7,817,247 61.60%
No 4,873,987 38.40%
Valid votes 12,691,234 99.71%
Invalid or blank votes 36,686 0.29%
Total votes 12,727,920 100.00%
Registered voters/turnout 16,006,180 79.52%

Results by electorates and states/territories
Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey
Duration12 September – 7 November 2017 (2017-09-12 2017-11-07)
LocationAustralia
TypeSurvey
Budget$122 million ($80.5 million used)[1]
Organised byAustralian Bureau of Statistics
ParticipantsAdults on the electoral roll
OutcomeAustralian national electorate votes to support same-sex marriage
Websiteabs.gov.au/marriagesurvey

A survey form, instructions, and a reply-paid envelope were mailed out by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) to every person on the federal electoral roll, asking the question "Should the law be changed to allow same-sex couples to marry?" The ABS outlined processes to ensure eligible Australians lacking access to post could participate.[2]

The survey returned 7,817,247 (61.6%) "Yes" responses and 4,873,987 (38.4%) "No" responses. An additional 36,686 (0.3%) responses were unclear and the total turnout was 12,727,920 (79.5%).[3]

Prior to the survey, the Liberal–National Coalition government had pledged to facilitate a private member's bill to legalise same-sex marriage in the Parliament in the event of a "Yes" outcome. This allowed parliamentary debate and a vote eventually leading to the legalisation of same-sex marriage.[4] Both the Coalition and the opposition Labor Party allowed their MPs a conscience vote on the relevant legislation. Had the survey returned a majority "No" result, the government said it would not allow a parliamentary debate or vote on legalising same-sex marriage.

Many same-sex marriage proponents were critical of the postal survey, viewing it as a costly delaying tactic and an unnecessary hurdle to a conscience vote on same-sex marriage in the parliament.[5] The survey was subject to two legal challenges questioning the authority of the ABS to conduct the survey and the government's right to fund the cost of the survey from funds designated by law for "urgent" and "unforeseen" circumstances. Both legal challenges failed; the High Court of Australia found that the survey was lawful.

Adults on the electoral roll in Australia as of 24 August 2017 were eligible to participate. By this date, 98,000 new voters had added themselves to the roll, which was a record high enrolment drive prior to a national vote. Survey forms were distributed from 12 September 2017 with the ABS encouraging returns promptly (preferably to be received before 27 October to ensure sufficient processing time). The survey closed on 7 November 2017 and the results were released on 15 November 2017. The Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Act 2017, which legalised same-sex marriage, came into effect on 9 December 2017.

Background

History

Marriage in Australia is the constitutional province of the federal parliament. Its original legal definition was established by common law as "the union of a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life."[6] This definition was codified by the Marriage Amendment Act 2004, which inserted it verbatim into the Marriage Act 1961.[7]

At the time of the survey, same-sex unions in Australia were treated as de facto unions under federal law. These unions provide couples with most, though not all, of the legal rights of marriage, although those rights may be difficult to assert and are not always recognised in practice.[8][9] Aside from the legal aspects, de facto relationships do not have the same symbolic significance as marriage.[10] Before the July 2016 federal election, the Malcolm Turnbull-led Coalition government promised to hold a national vote on same-sex marriage in the form of a compulsory attendance plebiscite.[11] Opposition to this idea centred on its criticism as an expensive delaying tactic and that it was the duty of the parliament, rather than a matter related to the Australian Constitution.[12]

While the Coalition won 76 of the 150 seats in the lower house in the 2016 election and managed to form a majority government by one seat, they failed to pass the necessary legislation for a (compulsory attendance) referendum/plebiscite. The legislation passed the House of Representatives on 20 October 2016 by a vote of 76–67, but was rejected by the Senate on 7 November 2016 by a vote of 33–29.[13][14] The idea of a postal plebiscite was originally proposed by Liberal MP Warren Entsch and later endorsed by government ministers Peter Dutton and Mathias Cormann.[15] Dutton pointed out that a postal vote would not need legislation to operate.[16] A staffer of Attorney-General George Brandis came up with the idea of a survey as an alternative way to fulfil the government's commitment in mid-July.[17] In August 2017, following an attempt by five Liberal Party MPs to change party policy and have a free vote in the parliament on same-sex marriage legislation,[18] the government announced it would move for a voluntary postal survey to be held later that year.[19] It stated that the postal vote would only occur in the event the government's (compulsory) referendum/plebiscite legislation was again rejected by the Senate. That occurred on 9 August 2017, when a government-initiated motion in the Senate to debate the Plebiscite (Same-Sex Marriage) Bill 2016 was tied at 31–31; resulting in the motion being defeated.[20]

Following the result in the Senate, the government directed the Australian Statistician (head of the Australian Bureau of Statistics) to begin the process of surveying the views on same-sex marriage of all Australians on the electoral roll.[21] The government asserted that this proposal did not require legislative approval from the parliament, arguing that the provisions of the Appropriations Act and the law governing the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) enabled it to use the ABS for such a purpose.[22] This was argued by the government to be similar to the process by which God Save the Queen was replaced by Advance Australia Fair as the Australian national anthem.[23] The government announced the ABS would be assisted by having staff seconded from the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC), the organisation responsible for elections in Australia and managing the electoral roll.[24] The cost of the survey to the Australian taxpayer was forecast to be $122 million, however the total amount spent ended up being $80.5 million.[1][19] This expense, as well as the notion that the debate would activate ideological extremists and that normal electoral rules would not apply, were criticised in Parliament.[25] By 7 September, the date the high court challenges against the survey were heard, a total of $14.1 million had already been spent by the ABS on the postal survey – $8 million on advertising for the survey, $5.3 million on printing costs, and $600,000 for staff.[26]

The AEC reported that about 68,000 enrolment transactions were completed on 10 August, compared with an average of 4,000 per day.[27] In the period 8–14 August over 16,000 people had enrolled, and over 200,000 had updated their details.[28] By 20 August, over 36,000 had enrolled, and over 434,000 had updated their enrolment details.[29] By 22 August, over 54,000 had enrolled.[30] By 25 August the roll achieved a record high with over 16 million Australians on the roll (an additional 90,000 people had joined with a further 165,000 transactions still to be processed).[31] 65,000 of these new voters are between the ages of 18 and 24.[32] With 933,592 enrolment transactions completed by the AEC at the end of processing, more than 98,000 people were added to the roll, and the total number of Australians eligible to participate in the survey was 16,005,998.[33] However, after the results of the survey were released, the ABS revealed that in fact 16,006,180 surveys were mailed out to eligible Australians.[34]

The Senate Finance and Public Administration References Committee opened a Public Inquiry into the arrangements around the postal survey on 14 August[35] with a submission made and evidence given by the ABS at hearings on 17 August. Further hearings involving the ABS, AEC, Australia Post, Department of Finance and Department of Human Services occurred on 7 September and 15 September 2017. The committee handed down the final report on 13 February 2018. The report recommended that the survey process should not be used again for matters of human rights, encouraged the government to further fund mental health and LGBTIQ organisations to mitigate the impact of the postal survey, and recommended that the Australian Electoral Commission increase its voter registration and education efforts in remote communities and work with Indigenous peak bodies to achieve greater participation.[36][35]

Key dates

Key dates relating to the survey were:[37][38]

  • 24 August 2017: The final day for citizens to update or add their name and details to the electoral roll to receive a survey form
  • 12 September 2017: Survey forms began to be mailed out to all Australian voters over a two-week period
  • 25 September 2017: The date all survey forms were expected to have arrived, and eligible Australians could commence ordering replacement materials (for those lost or spoilt). The paperless options (online form and IVR telephony survey option) opened.
  • 20 October 2017 (6 pm local time): Requests for replacement material closed
  • 27 October 2017: The date all eligible Australians were strongly encouraged to return their form by
  • 7 November 2017 (6 pm local time): Responses received after this date were not processed
  • 15 November 2017 (10 am AEDT): Statistics, and quality and integrity report released to the public

The results of the survey (including participation rates) were released at a national level, at a state and territory level and at an electorate level.[2]

Two legal challenges were lodged contesting the legality of the survey with the High Court of Australia, both on the grounds of unlawful funding from legally-specified funds and unlawful operation by the ABS. The first was by same-sex marriage advocates Shelley Argent (national spokeswoman of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) and Felicity Marlowe (member of Rainbow Families), along with independent MP Andrew Wilkie. They announced they would challenge the postal survey in the High Court on 9 August 2017 and seek a temporary injunction.[39][40] The second challenge was by Australian Marriage Equality and Greens Senator Janet Rice.[41][42]

An additional complaint was lodged by a 17-year-old boy with the Australian Human Rights Commission in August 2017, on the basis that the rules did not allow provisionally enrolled 16- and 17-year-old Australians the right to participate in the survey.[43][44] The complaint could have led to a federal court case to argue for the right of about 50,000 Australians aged 16 and 17 on the electoral roll to vote, however the boy dropped his complaint on 22 September, after a Greens amendment to the Marriage Law Survey (Additional Safeguards) Act 2017 was rejected by the Parliament earlier in the month.[45] Legal counsel to the boy advised that the rejected amendment would make the age discrimination complaint much more difficult to argue, because parliament had considered and rejected extending the vote to enrolled 16- and 17-year-olds.[45]

High Court ruling

The High Court pronounced its orders in both cases on 7 September 2017. The court determined that the survey was lawful, allowing it to proceed as scheduled.[46][47] The challengers were ordered to pay costs.[48] The High Court handed down its unanimous reasons on 28 September 2017, finding that $295 million had been appropriated by parliament, and that whether the expenditure was unforeseen was a matter for the Minister's satisfaction and there was no error of law in either his reasoning or his conclusion. The information to be collected was "statistical information" of matters prescribed in the Census and Statistics Regulation 2016 (Cth). As the court had considered and rejected the grounds of the application, there was no need to decide whether the plaintiffs had standing.[49][50]

Survey process

The survey was conducted on a voluntary basis, with no requirement on the part of the eligible Australian to mail back the survey form. This led to concerns over a potentially low voter turnout/response rate and the prospect of Indigenous Australians in remote communities being unable to complete a survey.[51][52] Concern had been expressed regarding: electors whose addresses were not visible on the electoral roll (known as silent electors);[53] disenfranchisement in remote communities;[54] Australians overseas;[55] prisoners;[56] non-English speakers;[57] and young people.[58][59] Early criticism was also levelled at issues of privacy, with the recent census problems of 2016 being cited.[60] The ABS advised that survey responses would be anonymous and protected under the secrecy provisions of the Census and Statistics Act 1905.[61] Prior to the survey commencing, former Privacy Commissioner Malcolm Crompton independently reviewed the ABS's privacy approaches and mitigations and announced he was suitably satisfied.[62] The ABS also worked to address concerns with special strategies like paperless options (telephony and online form) and form drop off and pick up points in remote and capital city locations.[63] Additionally, the bureau noted that Australians could also authorise a "trusted person" to complete the survey on their behalf.[2] While any person could be appointed a "trusted person", the Chief Minister of the ACT, Andrew Barr offered to fulfil the role for any citizen.[64][65] Auditors and an external observer process were established to assure the integrity of the process, though the observers are subject to a lifetime confidentiality agreement.[66] A quality and integrity report was published by the ABS alongside the release of the survey results.[2] During the survey period, online sellers were contacted by the ABS asking them to remove ads by people offering to sell their postal survey or answer. The ABS advised that such an action would likely constitute an offence under the Census and Statistics Act 1905, the Commonwealth Criminal Code and the survey safeguards legislation passed by Parliament.[67][68] The Digital Transformation Agency assisted the ABS with the paperless options for the survey, though due to the compressed timescale of the survey, concerns were anonymously raised by staff that the normal processes were not completed, such as sufficient user testing.[69] AWS was brought in on a tender process to assist in the security measures for the online survey.[70] A telephone information hotline was established, and received 206,828 calls between 14 August 2017 and 7 November 2017.[71]

Unlike elections or referendums, there were no automatic special regulations relating to advertising requirements or prohibited content for the survey of the kind found in the Electoral Act.[72] Consequently, the Government and Opposition engaged in negotiations to introduce legislation designed to replicate these types of regulations, as well as create measures to prevent vilification, intimidation, or threats to cause harm on the basis of the sexual orientation, gender identity, intersex status or the religious convictions of someone during the survey period.[73] On 13 September, the government introduced the Marriage Law Survey (Additional Safeguards) Bill 2017 for these purposes in the Senate.[74] The bill passed the Senate, after an amendment moved by Greens leader Richard Di Natale to allow 16- and 17-year-olds the right to participate in the survey was defeated. The bill immediately proceeded to and was passed by the House of Representatives.[74] The bill received royal assent on 13 September and went into effect the following day.[74][75] The Act's provisions automatically expired on 15 November 2017.[75] Neither the "Yes" or "No" campaign received public funding in the survey, as was envisioned for a compulsory attendance plebiscite.[76] Prime Minister Turnbull also ruled out a ban on foreign donations for the survey.[77]

All Australians whose names are on the electoral roll or had applied to be put on the roll before 24 August 2017 were mailed a survey form and enrolled Australians living overseas along with those in certain special categories were entitled to complete a survey using paperless methods.[78][79] The AEC made a statement that provisionally-enrolled 16- and 17-year-olds would not be posted a survey form[80] and an amended direction was later issued by the Government to the Australian Statistician making this clear.[81] This direction was subject to a Human Rights Commission complaint by a 17-year-old boy, which was later withdrawn.[82][45]

More than 16 million letters were sent from 12 September over almost two weeks (with all delivered by 25 September) and silent electors' packages were sent by the AEC and delivered by the end of September.[83][84] After several "Yes" respondents posted images of their complete forms on social media, the ABS cautioned participants to not photograph their form barcodes, so as to prevent any fraudulent conduct. Additionally, survey forms could be invalidated in the event the question was rephrased by the participant or the barcode was obscured or removed.[85] The ABS issued several examples of what constituted a valid and invalid response (such as marking both boxes "Yes" and "No" or crossing out one of the words on the form).[86] The ABS advised Australians who received extra survey forms, addressed to the previous occupant who failed to update their electoral details, to write on the front of the envelope "return to sender" and send it back.[87] In Australia, it is illegal to open mail addressed to another person.[88] In the rare instance of multiple responses being received from an individual, the ABS noted that only the last valid response could expect to be counted.[89] On 25 September, the ABS confirmed that all survey forms had been mailed to eligible voters and outlined the process for additional forms to be sent to people who did not receive, lost or spoilt their form.[90] The ABS also confirmed that a change of mind was not a valid reason for requesting a new form.[91] Both the "Yes" and "No" campaigns provided 60 observers to the ABS counting process,[92] who examined 606,991 survey results. Fewer than 500 survey forms were reported as issues to the ABS during the survey.[93]

Weekly estimate of responses

On 28 September, the ABS announced that it would release weekly national estimates of the total number of survey responses received, beginning from 3 October 2017 and ending 7 November. The primary input to the first three weekly estimates, issued at the National level only, was Australia Post's assessment of the number of containers of sorted envelopes rather than counts of individual forms. Adjustments were made based on factors such as responses received through other channels and an allowance for forms that are damaged or invalid. From the fourth estimate, released on 24 October 2017, the ABS changed the estimation method to use the counts of processed forms. This led to an increase in estimated turnout to 74.5% of the population, up 7.0% on the previous week, despite only 300,000 new responses, or 1.9% of the total, being received during that timeframe.[94]

Week[95]Estimated responsesEstimated rate of response
3 October9,200,00057.5%
10 October10,000,00062.5%
17 October10,800,00067.5%
24 October11,900,00074.5%
31 October12,300,00077.0%
7 November12,600,00078.5%

Question

Sample image of the survey form

The survey form asked respondents: "Should the law be changed to allow same-sex couples to marry?". The survey offered two one-word responses: "yes" or "no".[2]

Legislation proposed

The government did not release a draft bill legalising same-sex marriage prior to the survey, which led to uncertainty over what form legislation would take in the event of a "Yes" verdict.[96] The wording of an exposure draft of a same-sex marriage bill from early 2017, released by the Attorney-General's office, proposed to amend the definition of "marriage" and replace the terms "man" and "woman" with the gender neutral phrase "two people".[97] The proposed wording "two people"[98] differed from the wording of the survey question, which referred explicitly to "same-sex couples".[99][100]

Liberal Senator Dean Smith, who drafted a same-sex marriage bill in August 2017, argued his bill struck a "fair balance" in protecting the rights of same-sex couples and the religious freedoms of celebrants.[101] The bill allows current civil celebrants to become religious celebrants and refuse to perform same sex marriages, and incorporates parts of the Sex Discrimination Act, to allow religious organisations to refuse their services for same-sex marriages.[102] Smith's bill was formally backed by the Labor Party parliamentary caucus on 17 October 2017.[103] However, conservative MPs in the government responded by suggesting up to 100 amendments to the bill may be needed if the "Yes" vote carried.[101]

A rival bill was released on 13 November by Liberal Senator James Paterson, a conservative supporter of same-sex marriage.[104] The bill contained various protections allowing the refusal of same-sex weddings by anyone who holds a religious or "conscientious belief" against same-sex marriage, including private service providers such as florists and bakers.[105][106] Prime Minister Turnbull reacted negatively to Paterson's bill, saying the government "would not countenance" supporting a bill which discriminated against same-sex weddings and that the bill would have "virtually no prospect of getting through the Parliament".[107] It was dropped by Senator Paterson within hours of the "Yes" vote being released.[108]

Support and opposition

Party positions in a parliamentary vote

Each of the political parties represented in the Australian Parliament held formalised positions on same-sex marriage and on the merits of the survey. The Australian Labor Party formally supported the legalisation of same-sex marriage, though offered its MPs a conscience vote on same-sex marriage legislation until 2019.[109] The Liberal Party pledged to hold a national vote of some kind before any change to the law, though the party had no official position on the survey question, hence MPs (including Cabinet members) were to free to campaign for either side.[110][111] All politicians were entitled to use their electoral printing and communications budgets in the campaign.[112]

Position Political parties Ref
Yes Labor* [113]
Greens [114]
Xenophon Team [115]
Liberal Democrats [116]
Hinch's Justice [117]
No National [110]
Conservatives [118]
Katter's Australia [119]
Subject to public vote Liberal [110]
One Nation* [120]
Lambie Network [121]
*Conscience vote allowed for MPs.

"Yes" campaign

A "Yes" campaign rally in Melbourne in August 2017.

The campaign for supporting voting in favour of same-sex marriage in the survey received support from Labor,[122] the Liberals for yes campaign,[123] and four minor political parties represented in the Federal parliament, and from prominent lobby groups including Australian Marriage Equality and GetUp!.[124][125]

"No" campaign

The campaign advocating voting against changing the marriage laws in the survey was supported by the Nationals[110] and three minor parties represented in the Federal parliament. Several groups opposed to same-sex marriage, including the Australian Christian Lobby and the Marriage Alliance, formed the Coalition for Marriage to co-ordinate the "No" campaign.[126][127][128]

Neutral

The Liberal Party of Australia did not hold a position either way in the survey.[110]

Public opinion

Opinion polls in Australia over several years in the lead-up to the survey indicated a comfortable majority of Australians supported same-sex marriage.[129][130][131][132] A Guardian Essential poll conducted just prior to the announcement of the postal survey indicated that 43% approved of a postal vote and 38% disapproved,[133] whereas a week later, 39% approved of the postal survey and 47% disapproved of it.[134] A small boycott movement existed, although most same sex marriage campaigners who were against a national vote on same-sex marriage urged participation in the postal survey.[135] Some informal responses to the survey were intended as a protest vote.[136]

Voting intentions

DateFirmYesNoUndecidedSample sizeNotes
9–12 November 2017 Newspoll[137] 63% 37% 1,625 [N 1]
3–6 November 2017 Essential[138][139] 64% 31% 5% 1,792 [N 1]
26–30 October 2017 Galaxy Research[140][141] 66% 34% 1,000 [N 1]
26–29 October 2017 EMRS[142] 64% 28% 1,000
26–29 October 2017 Newspoll[143][144] 62% 35% 3% 1,623 [N 1]
59% 35% 6% [N 2]
12–22 October 2017 Essential[145][146] 60% 34% 5% 1,859 [N 1]
39% 33% 28% [N 3]
12–16 October 2017 YouGov[147][148] 61% 35% 3% 1,067 [N 1]
54% 28% 18% [N 3]
12–15 October 2017 Newspoll[149] 56% 37% 7% 1,583
6–8 October 2017 Roy Morgan Research[150] 61.5% 17.5% 1,554 [N 4]
2 October 2017 ReachTEL[151][152] 70.3% 21.1% 4,888 [N 5]
28 September – 1 October 2017 Essential[153][154] 64% 30% 6% 1,841 [N 1]
50% 36% 14% [N 3]
22–25 September 2017Essential[155][156] 58% 33% 9% 1,803
21–24 September 2017Newspoll[157] 57% 34% 9% 1,695
15–18 September 2017Essential[158][159] 55% 34% 11% 1,808
14–18 September 2017 YouGov[160][161] 59% 33% 9% 1,056
6–9 September 2017 Ipsos[162] 70% 1,400
28 August – 6 September 2017 Newgate Research[163] 58.4% 31.4% 10.2% 800
1–4 September 2017Essential[164][165] 59% 31% 11% 1,784
17–22 August 2017Essential[166][167] 57% 32% 11% 1,817
17–21 August 2017 YouGov[168][169] 59% 33% 8% 1,012
17–20 August 2017Newspoll[170][171] 63% 30% 7% 1,675

Likelihood of voting in the survey

DateFirmVoted alreadyDefinitely willProbably willProbably won'tDefinitely won'tUndecidedSample sizeNotes
9–12 November 2017 Newspoll[137] 79% 1,625 [N 6]
3–6 November 2017 Essential[138][139] 86% 1,792 [N 7]
26–29 October 2017 Newspoll[143] 76% 10% 5% 2% 2% 3% 1,623
12–22 October 2017 Essential[145][146] 75% 8% 4% 3% 3% 4% 1,859
12–16 October 2017 YouGov[147][148] 67% 13% 7% 3% 6% 5% 1,067
12–15 October 2017 Newspoll[149] 65% 19% 6% 2% 3% 5% 1,583
2 October 2017ReachTEL[151] 79% 4,888
2 October 2017Newgate Research[172] 77%
28 September – 1 October 2017 Essential[153][154] 47% 33% 6% 3% 3% 5% 1,841
22–25 September 2017Essential[155][156] 36% 45% 8% 1% 2% 5% 1,803
21–24 September 2017Newspoll[157] 15% 67% 7% 2% 2% 7% 1,695[N 8]
15–18 September 2017Essential[158][159] 9% 62% 12% 2% 3% 8% 1,808
6–9 September 2017Ipsos[162] 65% 1,400
1–4 September 2017Essential[164][165] 62% 16% 4% 3% 10% 1,784
23 August 2017ReachTEL[173] 78.7% 10% 4.1% 7.2% 2,382[N 9]
17–22 August 2017Essential[166] 63% 18% 4% 6% 9% 1,817
17–21 August 2017YouGov[168] 56% 17% 1,012
17–20 August 2017Newspoll[170] 67% 15% 4% 3% 11% 1,675[N 10]

Activities during the campaign

Advocacy by territory and local governments

A Canberra bus with rainbow wrap advertising as support from the ACT Government for the city's LGBTIQ community during the survey period.[174]
Sydney Town Hall illuminated in pride colours and flying a rainbow flag in support of the "Yes" vote.

The Government of the Australian Capital Territory and several local governments such as the City of Sydney took official positions supporting the "Yes" campaign.[175][176] Public servants in the ACT were warned against campaigning in the survey while in official uniform.[177][178] The move to offer official support was criticised by the Liberal Party opposition in the ACT, and similar criticisms lead to the City of Darebin backing down on plans to restrict "No" campaigners from using council facilities.[179][180]

Debate over freedom of religion

Several figures and institutions supporting a "No" vote raised the issue of religious freedom during the survey period. Former Prime Minister John Howard rejected the assurances of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and requested that the government explicitly detail proposed religious freedom provisions to potentially be included in same-sex marriage legislation.[181][182][183] Likewise several leaders in the Catholic Church raised freedom of religion concerns, citing the case of a Tasmanian archbishop, who was requested to appear at an anti-discrimination commission after having disseminated material supporting a Christian view of marriage.[184] The veracity of the concerns over religious freedom was disputed heavily in the community. Some groups, such as the National Catholic Education Commission said they were unsure if Catholic schools could continue to teach the Catholic view of marriage in the event same-sex marriage was legalised, however academics Marion Maddox and Carol Johnson challenged this by arguing that religious organisations would continue to be able to access exemptions from anti-discrimination laws and, consequently, remain free to refuse same-sex marriage if it is eventually introduced.[185][186] The divisions extended to the governing Liberal Party, whose president rejected claims that religious freedom could be under threat, in direct contradiction to the party's vice-president, who said that same-sex marriage would have consequences for freedom of speech, religion and association.[187][188]

Both Prime Minister Turnbull and Bill Shorten, leader of the Opposition, spoke in favour of religious freedom protections, with Turnbull stating he was an even "stronger believer" in freedom of religion than same-sex marriage.[189] Shorten said the Labor Party would "make sure that concerns about religious freedom are met with and dealt with and are treated with respect".[190] The prospect of additional religious freedom exemptions being added to existing Australian anti-discrimination law troubled some "Yes" advocates, who feared such provisions could allow service providers to discriminate on any basis, not just limited to couples' sex. Tiernan Brady described the campaign for religious freedom exemptions as "a blatant attempt to unravel existing anti-discrimination laws which serve everyone in Australia well, not just LGBTI people".[191]

In response to a Newspoll question on the subject; "Do you think parliament should provide guarantees in law for freedom of conscience, belief and religion if it legislates for same-sex marriage?", 62% responded Yes, 18% responded No and 20% said they were "uncommitted".[170] A poll conducted by Galaxy later in the survey found 78% of respondents said Yes in response to the question; "If the majority vote 'yes' in the postal survey, should same-sex couples be treated the same under the law compared with other couples?"[192]

An inquiry into religious freedoms, headed by Philip Ruddock, was announced in November 2017. This has been interpreted as a way to allow the speedy passage of the Dean Smith bill and postpone discussions of religious freedom.[193] It completed a report on 18 May 2018,[194] which was not publicly released until 13 December 2018,[195] although the recommendations were leaked to Fairfax Media in October 2018.[196] The government responded by proposing a religious discrimination act.[195]

Advertising and media

A shop wall in Redfern, New South Wales, with the signage "Yes" painted in the colours of the LGBT flag, designed to demonstrate the support for the survey.

Advertising by both sides was extensive for much of the survey period. The first television ad for the "No" campaign, revealed shortly after the campaign began, featured three women and focused on the Safe Schools education program.[197] The "Yes" campaign promptly aired a rebuttal by Dr. Kerryn Phelps.[198] A "No" supporter funded the skywritten message "Vote No" over Sydney in September, which was defended by Turnbull as an expression of free speech.[199] In Melbourne, a giant "NO" was written in the sky in response to the survey.[200]

Subsequent "Yes" ads focused heavily on a concerted "get out the vote" effort, and featured high-profile figures such as Ian Thorpe and others posting their surveys, as well as a themed ad screened during the finale of popular television show The Bachelor.[201][202] The "Yes" campaign were also responsible for a widespread SMS message to many Australian mobile phones which lead to some complaints over how people's numbers were obtained, however the campaign advised the numbers were generated through random dialling technology previously used in elections.[203]

Both of the "No" campaign's next most prominent advertisements concentrated mostly on the notion of gender theory in school curriculum, one such ad focusing on the book The Gender Fairy and featuring two of the mothers from the original advertisement.[204][205] The other advertisement included archive footage of one of the founders of the Safe Schools program and included material alleged to have been available for viewing by year seven students which was subsequently deemed inappropriate for unrestricted viewing by the Australian Commercial Television Code of Practice.[206][207] As of mid-September, prominent "No" campaigner Lyle Shelton was mentioned across news outlets more times than the leading three "Yes" campaigners, Alex Greenwich, Tiernan Brady and Sally Rugg, combined.[208]

Rainbow flag-patterned stickers on mail boxes asking for no anti-equality or hate mail. Similar stickers were promoted as a way to show support for same-sex marriage and reduce the amount of unwanted materials received.[209]

Legislation in effect for the duration of the survey made it illegal to vilify, intimidate, threaten or harm "on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, intersex status or religion", with a fine of up to $12,600 for breaches.[210] Furthermore, all campaign material was required to be properly authorised.[211] By 26 September, marketing services group Ebiquity estimated that the lead "No" group (Coalition for Marriage) had spent about $3,975,872 on advertising, a figure higher than their estimate for the two lead "Yes" groups (Australian Marriage Equality and the Equality Campaign), about $2,920,740.[212] Two donations of note were made in the course of the survey; $1 million was personally donated by Qantas CEO Alan Joyce to the "Yes" campaign, and $1 million was donated by the Anglican Diocese of Sydney to the "No" campaign.[213][214] Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott said in November that the "No" campaign had 20,000 donors who donated around $6 million to the campaign.[215]

At the 2017 NRL Grand Final, American rapper Macklemore was booked to perform several songs, including "Same Love".[216] The song topped the Australian charts in 2013, and was regarded as an anthem for same-sex marriage advocates during the campaign in Macklemore's home state of Washington. In the days leading up to the grand final, the single returned to the top of the Australian iTunes charts.[217] Several prominent conservative politicians voiced strong opposition to the scheduled performance of "Same Love", given its high-profile support for the "Yes" campaign during the voting period of the Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey.[218][219] Macklemore acknowledged the controversy several days before the final, but vowed to "go harder" as a result.[220]

A nationwide study of lesbian, gay, and bisexual mental health found that increased exposure to negative, anti-LGBT media messages during the postal survey was related to increased levels of depressions, anxiety, and stress.[221]

Discussion of impact on children

The rights and welfare of children, particularly as it related to same-sex parenting, was occasionally discussed publicly through the survey. Organisations such as the Australian Catholic Bishops' Conference, the Presbyterian Church of Australia and the Australian National Imams Council all advocated strongly for nuclear family structures during the survey.[184][222][223] A fact check article published in The Conversation, which was based on a review of the literature on outcomes for children of same-sex parents, showed equal or better outcomes for children raised by parents of the same gender.[224] Likewise, a review published late in the survey period by the Medical Journal of Australia agreed with The Conversation's findings, but noted that the effects of being exposed to stigma and discrimination could lead to poorer public health outcomes for the children in same-sex parented families.[225]

Counselling for those impacted and mental health

A number of helplines, counselling services and mental health strategies were made available to LGBTIQ people by several organisations, including the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.[226] Similar services were available for Defence,[227] Victorian local councils[228] and health services such as Alfred Health.[229] State governments in Western Australia, Victoria and Queensland all allocated additional funds, ranging from $60,000 to $500,000, to LGBTIQ mental health services.[230][231][232]

Other groups, such as Slater and Gordon, the Australian Psychological Society and Minus 18 unveiled material and mechanisms designed to offer support and relief for those affected by the debate, such as parents of young children and LGBTIQ teenagers who experienced difficulties dealing with the public discussion.[233][234][235]

The survey period was associated with increases in the number of LGBTIQ people requesting assistance for mental health issues. Reach Out Australia, which lead the pro-same-sex marriage campaign by five mental health services, reported increases (variously at) 20,[236] 30[237] and 40[238][239] per cent in clients during the survey period and crisis support service Lifeline noted a spike in calls about the impact of the survey.[240] Mental health surveys conducted during this period showed that increased exposure to the 'no' campaign was related to increased levels of depression, anxiety, and stress amongst same-sex attracted Australians.[221] Shorten wrote to Turnbull about increasing the funding for mental health services during the survey from the federal budget, but did not receive a response.[241]

Vandalism and abuse

The survey was accompanied by a variety of acts of vandalism and abuse by both parties. In September, a banner reading "Burn Churches, Not Queers" was unfurled at a Coalition for Marriage meeting,[242] and in October several churches in Victoria and New South Wales were graffitied with messages criticising "No" voters.[243][244][245] Similarly, a passenger train on the Sydney Trains network was vandalised with messages encouraging "No" votes, including foul language and the Nazi swastika.[246] The ABC created a digital news service designed to track incidents of violence and abuse throughout the survey, with both "Yes" and "No" voters/organisations being targeted on occasions.[247]

Result

National result

Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey[3]
Choice Votes  %
Referendum passed Yes 7,817,247 61.60
No 4,873,987 38.40
Valid votes 12,691,234 99.71
Invalid or blank votes 36,686 0.29
Total votes 12,727,920 100.00
Registered voters/turnout 16,006,180 79.52
National survey results (excluding invalid votes)
Yes
7,817,247 (61.6%)
No
4,873,987 (38.4%)

50%

State and territory breakdown

The Australian Capital Territory recorded the strongest "Yes" vote at 74% while New South Wales had the lowest level of support at 57.8%.[248] All other jurisdictions had above 60% support, with Victoria the leading state on 64.9% support.[248]

Breakdown of voting by state and territory[3]
State/Territory Yes No Invalid Participation
rate (%)
Votes % Votes %
New South Wales 2,374,362 57.8 1,736,838 42.2 11,036 79.5
Victoria 2,145,629 64.9 1,161,098 35.1 11,028 81.7
Queensland 1,487,060 60.7 961,015 39.3 7,088 77.9
Western Australia 801,575 63.7 455,924 36.3 3,188 78.4
South Australia 592,528 62.5 356,247 37.5 2,778 79.7
Tasmania 191,948 63.6 109,655 36.4 805 79.7
Australian Capital Territory 175,459 74.0 61,520 26.0 534 82.5
Northern Territory 48,686 60.6 31,690 39.4 229 58.4
Total for country 7,817,247 61.6 4,873,987 38.4 36,686 79.5

Electorate breakdown

Demographic factors

Australia's 150 electorates plotted between survey responses and selected demographic characteristics (derived from 2016 Australian census)

A majority of survey participants returned affirmative responses in 133 electorates. The 17 electorates with majority negative responses were predominantly in Western Sydney (12 electorates), as well as rural Queensland (three electorates) and outer suburban Melbourne (two electorates). Defying a national trend, in New South Wales, country participants were more likely to vote yes than their city counterparts.[249]

Most electorates either swung heavily in favour or against same sex marriage. There were only 25 electorates in which the result was between 45 and 55 per cent. In contrast, 41 electorates at the 2016 Australian federal election had two party preferred results within the same degree of margin (±5 per cent). At the 2013 election, 49 electorates were as approximately close.[250]

The heavy concentration of negative responses in working class multicultural Western Sydney led to speculation about what were the underlying economic and demographic factors. The Guardian noted that the portion of persons holding religious beliefs in an electorate was one of the strongest factors, calculating a -0.8 correlation between religion and responding affirmatively. Islam, followed by Oriental Orthodox and Catholicism were the strongest predictors of negative responses. Affirmative responses were correlated to income and education, and to a lesser extent, being born in Australia.[251]

There was a higher percentage of responses to the survey from 18 and 19 year olds than any other age group under 45, despite concerns during the survey period that this group would be disenfranchised.[252]

Aftermath

Marriage Amendment Act

Several hours after the results of the survey were released, Senator Dean Smith introduced the Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Bill 2017 into the Australian Senate.[253] The bill amended the definition of "marriage" in the Marriage Act to recognise a "union of 2 people",[254] which would enable same-sex marriage.[253] The bill drafted by Liberal Senator James Paterson, which would have extended further protections and exemptions for people opposed to same-sex marriage was dropped, with the Senator and several conservative MPs instead deciding to offer amendments to the Smith bill during parliamentary debate.[255] There was some unresolved disagreement by politicians who advocated for a "No" result as to whether further religious protections should be added to the Smith bill as an amendment at this time or whether a later bill for this purpose should be considered.[256]

The bill passed the Senate by 43 votes to 12 on 29 November 2017, with none of the amendments providing further protections and exemptions being accepted.[257] Openly gay MP and same-sex marriage advocate Tim Wilson proposed in Parliament to his partner, Ryan Bolger, who was in the public gallery.[258] Bolger accepted Wilson's proposal. It was the first known engagement on the floor of the House of Representatives.[258] The bill passed the House of Representatives without amendment on 7 December 2017.[4] It received royal assent on 8 December 2017 and came into effect the following day.[259] Existing same-sex marriages performed outside Australia were recognized from 9 December, while new marriages required one month's notice, and so began from 9 January 2018.[260][261] Several couples successfully applied for an exemption from the notice period,[262] and the first legal same-sex wedding under Australian law was held on 15 December 2017, with further weddings occurring the following day.[263][264]

Democratic representation

The survey revealed differences between the views of some MPs and the majority of their constituents on this issue. Several Labor MPs in Western Sydney electorates recommitted to voting in favour of same-sex marriage legislation, despite majority "No" votes among their constituents. Labor Senator Sam Dastyari acknowledged this issue, noting there was a "huge disconnect" of views on same-sex marriage within traditionally Labor-held seats in Western Sydney.[265][266] Similarly, several Liberal MPs and Senators said they would vote "No" irrespective of the result in their electorate or state.[267][268][269]

Reactions

Alex Greenwich of the "Yes" campaign stated the survey results represented a level of "unprecedented support and momentum [that] has exceeded the expectations, not just of this campaign, but any campaign in our history".[270] Spokesperson for the "No" campaign and the Coalition for Marriage, Lyle Shelton said it was a disappointing result, but he accepted and respected the verdict of the people. Tony Abbott said the Parliament should "respect the result".[271]

Speaking immediately after the survey results were released, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull called the outcome "overwhelming" and recommitted to passing same-sex marriage legislation in the Parliament before Christmas.[272] Opposition Leader Bill Shorten shared that commitment and called on conservative MPs in the government to respect the will of the people and not attempt any delaying tactics in the parliament.[273] The verdict announcement was watched and celebrated by tens of thousands of "Yes" supporters in capital cities. In Melbourne, several thousand people gathered outside the State Library of Victoria to watch the results before celebrations began in Melbourne's Lygon Street that evening.[274] The huge "Yes" vote in Victoria prompted Premier Daniel Andrews to label the result reflective of Victoria's reputation as "the most progressive state" in the nation.[275] A large crowd also descended on Prince Alfred Park in Sydney for the announcement, which included high-profile figures Magda Szubanski and Ian Thorpe in attendance.[276] Reflecting on the atmosphere in Sydney, local newspaper The Sydney Morning Herald claimed the results reflected "a momentous civil rights milestone" for Australia.[276] Smaller crowds also gathered in several locations in Canberra, Adelaide and Perth to celebrate the result.[277][278][279] In Canberra (capital city of the Australian Capital Territory, the jurisdiction with the highest "Yes" vote in the country), the results were celebrated festively into the night, as thousands of people forced the closure of Lonsdale Street in the city. Labor Party Senator Penny Wong's appearance onstage at the event "drew thunderous applause from a crowd of thousands".[280]

The results were welcomed by many representatives of Australia's business community. Among the highest profile of them was Qantas CEO Alan Joyce, who called it "an amazing outcome and we should all be very proud of this amazing country", an observation shared by leaders of corporate bodies Telstra and ANZ Bank.[281] Businesses related to the wedding industry, such as florists, bakers and others were poised to reap the benefit of what some projected to be a multi-billion dollar boost to the industry over the following 12 months.[282] The social media coverage of the results announcement was so immense that, with more than 4000 tweets sent every second during the peak of the day, the survey results trend was more than 10 times as popular as Australia's "race that stops the nation", the Melbourne Cup.[283]

In celebration of the "Yes" vote, a Sydney-based visual artist painted a large, "light-hearted mural"[284] on the wall of the Botany View Hotel, Newtown, depicting Tony Abbott with his hand down the pants of Cardinal George Pell.[285] The mural was later defaced and painted over in black paint. The visual artist said he planned to leave the defaced mural as it was, stating "when you're making public art, the reaction is important, the reaction is needed".[286]

Archbishop Denis Hart of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne issued a statement on behalf of the Australian Catholic Bishops' Conference, saying the results did not change the church's understandings of marriage and noting the 4.8 million Australians who voted "No" should have their concerns recognised by "putting in place strong conscience and religious freedom protections".[287] These sentiments were shared by the leaders of the Anglican Church of Australia.[288] Reflecting on the heavily concentrated "No" vote prominent in Western Sydney electorates, Keysar Trad, former president of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils, labelled it "heartening" and praised the role of faith leaders in both the Muslim and Christian communities in the region.[289] Being born overseas has been noted to correlate with a "No" response and religious belief to correlate even more strongly.[290] Social progressives received criticism for allegedly ignoring the "No" vote among Islamic communities, though a Guardian blog argued that religion was connected with the "No" vote.[291][292]

World leaders to congratulate Australia for the result included Nicola Sturgeon (First Minister of Scotland), Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister of Canada) and Theresa May (Prime Minister of the United Kingdom).[293][294]

The survey ran more than $40 million under its projected budget of $122 million.[295] Greens leader Richard Di Natale wrote to the Prime Minister requesting that some of the unused funds be redirected to mental health and other support services for LGBT Australians hurt by the campaign.[239] The survey added $26.3 million in revenue to Australia Post.[296]

Mental health impact

A 2019 University of Sydney study found that the same-sex marriage debate led to elevated psychological distress for lesbian, gay, and bisexual people during the survey period, including increased levels of depression, anxiety and stress.[297][298] The research also found that same-sex attracted Australians benefitted from public displays of support from family and friends, which increased their resilience during the process.[298] Another 2019 study conducted for the Australia Institute similarly found that "the marriage equality debate represented an acute external minority stress event that had measurable negative impacts on mental health of LGBTIQ people and their allies".[299]

See also

Other same-sex marriage referendums

Notes

  1. Among respondents who voted already.
  2. Among all respondents, whether they had voted already or not.
  3. Among respondents who have not yet voted.
  4. 21% of respondents refused to answer the question or declared no intention to vote.
  5. The Yes figure is a combination of people who say they have already voted yes (64.3%) and people who say they still intend to vote yes (6%). The No figure is a combination of people who say they have already voted no (15.5%) and people who say they still intend to vote no (5.7%). An additional 5.7% say that they do not intend to vote and 2.8% say they have not received a survey form.
  6. 17% of respondents said they had not voted and 4% were "uncommitted"
  7. 14% of respondents said they had not voted.
  8. The undecided number included 5% who say they "may or may not" participate and 2% who are "uncommitted".
  9. The poll asked respondents if they were "very likely, somewhat likely, somewhat unlikely or very unlikely" to participate in the survey, and did not give an option of being undecided.
  10. The undecided number included 9% who say they "may or may not" participate and 3% who are "uncommitted".
  11. The political party of the electorate's member at the time.

    References

    1. "Report on the conduct of the Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey" (PDF). Australian Bureau of Statistics. 30 January 2018. Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 February 2018. Refer to page 56 of the report.
    2. "About: Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey". Australian Bureau of Statistics. 12 September 2017. Archived from the original on 8 November 2017.
    3. "Results: Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey". Australian Bureau of Statistics. 15 November 2017. Archived from the original on 17 November 2017.
    4. "Same-sex marriage bill passes House of Representatives, paving way for first gay weddings". ABC News. 7 December 2017.
    5. Barlow, Karen (10 August 2017). "Marriage Equality Proponents Are Considering A Boycott Which Would Let The 'No' Case Win". Huffington Post Australia. Archived from the original on 12 September 2017. Retrieved 12 September 2017.
    6. The definition is found in Hyde v Hyde (1866) {L.R.} 1 P. & D. 130
    7. "Marriage Amendment Act 2004". comlaw.gov.au.
    8. Elphick, Liam. "Do same-sex couples really have the same rights as married couples?". SBS News. Archived from the original on 15 September 2017. Retrieved 15 September 2017.
    9. "Fact check: Do same-sex couples in a settled domestic relationship have the same rights as married couples?". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 3 October 2017. Archived from the original on 7 October 2017. Retrieved 7 October 2017.
    10. "Advisory report on the Marriage Equality Amendment Bill 2012 and Marriage Amendment Bill 2012 : Chapter 3 Values in Australian society". Parliament of Australia. 18 June 2012. Archived from the original on 16 September 2017. Retrieved 16 September 2017.
    11. Michael Koziol (3 July 2016). "Election 2016: Same-sex marriage plebiscite hanging by a thread". Fairfax Media. The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 6 July 2016.
    12. "Senior Australian MP calls for gay marriage referendum". BBC News. 25 August 2015. Archived from the original on 30 September 2017. Retrieved 30 September 2017.
    13. Lane Sainty (20 October 2016). "The Marriage Equality Plebiscite Bill Has Passed The House Of Representatives". BuzzFeed News. Archived from the original on 12 February 2017.
    14. "Marriage equality plebiscite bill voted down in Senate". Guardian. 7 November 2016. Archived from the original on 7 November 2016.
    15. Knott, Matthew (22 March 2017). "Peter Dutton working behind the scenes to legislate same-sex marriage before CEO spray". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 19 May 2017. Retrieved 31 August 2017.
    16. Knott, Matthew (23 March 2017). "Same-sex marriage: Peter Dutton confirms push for a postal vote plebiscite". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 5 September 2017. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
    17. Koziol, Michael (17 November 2017). "The young staffer who saved the postal survey and gave Australia marriage equality". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 11 March 2018.
    18. Spagnolo, Joe (6 August 2017). "Same-sex marriage: WA Liberal senator Dean Smith to defy Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull with bill". Perth Now. Archived from the original on 6 August 2017. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
    19. "Same-sex marriage: Malcolm Turnbull sets date for $122m postal vote as doomed plebiscite heads to the Senate". ABC News. 8 August 2017. Archived from the original on 8 August 2017.
    20. "Same-sex marriage: High Court challenge to be lodged against postal vote". SBS News. 9 August 2017.
    21. "Census and Statistics (Statistical Information) Direction 2017". Federal Register of Legislation. 9 August 2017. Archived from the original on 10 August 2017.
    22. "Explanatory Statement: Census and Statistics (Statistical Information) Direction 2017". Federal Register of Legislation. 9 August 2017. Archived from the original on 10 August 2017.
    23. "What is the High Court challenge to the same-sex marriage postal poll all about?". ABC News. 13 August 2017. Archived from the original on 13 August 2017. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
    24. "Press Conference with Senator the Hon. Mathias Cormann, Acting Special Minister of State". Prime Minister of Australia. Archived from the original on 10 August 2017. Retrieved 10 August 2017.
    25. Louise Yaxley (11 August 2017). "Same-sex marriage: Labor to hold PM responsible for 'every hurtful bit of filth … debate will unleash'". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on 25 August 2017. Retrieved 26 August 2017.
    26. Koziol, Michael (7 September 2017). "Turnbull government discussing ways to hold postal survey even if it is rejected by High Court". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 7 September 2017. Retrieved 7 September 2017.
    27. "AEC's online enrolment check facility online and available". Australian Electoral Commission. Archived from the original on 14 August 2017.
    28. "The electoral roll increased by 16,990 between 8 & 14 August. 215,863 enrolment update transactions also processed in this timeframe #auspol". @AusElectoralCom. Twitter.com. 14 August 2017. Archived from the original on 15 November 2017. Retrieved 15 August 2017.
    29. "The electoral roll increased by 36,769 between 8 & 20 August. 434,026 enrolment update transactions also processed in this timeframe #auspol". @AusElectoralCom. Twitter.com. 20 August 2017. Archived from the original on 21 August 2017. Retrieved 21 August 2017.
    30. "The electoral roll has increased by 54,545 between 8 & 22 August. 577,879 total enrolment transactions processed in this timeframe #auspol". @AusElectoralCom. 22 August 2017. Archived from the original on 23 August 2017. Retrieved 23 August 2017.
    31. "16 million Australians enrolled – the largest roll since federation". Australian Electoral Commission. Archived from the original on 25 August 2017. Retrieved 25 August 2017.
    32. "Education Minister gives No campaigners dressing-down for linking SSM to Safe Schools". ABC News. 30 August 2017. Archived from the original on 30 August 2017. Retrieved 30 August 2017.
    33. "Enrolment processing for the marriage survey completed". Australian Electoral Commission. AEC. Archived from the original on 31 August 2017. Retrieved 30 August 2017.
    34. "Infographic: Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey Results" (PDF). Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey. 15 November 2017. Archived (PDF) from the original on 15 November 2017.
    35. "Senate Standing Committees on Finance and Public Administration; Arrangements for the postal survey". www.aph.gov.au. Archived from the original on 16 February 2018.
    36. "Report on the postal survey" (PDF). Parliament of Australia. 13 February 2018.
    37. "Key Dates: Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey". marriagesurvey.abs.gov.au. Australian Bureau of Statistics. 12 September 2017. Archived from the original on 24 October 2017.
    38. "Same-sex marriage postal survey given green light". ABC News. 7 September 2017. Archived from the original on 7 September 2017. Retrieved 7 September 2017.
    39. Karp, Paul (9 August 2017). "Marriage equality postal vote to be challenged in high court by Andrew Wilkie and advocates". Guardian Australia. Archived from the original on 9 August 2017. Retrieved 9 August 2017.
    40. "Submissions for Wilkie, Marlowe and Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays" (PDF). 23 August 2017. Archived (PDF) from the original on 24 August 2017 via Hcourt.gov.au.
    41. "Marriage equality campaign launches High Court challenge against postal plebiscite". Human Rights Law Centre. 10 August 2017. Archived from the original on 10 August 2017.
    42. "Submissions for Australian Marriage Equality and Rice" (PDF). 23 August 2017. Archived (PDF) from the original on 24 August 2017 via Hcourt.gov.au.
    43. "Schoolboy, 17, lodges discrimination complaint over same-sex marriage survey". The Guardian. 23 August 2017. Archived from the original on 24 August 2017.
    44. "Meet The Teen Who Wants To Take The Govt To Court Over The Marriage Survey". Junkee.com. 25 August 2017. Archived from the original on 24 September 2017.
    45. "Schooboy drops age discrimination complaint against same-sex marriage survey". The Guardian. 25 September 2017. Archived from the original on 25 September 2017.
    46. "SSM: High Court rules Government can run same-sex marriage postal survey". ABC News. 7 September 2017. Archived from the original on 7 September 2017.
    47. Davey, Melissa; Karp, Paul (7 September 2017). "Same-sex marriage postal survey is lawful, high court finds". Guardian. Archived from the original on 7 September 2017.
    48. Koziol, Michael (7 September 2017). "High Court gives the green light to the same-sex marriage survey". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 7 September 2017.
    49. Wilkie v Commonwealth; Australian Marriage Equality v Minister for Finance [2017] HCA 40 (28 September 2017), High Court.
    50. "Judgment summary" (PDF). High Court. 28 September 2017. Archived (PDF) from the original on 28 September 2017.
    51. "Same-sex marriage: How to vote in the postal plebiscite". SBS News. 10 August 2017. Archived from the original on 10 August 2017.
    52. "Fears Indigenous people in remote areas will be left out in postal plebiscite". SBS News. 10 August 2017. Archived from the original on 10 August 2017.
    53. "Silent voters to vote in gay marriage survey". Sky News. 16 August 2017. Archived from the original on 21 August 2017.
    54. Elton-Pym, James (18 August 2017). "Same-sex marriage postal vote: Remote Indigenous towns will get phone or online option". SBS. Archived from the original on 21 August 2017.
    55. "Postal Plebiscite: Aussies Overseas May Have Access To A 'Paperless Vote'". Huffington Post. 17 August 2017. Archived from the original on 21 August 2017.
    56. Workman, Alice. "Some Prisoners Will Be Allowed To Vote In The Same-Sex Marriage Postal Survey". BuzzFeed. Archived from the original on 18 September 2017.
    57. "Hasty Marriage Postal Survey Could Leave Non-English Speakers Voiceless". BuzzFeed. Archived from the original on 1 September 2017. Retrieved 25 August 2017.
    58. "Same-sex marriage: Why will the ABS be in charge of the postal plebiscite?". ABC News. 9 August 2017. Archived from the original on 21 August 2017.
    59. "Why some Aussies might not be able to vote on same-sex marriage". ABC News. 10 August 2017. Archived from the original on 15 November 2017.
    60. Barlow, Karen (9 August 2017). "The Postal Vote On Same-Sex Marriage Is Now In Play". Huffington Post. Archived from the original on 23 August 2017.
    61. "Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey". www.abs.gov.au. Australian Bureau of Statistics. Archived from the original on 25 August 2017. Retrieved 26 August 2017.
    62. ABS (1 September 2017). "Privacy Policy". marriagesurvey.abs.gov.au. Archived from the original on 14 September 2017. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
    63. "Special Inclusions Strategies". www.abs.gov.au. Australian Bureau of Statistics. Archived from the original on 26 August 2017. Retrieved 26 August 2017.
    64. Lawson, Kirsten (23 August 2017). "ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr offers to make proxy vote for anyone in plebiscite". The Canberra Times. Archived from the original on 24 October 2017.
    65. Burgess, Katie (24 August 2017). "Giulia Jones says marriage about 'men growing up' as two take Andrew Barr up on proxy vote offer". The Canberra Times. Archived from the original on 25 August 2017. Retrieved 25 August 2017.
    66. McGowan, Michael (6 October 2017). "Same-sex marriage survey: count watchers bound by lifetime secrecy". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 6 October 2017. Retrieved 7 October 2017.
    67. Sainty, Lane (8 September 2017). "People Are Trying To Sell Their Same-Sex Marriage Survey Forms Online". BuzzFeed. Archived from the original on 9 September 2017. Retrieved 9 September 2017.
    68. ABS (14 September 2017). "Safeguards". marriagesurvey.abs.gov.au. Archived from the original on 30 September 2017. Retrieved 30 September 2017.
    69. "Postal Survey Will Be "Census Fail 2.0", Say Public Servants Working On Online Voting". BuzzFeed. Archived from the original on 12 September 2017. Retrieved 12 September 2017.
    70. "How The Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey Went Online". Lifehacker Australia. 12 April 2018. Retrieved 14 May 2018.
    71. "Main Features - Survey process". www.abs.gov.au. 15 November 2017.
    72. "Political opponents unite for 'grace and kindness' in same-sex marriage ads". ABC News. 8 September 2017. Archived from the original on 8 September 2017. Retrieved 9 September 2017.
    73. "Same-sex marriage: Government and Labor agree on laws to protect against 'vilification'". ABC News. 12 September 2017. Archived from the original on 13 September 2017.
    74. "Legislative Overview: Marriage Law Survey (Additional Safeguards) Bill 2017". Parliament of Australia. 13 September 2017. Archived from the original on 13 September 2017.
    75. "Marriage Law Survey (Additional Safeguards) Act 2017". Federal Register of Legislation. 14 September 2017. Archived from the original on 14 September 2017.
    76. "PM says postal survey's lack of legal protections is not a concern". OutinPerth. 10 August 2017. Archived from the original on 10 August 2017.
    77. "No ban on foreign donations for gay marriage vote, government says". Australian Financial Review. 24 August 2017. Archived from the original on 26 August 2017. Retrieved 25 August 2017.
    78. "Unenrolled voters have 14 days to register before same-sex marriage postal plebiscite". SBS News. 10 August 2017. Archived from the original on 10 August 2017.
    79. "Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey Rules". www.abs.gov.au. Australian Bureau of Statistics. Archived from the original on 25 August 2017. Retrieved 30 August 2017.
    80. "Marriage law survey – 16 and 17 year olds". Australian Electoral Commission. 11 August 2017. Archived from the original on 13 August 2017. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
    81. "Confirming eligibility to participate in the Marriage Law Postal Survey | Minister for Finance". www.financeminister.gov.au. Minister for Finance. Archived from the original on 28 August 2017. Retrieved 28 August 2017.
    82. Karp, Paul (23 August 2017). "Schoolboy, 17, lodges discrimination complaint over same-sex marriage survey". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 24 August 2017. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
    83. ABS (1 September 2017). "Your postal survey". marriagesurvey.abs.gov.au. Archived from the original on 11 September 2017. Retrieved 26 September 2017.
    84. AEC (25 September 2017). "Silent electors should expect to receive the survey by the end of Sept. If you don't then call the AEC on 02 6271 4441". @AusElectoralCom. Archived from the original on 15 November 2017. Retrieved 26 September 2017.
    85. "Don't Post Pictures Of Your Entire Same-Sex Marriage Survey Form Online, Says ABS". BuzzFeed. 13 September 2017. Archived from the original on 13 September 2017.
    86. "How To Complete Your Survey" (PDF). Australian Bureau of Statistics. 12 September 2017. Archived (PDF) from the original on 14 September 2017.
    87. "What to do when an extra same-sex marriage survey form lands in your mailbox". ABC News. 15 September 2017. Archived from the original on 15 September 2017. Retrieved 15 September 2017.
    88. ABS (1 September 2017). "FAQ". marriagesurvey.abs.gov.au. Archived from the original on 2 October 2017. Retrieved 30 September 2017.
    89. "Same-sex marriage survey: Concerns over people boasting of multiple votes". SBS News. Archived from the original on 16 September 2017. Retrieved 17 September 2017.
    90. "Media Release – Have You Received Your Marriage Law Survey?". Australian Bureau of Statistics. 25 September 2017. Archived from the original on 25 September 2017.
    91. ABS (1 September 2017). "FAQ". marriagesurvey.abs.gov.au. Archived from the original on 26 September 2017. Retrieved 26 September 2017.
    92. "External observers | Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey". marriagesurvey.abs.gov.au. Australian Bureau of Statistics. Archived from the original on 15 November 2017. Retrieved 19 November 2017.
    93. "Quality and integrity statement | Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey". marriagesurvey.abs.gov.au. ABS. Archived from the original on 15 November 2017. Retrieved 19 November 2017.
    94. "Media Release – ABS to publish weekly estimate of Marriage Law Postal Surveys received". Australian Bureau of Statistics. 28 September 2017. Archived from the original on 28 September 2017.
    95. "News Alerts; weekly estimates". Australian Bureau of Statistics. 3 October – 7 November 2017. Archived from the original on 12 November 2017.
    96. Johnson, Carol; Maddox, Marion (28 August 2017). "Talk of same-sex marriage impinging on religious freedom is misconceived: here's why". The Conversation. Archived from the original on 28 August 2017. Retrieved 28 August 2017.
    97. "Select Committee on the Exposure Draft of the Marriage Amendment (Same-Sex Marriage) Bill". Parliament House, Canberra. February 2017. Retrieved 29 August 2017.
    98. Senator Smith (15 November 2017). "Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Bill 2017". The Senate: Parliament House Canberra. Retrieved 20 November 2017.
    99. Langford, Sam (29 August 2017). "Mark Latham's Marriage Equality Rant Accidentally Raises An Important Issue". Junkee. Archived from the original on 29 August 2017. Retrieved 29 August 2017.
    100. Latham, Mark (29 August 2017). "Same-Sex yes vote will open a can of worms". Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 29 August 2017.
    101. "Same-sex marriage bill: conservative MPs warn Malcolm Turnbull there could be up to 100 amendments". The West Australian. 30 October 2017. Archived from the original on 31 October 2017.
    102. Karp, Paul (10 November 2017). "Greens ready to back Dean Smith marriage equality bill as consensus option". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 12 November 2017. Retrieved 13 November 2017.
    103. "Labor rules out extra religious freedoms in same-sex marriage bill". The Guardian. 17 October 2017. Archived from the original on 25 October 2017.
    104. Benson, Simon (13 November 2017). "Conservative Libs to offer new gay marriage bill". www.theaustralian.com.au. Retrieved 13 November 2017.
    105. Collett, Michael (13 November 2017). "Same-sex marriage: Why has Senator James Paterson written an alternative bill?". ABC News. Archived from the original on 13 November 2017. Retrieved 13 November 2017.
    106. "Rival same-sex marriage bill to trigger Coalition showdown". The Guardian. 13 November 2017. Archived from the original on 13 November 2017.
    107. "Turnbull flatly rejects same-sex marriage bill that legalises discrimination". The Guardian. 14 November 2017. Archived from the original on 14 November 2017.
    108. Grattan, Michelle. "Australians vote overwhelmingly to legalise same-sex marriage". The Conversation. Retrieved 17 November 2017.
    109. "Labor Party agrees to maintain conscience vote on same-sex marriage for next two terms of government". ABC News. 26 July 2015. Archived from the original on 12 August 2017. Retrieved 12 August 2017.
    110. "Turnbull's team off on the same-sex marriage plebiscite trail". The Australian. 12 August 2017.
    111. "MPs may ignore electorates with lowest support for same-sex marriage". ABC News. 13 September 2017. Archived from the original on 14 September 2017. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
    112. "Here's How Millions In Taxpayer Money Could Be Used On The "Yes" And "No" Same-Sex Marriage Campaigns". BuzzFeed. 10 August 2017. Archived from the original on 1 September 2017. Retrieved 14 August 2017.
    113. "Same-sex marriage: Labor to hold PM responsible for 'every hurtful bit of filth...debate will unleash'". ABC News. 10 August 2017. Archived from the original on 25 August 2017.
    114. "Tweet by Sarah Hanson-Young". Twitter. 10 August 2017. Bob's right, time to throw everything we got at this to win the Yes campaign for #MarriageEquality @BobBrownFndn
      "CHOOSE LOVE. VOTE YES". The Greens. August 2017. Retrieved 18 August 2017.
    115. "Policy Principles". Nick Xenophon Team. 1 March 2017. Archived from the original on 30 June 2017. Retrieved 12 August 2017.
    116. "Lifestyle Choices". Liberal Democratic Party. Archived from the original on 14 August 2017.
    117. "Derryn Hinch, Labor's Sam Dastyari share cake, kiss outside Parliament as gay marriage debate continues". The Daily Telegraph (Sydney). 10 August 2017. Archived from the original on 17 August 2017. Retrieved 12 August 2017.
    118. "Christians plan to target Coalition". The Australian. 8 August 2017.
    119. "Core Values and Principles". Katter's Australian Party. Archived from the original on 2 July 2017. Retrieved 12 August 2017.
    120. "Our Aims". Pauline Hanson's One Nation. Archived from the original on 6 July 2016. Retrieved 12 August 2017.
    121. "Jacqui Lambie gay marriage views might surprise you". Mamamia.com.au. 22 February 2017. Retrieved 12 August 2017.
      "Conscience Votes". Jacqui Lambie Network. 20 June 2014. Archived from the original on 12 August 2017. Retrieved 12 August 2017.
    122. "Labor to campaign for 'yes' on same-sex marriage despite opposition to postal vote: Dreyfus". Radio National. 11 August 2017. Archived from the original on 15 November 2017. Retrieved 2 September 2017.
    123. Hutchens, Gareth (27 August 2017). "Nick Greiner denounces 'religious freedom' argument against marriage equality". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 28 August 2017. Retrieved 28 August 2017.
    124. "'The country is saying yes to me': Australians celebrate vote in support of same-sex marriage". CBC. 15 November 2017. Retrieved 20 August 2023.
    125. "Gay marriage advocates prepare for Australian postal vote". NBC News. 11 September 2017. Retrieved 20 August 2023.
    126. "Coalition for marriage partners". Archived from the original on 26 August 2017. Retrieved 26 August 2017.
    127. Devine, Miranda (14 August 2017). "Gay marriage lobby holds the aces, but the silent majority is stirring". news.com.au. News Corp Australia. Archived from the original on 19 August 2017. Retrieved 19 August 2017.
    128. Gregory, Katherine (14 August 2017). "Same-sex marriage: Coalition for Marriage joins No campaign, says it is voice for 'silent majority'". ABC News. Archived from the original on 19 August 2017. Retrieved 19 August 2017.
    129. Paul Karp (26 August 2017). "Inside the marriage equality campaign: 'You don't want to talk exclusively to your bubble'". The Guardian. Guardian News and Media. Archived from the original on 26 August 2017. Retrieved 26 August 2017.
    130. "The Essential Report: 4 July 2017" (PDF). Essential Media Communications. 4 July 2017. Archived (PDF) from the original on 9 August 2017.
    131. "Large majority of Australians (76%) in favour of allowing gay marriage". Archived from the original on 9 August 2017.
    132. Phillip Coorey (16 June 2015). "Fairfax/Ipsos poll: Gay marriage support at record". Australian Financial Review. Archived from the original on 29 July 2015.
    133. Murphy, Katharine (8 August 2017). "Marriage equality: voters want issue settled before election – Guardian Essential poll". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 21 August 2017. Retrieved 21 August 2017.
    134. Murphy, Katharine (15 August 2017). "Public mood turns against marriage equality postal vote, poll shows". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 19 August 2017. Retrieved 21 August 2017.
    135. Sainty, Lane (30 October 2017). "Some LGBT People Are Boycotting The Same-Sex Marriage Survey". BuzzFeed. Archived from the original on 30 October 2017. Retrieved 2 November 2017.
    136. "Here's Everything That Happened On The First Day Of The Senate's Same-Sex Marriage Debate". BuzzFeed. Retrieved 19 November 2017.
    137. Crowe, David (14 November 2017). "It's a Yes as SSM support gathers pace in the post: Newspoll". The Australian. Retrieved 14 November 2017.
    138. Murphy, Katharine (6 November 2017). "Yes vote on top as marriage survey closes – Guardian Essential poll". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 6 November 2017. Retrieved 6 November 2017.
    139. "The Essential Report: 7 November 2017" (PDF). Essential Research. 7 November 2017. Archived (PDF) from the original on 7 November 2017. Retrieved 7 November 2017.
    140. Sainty, Lane (1 November 2017). "Almost 80% Of Australians Don't Want An Unequal Same-Sex Marriage Law". BuzzFeed. Archived from the original on 2 November 2017. Retrieved 2 November 2017.
    141. Power, Shannon (1 November 2017). "Poll shows 78% of Australians support marriage equality". Gay Star News. Archived from the original on 2 November 2017. Retrieved 2 November 2017.
    142. Phil, Coorey (1 November 2017). "Print Equality and fairness key drivers behind the Yes vote: poll". The Australian Financial Review. Archived from the original on 7 November 2017. Retrieved 1 November 2017.
    143. Crowe, David (1 November 2017). "Newspoll: same-sex support grows as survey deadline looms". The Australian. Retrieved 1 November 2017.
    144. "Poll shows support for marriage equality growing in final days of campaign". Out in Perth. 1 November 2017. Archived from the original on 1 November 2017. Retrieved 1 November 2017.
    145. Murphy, Katharine (23 October 2017). "Sixty per cent of postal survey voters have said yes to marriage equality – Guardian Essential poll". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 24 October 2017. Retrieved 24 October 2017.
    146. "The Essential Report: 24 October 2017" (PDF). Essential Research. 24 October 2017. Archived (PDF) from the original on 24 October 2017. Retrieved 24 October 2017.
    147. "YouGov / Fifty Acres Survey Results 12–16 October 2017" (PDF). YouGov. 17 October 2017. Archived (PDF) from the original on 18 October 2017. Retrieved 17 October 2017.
    148. "More Australians vote yes for same sex marriage, support stricter gun laws and a clean energy target". Fifty Acres. 17 October 2017. Archived from the original on 18 October 2017. Retrieved 17 October 2017.
    149. Crowe, David (17 October 2017). "Yes leads on votes cast as No closes gap: Newspoll". The Australian. Retrieved 17 October 2017.
    150. "Australians are voting in favour of same sex marriage". Roy Morgan Research. 13 October 2017. Archived from the original on 13 October 2017. Retrieved 14 October 2017.
    151. "Poll shows strong turnout for marriage vote". Sky News Australia. 2 October 2017. Archived from the original on 2 October 2017. Retrieved 2 October 2017.
    152. "'Yes' campaign on track to win big amid huge turnout, new poll suggests". The New Daily. 2 October 2017. Archived from the original on 2 October 2017.
    153. Murphy, Katharine (4 October 2017). "Support for marriage equality rises in Guardian Essential poll". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 4 October 2017. Retrieved 4 October 2017.
    154. "The Essential Report: 3 October 2017" (PDF). Essential Research. 3 October 2017. Archived (PDF) from the original on 4 October 2017. Retrieved 4 October 2017.
    155. Karp, Paul (25 September 2017). "Marriage equality support rebounds and yes side leads in voting – Guardian Essential poll". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 25 September 2017. Retrieved 25 September 2017.
    156. "The Essential Report: 26 September 2017" (PDF). Essential Research. 26 September 2017. Archived (PDF) from the original on 26 September 2017. Retrieved 26 September 2017.
    157. "Newspoll: 'Yes' vote losing ground". The Australian. 24 September 2017. Retrieved 24 September 2017.
    158. Murphy, Katharine (18 September 2017). "Marriage equality support falls but yes vote still leads – Guardian Essential poll". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 18 September 2017. Retrieved 18 September 2017.
    159. "The Essential Report: 19 September 2017" (PDF). Essential Research. 19 September 2017. Archived (PDF) from the original on 22 September 2017. Retrieved 19 September 2017.
    160. "YouGov / Fifty Acres Survey Results 14–18 September 2017" (PDF). YouGov. 21 September 2017. Archived (PDF) from the original on 21 September 2017. Retrieved 21 September 2017.
    161. "Yes vote for same sex marriage has overwhelming support". Fifty Acres. 21 September 2017. Archived from the original on 21 September 2017. Retrieved 21 September 2017.
    162. Koziol, Michael (11 September 2017). "Fairfax-Ipsos poll shows 70 per cent support for same-sex marriage among those 'certain' to vote". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 12 September 2017. Retrieved 11 September 2017.
    163. Massola, James; Koziol, Michael (9 September 2017). "Support for same-sex marriage falling and 'no' vote rising, advocate polling shows". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 9 September 2017. Retrieved 8 September 2017.
    164. Murphy, Katharine (5 September 2017). "Most voters want Australia Day to stay on 26 January – Guardian Essential poll". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 5 September 2017. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
    165. "The Essential Report: 5 September 2017" (PDF). Essential Research. 5 September 2017. Archived (PDF) from the original on 13 September 2017. Retrieved 13 September 2017.
    166. "Most support marriage equality and 80% plan to vote in survey – Guardian Essential poll". The Guardian. 22 August 2017. Archived from the original on 22 August 2017.
    167. "The Guardian Essential Report, 22 August results". The Guardian. 22 August 2017. Archived from the original on 22 August 2017.
    168. "Australians want Barnaby Joyce to step aside until high court citizenship decision". YouGov. 22 August 2017. Archived from the original on 21 November 2017. Retrieved 21 November 2017.
    169. "Australians want Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce to step aside until high court citizenship decision, YouGov-Fifty Acres poll shows". Archived from the original on 22 August 2017. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
    170. "Same-sex marriage must protect religious freedom: Newspoll". The Australian. 21 August 2017.
    171. "Coalition position worsens in Newspoll to trail 46–54%". The Conversation. 21 August 2017. Archived from the original on 21 August 2017.
    172. Karp, Paul (2 October 2017). "Marriage equality poll shows 77% have now voted in postal survey". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 2 October 2017. Retrieved 2 October 2017.
    173. "Full SKY NEWS ReachTel results". Sky News. 24 August 2017. Archived (PDF) from the original on 24 August 2017. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
    174. Burgess, Kate (29 August 2017). "The ACT's new rainbow buses revealed to promote same-sex marriage 'yes' case". The Canberra Times. Archived from the original on 29 August 2017. Retrieved 28 September 2017.
    175. Burdon, Daniel (24 August 2017). "ACT same-sex marriage campaign to cost $45,000". The Canberra Times. Archived from the original on 26 August 2017. Retrieved 26 August 2017.
    176. Karp, Paul (28 August 2017). "City of Sydney to urge yes vote in marriage equality survey". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 2 September 2017. Retrieved 2 September 2017.
    177. Burgess, Katie (24 August 2017). "ACT public servants warned against campaigning in same-sex marriage postal vote in uniform". Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 24 August 2017. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
    178. Burgess, Katie (29 August 2017). "The ACT's new rainbow buses revealed to promote same-sex marriage 'yes' case". The Canberra Times. Archived from the original on 29 August 2017. Retrieved 29 August 2017.
    179. Larouche, Emma (17 August 2017). "Criticism after 'yes' same-sex marriage campaign dips into taxpayer money". 9News. Archived from the original on 18 August 2017. Retrieved 18 August 2017.
    180. Gardiner, Ed (22 August 2017). "Darebin Council backs down on plans to oppose 'no' side in same-sex marriage debate". Herald Sun. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
    181. Shanahan, Dennis (10 August 2017). "John Howard joins Tony Abbott in campaigning against same-sex marriage". The Australian. Retrieved 29 September 2017.
    182. Wearne, Phoebe (29 September 2017). "Former Prime Minister John Howard says legalising same-sex marriage would have wide implications in No advert". The West. Archived from the original on 29 September 2017. Retrieved 29 September 2017.
    183. Lane, Sabra (31 August 2017). "Same-sex marriage: John Howard wants more detail on religious exemptions ahead of same-sex marriage survey". ABC News. Archived from the original on 16 September 2017. Retrieved 29 September 2017.
    184. Australian Catholic Bishops' Conference. "Plebiscite on marriage". Australian Catholic Bishops' Conference. Archived from the original on 18 September 2017. Retrieved 29 September 2017.
    185. Kelly, Joe (22 August 2017). "Coalition in danger of fight with Catholics on same-sex marriage". The Australian. Retrieved 29 September 2017.
    186. Johnson, Carol; Maddox, Marion (28 August 2017). "Talk of same-sex marriage impinging on religious freedom is misconceived: here's why". The Conversation. Archived from the original on 25 September 2017. Retrieved 29 September 2017.
    187. Hutchens, Gareth (27 August 2017). "Nick Greiner denounces 'religious freedom' argument against marriage equality". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 14 September 2017. Retrieved 29 September 2017.
    188. Brown, Greg (1 September 2017). "Yes bigotry 'is worse than racism'". The Australian. Retrieved 29 September 2017.
    189. Crowe, David (16 September 2017). "Turnbull's focus on religious freedom after Howard SSM blast". The Australian. Retrieved 1 October 2017.
    190. Rajca, Jennifer (15 September 2017). "Leaders back religious rights for marriage". The West Australian. Archived from the original on 15 September 2017. Retrieved 1 October 2017.
    191. Karp, Paul (20 October 2017). "Marriage equality opponents call for broad right to discriminate". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 22 October 2017. Retrieved 22 October 2017.
    192. "Four In Five Australians Don't Want An Unequal Same-Sex Marriage Law: Poll". BuzzFeed. 1 November 2017. Archived from the original on 2 November 2017.
    193. Koziol, Michael (22 November 2017). "Philip Ruddock review into religious freedom fails to deter conservative MPs from attack on marriage bill". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 11 March 2018.
    194. "Religious Freedom Review Terms of Reference". pmc.gov.au. 12 December 2017. Retrieved 11 March 2018.
    195. Doran, Matthew (13 December 2018). "Religious discrimination act to form part of Coalition election platform". ABC News. Retrieved 15 December 2018.
    196. "Read the full 20 recommendations from the religious freedom review". The Sydney Morning Herald. 11 October 2018. Retrieved 16 October 2018.
    197. Paul Karp, (29 August 2017), Coalition for Marriage ad blitz links marriage equality to gender education: No campaign ads claim schools will allow boys to wear dresses and compel students to role play same-sex relationships, The Guardian Archived 29 August 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 1 September 2017
    198. "Same-sex marriage campaigners hit back with Yes advertisement". ABC News. 30 August 2017. Archived from the original on 30 August 2017. Retrieved 31 August 2017.
    199. "Turnbull defends same-sex marriage 'No' campaigners". news.com.au. 18 September 2017. Archived from the original on 29 October 2017. Retrieved 29 October 2017.
    200. "'NO' written in the sky above Melbourne". 3AW. 10 October 2017. Retrieved 18 November 2020.
    201. "Australia falls in love with The Bachelor's marriage equality ad". The Sydney Morning Herald. 14 September 2017. Archived from the original on 16 September 2017.
    202. "'LET's GET IT DONE': Olympic legend Ian Thorpe stars in the new marriage equality ad". Business Insider Australia. 7 September 2017. Archived from the original on 16 September 2017.
    203. "Plibersek defends text messages urging Yes vote in same-sex marriage survey". ABC News. 24 September 2017. Archived from the original on 14 October 2017. Retrieved 15 October 2017.
    204. "'No' campaign targets 'The Gender Fairy' in new ad". SBS. 16 September 2017. Archived from the original on 16 September 2017. Retrieved 16 September 2017.
    205. Brook, Benedict (16 September 2017). "Anti-same-sex marriage groups officially launch 'no' campaign". News Ltd. Archived from the original on 17 September 2017. Retrieved 17 September 2017.
    206. "'No' campaign's TV ad deemed too explicit, banned from airing until late at night". News Ltd. 23 October 2017. Archived from the original on 23 October 2017. Retrieved 23 October 2017.
    207. Urban, Rebecca (23 October 2017). "Ad campaign safe for schools, not TV". The Australian. Retrieved 23 October 2017.
    208. Knaus, Christopher (21 September 2017). "Lyle Shelton gets more media mentions than all three leading yes campaigners". The Guardian. Retrieved 20 November 2017.
    209. "A Bloody Legend Has Made A 'No Hate Mail' Sticker To Get You Through The Plebiscite". Pedestrian.tv. 12 August 2017. Archived from the original on 29 October 2017. Retrieved 29 October 2017.
    210. "Postal survey protection laws pass parliament". Sky News. 13 September 2017. Archived from the original on 16 September 2017.
    211. "People Vilifying LGBTI Or Religious People In The Same-Sex Marriage Survey Could Be Slapped With A $12k Fine". BuzzFeed. 12 September 2017. Archived from the original on 12 September 2017.
    212. "Same-sex marriage plebiscite: Huge difference in 'Yes' and 'No' advertising dollars". The West Australian. 26 September 2017. Archived from the original on 26 September 2017.
    213. "Qantas boss Allan Joyce donates $1 million to yes campaign for gay marriage". News.com.au. 13 September 2017. Archived from the original on 14 September 2017.
    214. "The Sydney Anglican Diocese Has Handed Over $1 Million To The "No" Campaign". BuzzFeed. 7 October 2017. Archived from the original on 10 October 2017.
    215. Taylor, Josh (2 November 2017). "The "No" Side In The Same-Sex Marriage Debate Has Raised $6 Million, According To Tony Abbott". BuzzFeed. Archived from the original on 7 November 2017. Retrieved 2 November 2017.
    216. "MACKLEMORE ANNOUNCES ERIC NALLY, MARY LAMBERT WILL PERFORM AT THE NRL GRAND FINAL". The Daily Telegraph. 22 September 2017. Retrieved 30 September 2017.
    217. Bungard, Matt (28 September 2017). "NRL grand final 2017: Macklemore song Same Love surges up Australian iTunes charts after controversy". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 30 September 2017. Retrieved 30 September 2017.
    218. Mack, Emmy (27 September 2017). "'No' Campaigners Are Trying To Ban Macklemore From Singing 'Same Love' At The NRL Grand Final". Music Feeds. Archived from the original on 30 September 2017. Retrieved 30 September 2017.
    219. Holman, Julia (28 September 2017). "Macklemore singing at NRL grand final like 'seeping sewage into debutante ball', says Bob Katter". ABC News. Archived from the original on 30 September 2017. Retrieved 30 September 2017.
    220. Payne, Marissa (28 September 2017). "Macklemore to perform at Australian rugby championship, and it's got some fans very angry". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on 1 October 2017. Retrieved 30 September 2017.
    221. Verrelli, Stefano; White, Fiona; Harvey, Lauren; Pulciani, Michael (2019). "Minority stress, social support, and the mental health of lesbian, gay, and bisexual Australians during the Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey". Australian Psychologist. 54 (4): 336–346. doi:10.1111/ap.12380. S2CID 151125628.
    222. "Timeless: Marriage and public policy" (PDF). Presbyterian Church of Australia. Archived (PDF) from the original on 17 February 2017. Retrieved 29 September 2017.
    223. "Marriage from an Islamic viewpoint" (PDF). Australian National Imams Council. 17 August 2017. Archived from the original (PDF) on 22 August 2017. Retrieved 29 September 2017.
    224. Power, Jennifer; Crouch, Simon (7 September 2017). "Factcheck: Are children better off with a mother and father than same-sex parents?". The Conversation. Archived from the original on 10 September 2017.
    225. Knight, Ken W.; Stephenson, Sarah EM; West, Sue; Delatycki, Martin B.; Jones, Cheryl A.; Little, Melissa H.; Patton, George C.; Sawyer, Susan M.; Skinner, S. Rachel; Telfer, Michelle M.; Wake, Melissa; North, Kathryn N.; Oberklaid, Frank (23 October 2017). "The kids are OK: it is discrimination, not same-sex parents, that harms children". The Medical Journal of Australia. 207 (9): 374–375. doi:10.5694/mja17.00943. PMID 29092695. S2CID 31451807.
    226. "ABC offer helpline to staff distressed by same-sex marriage debate". 9News. 17 August 2017. Archived from the original on 19 August 2017. Retrieved 19 August 2017.
    227. "Social media tips and support services – Australian marriage law survey". Defence (DEFGLIS). 16 August 2017. Retrieved 19 August 2017.
    228. Urban, Rebecca (18 August 2017). "Victorian councils brace for SSM fallout". The Australian. Retrieved 19 August 2017.
    229. "Supporting our LGBTI community through the marriage equality debate". Alfred Health. 18 August 2017. Archived from the original on 19 August 2017. Retrieved 19 August 2017.
    230. Cook, Roger – Deputy Premier (27 August 2017). "More support for LGBTI community ahead of marriage equality survey". Government of Western Australia. Archived from the original on 1 September 2017. Retrieved 1 September 2017.
    231. Perkins, Miki (20 August 2017). "Same-sex marriage: LGBTQ agencies prepare for sharp rise in calls for help". The Age. Archived from the original on 20 August 2017. Retrieved 20 August 2017.
    232. Jones, Jess (31 August 2017). "Queenland Health commits funding to support a 'no harm' marriage campaign". Star Observer. Archived from the original on 2 September 2017. Retrieved 2 September 2017.
    233. Brown, Andrew (17 September 2017). "Free LGBT legal service for postal survey receiving surge in calls". Canberra Times. Archived from the original on 10 October 2017. Retrieved 10 October 2017.
    234. Sainty, Lane (28 August 2017). "Here's How Psychologists Say You Should Talk To Kids About Marriage Equality". BuzzFeed. Archived from the original on 3 September 2017. Retrieved 3 September 2017.
    235. "You are loved: How to stay safe during the plebiscite". Minus18. 20 September 2017. Archived from the original on 23 October 2017. Retrieved 23 October 2017.
    236. "Same-sex marriage survey sparks spike in access of LGBTI mental health support". ABC. 18 September 2017. Archived from the original on 5 November 2017. Retrieved 5 November 2017.
    237. Ireland, Judith (4 November 2017). "Same-sex survey leaves an enduring pain for LGBTI people". WA Today. Archived from the original on 7 November 2017. Retrieved 5 November 2017.
    238. Gartrell, Adam (13 November 2017). "Mental health service calls for plan to deal with same-sex marriage survey damage". WA Today. Retrieved 13 November 2017.
    239. Gartrell, Adam (19 November 2017). "$20m same-sex marriage survey underspend should go to mental health services, Turnbull told". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 19 November 2017.
    240. Workman, Alice (30 August 2017). "Australians Are Calling The National Suicide Hotline About The Postal Survey". BuzzFeed. Archived from the original on 4 September 2017. Retrieved 4 September 2017.
    241. Gartrell, Adam (13 November 2017). "Mental health service calls for plan to deal with same-sex marriage survey damage". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 19 November 2017.
    242. "Protesters hold up 'burn churches' banner". ABC News. 11 October 2017. Archived from the original on 12 October 2017. Retrieved 24 October 2017.
    243. "Church graffiti attack targets 'No' voters". Retrieved 20 October 2017.
    244. "'Crucify No Voters' Graffitied Across Melbourne Church". Huffington Post Australia. 16 October 2017. Archived from the original on 7 November 2017. Retrieved 20 October 2017.
    245. "Yes vote graffiti sprayed on church". The Australian. 26 September 2017. Retrieved 20 October 2017.
    246. Koziol, Michael; reporter, Legal affairs (25 September 2017). "'Vote no to fags': Outbreak of homophobic violence, vandalism in same-sex marriage campaign". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 26 September 2017. Retrieved 20 October 2017.
    247. "'A respectful debate'; Keeping track of the same-sex marriage debate". ABC News. 11 October 2017. Archived from the original on 26 October 2017. Retrieved 29 October 2017.
    248. Reynolds, Emma (14 November 2017). "Same-sex marriage results: How Australia voted, state by state". News.com.au. News Corp Australia. Retrieved 25 April 2019.
    249. "Results and Publications". marriagesurvey.abs.gov.au. 15 November 2017. For breakdown of results by electorate download the Response.xls file and refer to table 2
    250. "House of Representatives - final results". Australian Electoral Commission. Retrieved 9 December 2017.
    251. "Same-sex marriage survey: religious belief matched no vote most closely". The Guardian. 17 November 2017. Retrieved 9 December 2017.
    252. "Teens Have Shown Up Under-45s With Their Participation In The Postal Survey". BuzzFeed. Retrieved 19 November 2017.
    253. "Legislative Tracker: Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Bill 2017". Parliament of Australia. 15 November 2017.
    254. Senator Smith (15 November 2017). "Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Bill 2017". The Senate: Parliament House Canberra. Retrieved 21 November 2017.
    255. "James Paterson drops plans to introduce alternative same-sex marriage bill". SBS News. 15 November 2017.
    256. Murphy, Katherine (19 November 2017). "Religious freedoms must be included in same-sex marriage bill, says Matt Canavan". The Guardian. Retrieved 19 November 2017.
    257. "Same-sex marriage bill passes Senate with day to spare before House of Representatives resumes". ABC News. 29 November 2017.
    258. Koziol, Michael (4 December 2017). "Same-sex marriage: the day Tim Wilson got the answer to the question he can now ask". Brisbane Times. Fairfax Media. Retrieved 4 December 2017.
    259. "Same-sex marriage signed into law by Governor-General, first weddings to happen from January 9". ABC News. 8 December 2017.
    260. Yaxley, Louise (8 December 2017). "Same-sex marriage signed into law by Governor-General, first weddings to happen from January 9". ABC News Australia. Canberra. Retrieved 8 December 2017.
    261. "Finally! Gay couples' weddings officially mark dawning of marriage equality". Guardian Australia. 9 January 2017. Retrieved 9 January 2017.
    262. "Same-sex marriage: How Australia's first wedding can happen within a month". ABC News. 13 December 2017.
    263. Patrick Williams (7 March 2018). "Heartbreaking story behind Australia's first same-sex marriage revealed". ABC News. Retrieved 7 March 2018.
    264. Julie Power & Goya Dmytryshchak (16 December 2017). "Australia's first same-sex couples say 'I do'". The Age. Fairfax Media. Retrieved 16 December 2017.
    265. Markson, Sharri (16 November 2017). "Same-sex marriage results show how out-of-touch politicians are with constituents". Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 20 November 2017.
    266. McGowan, Michael (15 November 2017). "Dastyari: high number of no votes in Labor seats shows 'huge disconnect'". The Guardian. Retrieved 19 November 2017.
    267. Carey, Adam (15 November 2017). "Yes vote contains truth bombs for both sides of politics". The Age. Retrieved 20 November 2017.
    268. Yaxley, Louise (15 November 2017). "Australia has said Yes, so how will your MP vote on a same-sex marriage bill in Parliament?". ABC News. Retrieved 20 November 2017.
    269. Henderson, political reporter Anna (8 December 2017). "Same-sex marriage: This is everyone who didn't vote to support the bill". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 25 April 2019.
    270. "Rarely in life can you celebrate making history". Star Observer. 15 November 2017.
    271. "SSM: Australia returns resounding Yes vote but debate over details has long way to go". ABC Radio Australia. 16 November 2017.
    272. "Same-sex marriage survey: Australia says Yes to SSM". ABC News. 15 November 2017.
    273. "Transcript: Bill Shorten on the same-sex marriage survey result". ABC 7.30. 15 November 2017.
    274. "Melbourne parties after 'yes' victory". SBS News. 15 November 2017.
    275. "A big 'yes' from the 'progressive state'". The Sydney Morning Herald. 15 November 2017.
    276. "Sydney celebrates the same-sex marriage postal survey result". The Sydney Morning Herald. 15 November 2017.
    277. "Canberrans celebrate same sex marriage yes vote in Haig Park". Canberra Times. 15 November 2017. The couple were among the hundreds of Canberrans who celebrated the coming legalisation of same-sex marriage in Haig Park, where both tears and bubbly flowed freely.
    278. "Hundreds of people turn out to hear Yes same-sex marriage vote at Hindmarsh Square". The Advertiser. 15 November 2017.
    279. "WA votes for same-sex marriage survey, with second-highest state Yes vote in Australia". ABC News. 15 November 2017. The couple were among about 1,000 people who flocked to Northbridge Piazza (Perth) to see the results come in live at 7am.
    280. "Braddon's Lonsdale Street closes for same-sex marriage street party". Canberra Times. 15 November 2017.
    281. "Same-sex marriage: Business leaders including Alan Joyce widely welcome Yes vote". ABC News. 15 November 2017.
    282. "Same-sex marriage 'yes' vote: Billion-dollar boom predicted as pink dollar unleashed". The Sydney Morning Herald. 16 November 2017.
    283. "Australian marriage equality: Hollywood and local celebrities react to Australia's 'yes' vote". News.com.au. 16 November 2017.
    284. Butler, Josh (16 November 2017). "That George Pell Marriage Mural Was Vandalised Overnight". Huffington Post. Retrieved 19 November 2017.
    285. Zhou, Naaman (19 November 2017). "'Love won': vandalised George Michael mural in Sydney gets a makeover". The Guardian. Retrieved 20 November 2017.
    286. Webber, Miriam (17 November 2017). "Scott Marsh's provocative Newtown mural of Tony Abbott and George Pell sparks backlash". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 19 November 2017.
    287. "Australian bishops react to 'Yes' vote to same-sex marriage". Crux Catholicism. 15 November 2017. Archived from the original on 17 November 2017. Retrieved 17 November 2017.
    288. "Same-sex marriage: Anglican Archbishop wants right to hold views". ABC News. 15 November 2017.
    289. "Same-sex marriage result: Why multicultural communities registered huge 'no' votes". The Sydney Morning Herald. 15 November 2017.
    290. Livsey, Anna; Ball, Andy (17 November 2017). "Same-sex marriage survey: religious belief matched no vote most closely". The Guardian. Retrieved 19 November 2017.
    291. Bolt, Andrew (20 November 2017). "DON'T MENTION THE MUSLIM NO VOTE". Herald Sun.
    292. Wilson, Jason (21 November 2017). "Burst your bubble Australia: sour grapes on the right after yes majority". Guardian.
    293. "'It's a g'day': World reacts to landmark Yes vote on same-sex marriage". SBS News. 16 November 2017.
    294. "Theresa May urges Australia to act 'very soon' on same-sex marriage". ABC News. 16 November 2017.
    295. Mathias Cormann, Acting Minister of State (8 December 2017). "Happy to report that the ABS delivered the Australian Marriage Law Survey for a total cost of $80.5 million. Well below the $122m Budget. Congratulations to all involved. Extremely well done. Mission accomplished and Parliament has acted on the verdict of the Australian people". Twitter. Archived from the original on 8 December 2017.
    296. "Same-sex marriage postal survey delivers Australia Post revenue boost". ABC News. 27 February 2018. Retrieved 27 February 2018.
    297. Verrelli, Stefano; White, Fiona A.; Harvey, Lauren J.; Pulciani, Michael R. (23 January 2019). "Minority stress, social support, and the mental health of lesbian, gay, and bisexual Australians during the Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey". Australian Psychologist. 54 (4): 336–346. doi:10.1111/ap.12380. ISSN 1742-9544. S2CID 151125628.
    298. Molloy, Shannon (24 January 2019). "Enormous cost of same-sex marriage in Australia revealed". News.com.au. News Corp Australia. Retrieved 25 April 2019.
    299. Ecker, Saan; Riggle, Ellen D.B.; Rostosky, Sharon S.; Byrnes, Joanne M. (5 February 2019). "Impact of the Australian marriage equality postal survey and debate on psychological distress among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer/questioning people and allies". Australian Journal of Psychology. 71 (3): 285–295. doi:10.1111/ajpy.12245. ISSN 1742-9536. S2CID 150493678.

    Further reading

    • Copland, Simon (25 September 2018). "The Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey and the Limitations of Vulnerability-based Politics". Australian Feminist Studies. 33 (96): 261–274. doi:10.1080/08164649.2018.1517247. S2CID 149698561.
    • Eades, Quinn; Vivienne, Son; et al. (2018). Going Postal: More Than 'Yes' or 'No'. Australia: The Lifted Brow (Brow Books). ISBN 9781925704112.
    • Greenwich, Alex; Robinson, Shirleene (2018). Yes Yes Yes: Australia's Journey to Marriage Equality. Australia: NewSouth Books. ISBN 9781742235998.
    • Rugg, Sally (2019). How Powerful We Are : Behind the scenes with one of Australia's leading activists. Australia: Hachette Australia. ISBN 9780733642227. OCLC 1103918151.
    This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.