Homophobia claims by same-sex marriage advocates are bullying

In attempting to de-normalise heterosexuality under the guise of bullying, Safe Schools went ­beyond its brief. That aspect of the program would more readily be achieved if teachers were more alert to bullying behaviour among students.

As for accountants PwC creatively producing estimates of the cost of the same-sex marriage plebiscite, these rational calculators might like to read the dissenting US Supreme Court judges on same-sex marriage (Obergefell v. Hodges 576 U.S. 2015).

The Supreme Court forced all Americans to accept same-sex marriage by ordering every state (over and above the 11 that had ­already done so) to license and recognise same-sex marriage.

Chief Justice John Roberts wrote: “Whether same-sex marriage is a good idea should be of no concern to us. Under the ­Constitution, judges have power to say what the law is, not what it should be.”

Justice Antonin Scalia wrote: “Until the courts put a stop to it, public debate over same-sex marriage displayed American democracy at its best. Individuals on both sides of the issue passionately, but respectfully, attempted to persuade their fellow citizens to ­accept their views.”

Australians should thank their lucky stars that they will have a say in this momentous plebiscite about the meaning of marriage.

When a member of the federal government in the early 1990s, I was approached by a homosexual member of the press gallery to ask if I could persuade the government to allow public servant “designated” partners, as an alter­native to “married” partners, to receive death and other benefits. I lobbied the prime minister on the matter but was rebuffed.

In 2009, the Australian government amended 85 commonwealth laws (The Same-Sex Relationships [Equal Treatment in Commonwealth Laws — General Law Reform] Act 2008 and the Same-Sex Relationships [Equal Treatment in Commonwealth Laws — Superannuation] Act 2008) to eliminate discrimination against same-sex couples.

Private homosexual acts are not an offence by law in any state jurisdiction. Rest assured, there is no discrimination in law against gay people.

Gay people are free to pursue their lives, especially happiness with a life partner.

But marriage is a “hetero-­normal” cultural construct based on biology.

Calling opposition to same-sex marriage homophobic is bullying. The gay community should ­restore dignity to the plebiscite campaign. If not, a backlash waits.