Senate harmony on marriage glosses over the deep divisions in rainbow politics

The activists driving the political agenda that sits under the rainbow flag are not tolerant people.

While consequences for freedom are now being acknowledged in the Parliament, the next step is for politicians to understand the ethical consequences of assisted reproductive technology and removing gender from the classroom which flow from removing the gender requirement from marriage law.

Recognising that there is a complex legal problem with freedom that must be addressed, is a good start.

Recognising the complex ethical issues redefining marriage and gender imposes on children should be the subject of the Senate's next inquiry.

That there are far reaching consequences of redefining marriage is further reason why a people's vote is the fairest way to settle this debate.