A debate we should have had: Gay marriage has not had a fair go

Some of the responses to that fear have been unproductive and can’t be condoned. But they are predictable responses to fear. Roxon has rushed to label the intensity of the response as being limited to extremists in the marriage debate. But she is wrong. These are the responses of people, who feel that they cannot get a fair hearing, in a political system characterised by political opportunism and a willingness to peddle populist politics of hate when expedient.

It is important to note that the broader context is the Coalition strategically using gay issues as a wedge. A number of complicated practical issues, such as the legal recognition of gay families, have been twisted into populist rhetoric that drums up anti-gay talk back radio. The attacks and the laws that result serving to ensure gay people and their children are treated as less than full citizens.

Nonetheless, the backlash against the ALP’s lack of principle is immense. People respond more strongly to betrayals by friends than to direct attack by known enemies.

At the moment, many gay Australians are more angry with Labor than with Howard, and that will play itself out at the election.