The Turnbull government’s plan to hold a national postal survey on marriage equality will proceed after the High Court dismissed the cases against the proposal.

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The full bench of the High Court heard two complaints against the government’s plan to survey 16 million Australians about their thoughts on marriage equality.

After two days of hearings the court quickly released its decision declaring that the funding of survey as an “urgent and unexpected” event was legal and could proceed.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull immediately criticised Opposition Leader Bill Shorten over his approach to the marriage debate.

The PM found out about the High Court’s decision in the middle of Question Time and rose to highlight that the Labor leader had once voiced support for a plebiscite when speaking at an event for the Australian Christian Lobby.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said Shorten had probably been disingenuous when he voice support to the ACL.

“Here is now, having done everything he could in this parliament to stop Australians having their say, much to his disappointment now, every Australian will have their say, as it should be, and we encourage every AUstralian to vote in this survey, to have their say.” Turnbull said.

The Prime Minister accused the opposition leader of vilifying people who were opposed to marriage equality.

“Unlike the leader of Opposition I respect every Australians view on this matter and I thoroughly reject the way he had sought to vilify and demonise people who have a different view to him.

“This is a great example of where every Australian can have a say, and we can as a Commonwealth of Australia embrace this important social change, embrace it, and make a decision.”

Opposition leader Bill Shorten invited the Prime Minister to sign a joint letter showing that they were both supportive of marriage equality, the PM quickly rejected the proposal.

Yes campaign wastes no time getting to work

The Equality Campaign has responded to the High Court decision saying they are ready to win the campaign and make marriage equality a reality in Australia.

Tiernan Brady, Executive Director of The Equality Campaign, said they were committed to ensuring marriage equality becomes a reality in Australia.

“We are in it to win it. We are committed to doing all in our power to ensure that the long held wish of the Australian people for marriage equality for all Australians is reflected in the results of the survey.

“This must be a campaign of millions of respectful conversations that unites the country. We haven’t a moment to lose and we are hitting the ground running with hundreds of thousands of supporters talking about why marriage equality matters.

“This is a vote about the worth, dignity and status of members of our family, friends, workmates and neighbours, and across the country people are standing up for them.

The campaign has immediately released a new round of advertisements encouraging people to show their support for allowing LGBTI+ couples to wed.

“Today the Campaign releases new TV and Radio advertisements calling supporters across the nation to get out and vote.

“We know that the Australian people support marriage equality but no one can be complacent – it is all about getting as many surveys returned as possible.

“We call on everyone to participate and to talk to their family and friends to make sure they do too. Together, lets get this done,” Brady said.

Do you need some support?

If you are struggling with anxiety or depression, support and counselling are available from:

Lifeline: 13 11 14

Beyondblue: and www.beyondblue.org.au

QLife: and www.qlife.org.au
QLife are a counselling and referral service for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) people.