Letter to The Editor - A Provisional ‘NO’ in the Postal Vote Remains the Wisest Option

to THE AGE
     In the current marriage debate, it ought to be widely admitted that more than the welfare of gay people is at stake. Also to be fairly considered are the welfare of children (in a number of contexts), the welfare of adherents of Christianity and other religious traditions and the welfare of the whole nation. Issues of freedom of speech and religion are intimately tied up in the controversy.
     In recent correspondence to ‘The Age’ there have been too many over-simplistic remarks, including ‘smart jests’, at the expense of supporters of the ‘No’ case. My feeling is that the nation is muddled and divided on this issue. More thought needs to be given to how best the needs of all parties can be met in the best possible compromise for us all. Thus a provisional ‘no’ in the postal vote remains the wisest option.
NJ, Belgrave, Vic