And yet Mike, Nick Tuohy may have just learned and grown through this conversation and now be more sensitive in the conversation going forward. Don’t we have to go through this ‘tunnel of chaos’ sooner or later?
Should we pass up an opportunity to show grace and humility and gain understanding because there is a risk of the opposite?

You made an insensitive off-the-cuff comment (which you apologized for, I acknowledge) and then you tell me you think we’re capable of having a sensitive, measured debate. Can you see how you’re proving the opposite of what you’re saying? If even in small off-the-cuff comments people can’t help but be insensitive what would a national debate look like. I shudder to imagine.

I agree my comment was written in haste and on reflection is insensitive. For the record, I care deeply that LGBTQI people are not vilified or hurt through any debate on this issue. I will never support or condone language or behaviour that would do so.
My point in the midst of my insensitivity is that I believe adults, both LGBTQI and those with trad/classical views on marriage, can and should openly discuss and debate this issue. We could grow closer together as we seek to understand the other. Again, no public debate will guarantee no one will be hurt; but it will also deny us the opportunity to seek to understand and listen to each other- a prospect that could deepen trust and build bridges.

“Sure, the plebiscite process will bring out fringe and unsavoury elements on both sides, but so what?” SO WHAT?? Imagine being a young Christian who’s struggling with their sexual identity? Or what about those LGBTQI Christians who are trying to remain engaged in their churches? Nicolas, this isn’t a debate about some obtuse doctrine or some difference of opinion on our political priorities. we’re talking about people’s identities! “SO WHAT??” How could you be so insensitive?

I agree, except this plebiscite is non-binding. If we vote, then politicians do what they would have anyway, what is the point of the public vote? Shouldn’t the politicians just vote without us voting?

Regardless of which way the public vote goes, Turnbull, Shorton & Di Natale will all vote in favour of gay marriage.

Ron reading what you went through breaks my heart and I am typing this reply with tears streaming down my face. Although not as extreme as what you have been through, brother, I hear and feel the pain of this total rejection from my past. It meant I lived full of shame at who I was until very recently. Im almost 40. And my heart cries for those who are still living in shame of whk they are, and angry at how we have been treated. Much love from a sister.

Thank you for your comment. That is so instructive. It’s often touted here in Australia by Christian leaders that the Irish experience was a largely positive one. I really appreciate your more informed view on this. And that final quote… wow.