The causes of mental health problems such as anxiety, depression and suicide are complex and require serious study and compassionate treatment.
These are highly sensitive topics: we should not play politics with mental health.
Treating people who believe in the traditional understanding of marriage as proponents of bigotry or hate-speech, is beneath our country. It shows disregard for the views of millions of Australians.
Discussions about marriage are difficult enough today: it is not helpful to diminish serious discussion of mental health issues and create false alarm.
Reasonable disagreement does not equal hate.
Offering people the chance to express their views on the definition of marriage at the ballot box does not equal hate.
Financially assisting the putting of fair cases for both sides before a vote does not equal hate.
We are a respectful and intelligent nation. The Australian people should be allowed to have their say on this issue and the Government must ensure that a well-informed and balanced debate can take place.