We decide

The issue of marriage equality will now be put to the country at the next election, rather than a plebiscite before then. And this is exactly what should happen.

While there may be support – even strong support — from the people for same sex marriage, it is the people who should decide the issue; and they do not see it as an urgent one.

Polls show voters rank same sex marriage 13th in order of policy importance, well behind health, education, and economic growth. Clearly, there are more pressing issues on the public’s mind than the question of who people can or cannot wed.

It is right to put the decision in the hands of the voters.

This is very different from changing the rate of the GST. Changing marriage will change society. It requires the express consent of the society – the electorate.

Opponents and proponents of same sex marriage need to continue to make their respective cases without rancour or gratuitous abuse.

Acceptance or rejection of same sex marriage can’t be imposed by unelected judges or by politicians acting without a mandate. The people’s voice needs to be heard before any change is made.

This persuasion lies at the very heart of democracy. Progressives don’t believe in mandates because they don’t see the need for them.

It is not certain what will happen after the next election. But what is clear is that voters will know exactly what they have voted for. The people will have decided.