Australia poll on gay marriage

The passing of the Bill in the House of Representatives was seen as a watershed moment for equal rights in Australia. In , about 76 countries still criminalise homosexual activity. Penalties for homosexual acts have varied across the states and territories but all have included terms of imprisonment and individuals were still being arrested and charged into the s.

Marriage equality

CANBERRA, Australia — Support for legalizing gay marriage in Australia has weakened just as a national postal ballot asks voters where they stand on the contentious issue, according to a new opinion poll. Results of the balloting that began Sept. A poll by Sydney-based market researcher Galaxy Research published in The Australian newspaper found support for gay marriage had slipped in five weeks from 63 to 57 percent.

How people around the world view same-sex marriage

Australians' Support of Gay Marriage Weakens in New Poll

Looked at in this way, the legislative majority failed the LGBTIQ community and it took a popular majority to provide a circuit breaker and confer legitimacy on their claim to equal rights. On the other hand, the survey experience demonstrates how direct democracy can make minority groups feel deeply vulnerable.