OPINION: Now I'll wait for the invite, thanks

I realised what I felt was a genuine empathy, as a married man, for those currently not allowed to get married under our current constitution.

The majority of Australia voted 'yes' in the same sex marriage plebiscite revealed on Wednesday, 15th November, 2017. Picture: Bill North

I VOTED yes.

I respected but never bought into the religious argument of marriage between a man and a woman. We already have celebrants for non-religious weddings. Why should same-sex ones be any different?

The vote did raise questions in my head about where I sat in terms of the morality of human beings.

I thought voting yes was the right thing to do. But I was not entirely certain I felt it was morally the right way forward for Australia until I watched the decision unfold yesterday.

As ABS chief statistician David Kalisch explained away the particulars of the plebiscite, I was struck by a wave of nervousness. I kept silent, a fellow supporter voiced the same emotion as the lunch room filled.

I realised what I felt was a genuine empathy, as a married man, for those currently not allowed to get married under our current constitution. I desperately hoped the decision would be yes.

Until this point the strongest, clearest feelings I had on the matter had been reserved for thinking 'what a ridiculous waste of money, surely the elected representatives of our country can sort this one out in a rational, adult manner". But all of a sudden the alternative result didn't sit comfortably in my mind.

Fortunately all the figures rattled off by Mr Kalisch pointed to $122 million well spent - 79.5 per cent of Australians felt strongly enough to have a say - far more than many, especially myself, expected would turn out for a voluntary vote.

I had underestimated Australians. Not as complacent as I had thought, more compassionate, less bigoted, more inclined to Advance Australia Fair.

But I won't start nagging my friends - due to have their first child in February after a relationship spanning almost two decades - for a wedding date just yet. Despite the conclusive response I wouldn't put it past the current government to find a way to justify not complying with this non-binding survey.

I'll believe it when I see the invite in the mail.

Originally published as OPINION: Now I'll wait for the invite, thanks