Some 16 million Australians will now be receiving survey postal forms from the ABS on the critical reform issue of marriage equality.

The postal survey invites a “yes” or “no” answer to a simple question: “Should the law be changed to allow same-sex couples to marry?” While the question is a simple one, its implications are of enormous social significance for Australia and for the LGBTI community in particular.

As a progressive law firm that has always fought for equal rights, Ryan Carlisle Thomas is encouraging a “Yes” vote.

While we respect the views of those whose religious beliefs lead them to disagree with same-sex marriage, for us it is a basic issue of justice that citizens be accorded equal rights to the institution of marriage as recognised by the State.

We also stand in solidarity with those of us whose family members, or friends, or colleagues, or indeed clients, are gay and who simply aspire to be accorded the same dignity and rights as others.

While many have sought to distort the marriage equality debate, the issue is a simple one: should the Marriage Act 1961 be changed in order to accord all Australians equal access to marriage as an institution?

We say: “Vote ‘Yes’ to Equality.”