The same-sex marriage plebiscite dominated discussion during a heated Q&A program on Monday night, with author and actor Magda Szubanski clashing with Nationals senator Fiona Nash over her support for the vote.
Szubanski, who identifies as gay, questioned whether Senator Nash believes Szubanski is her equal and should have the right to marry.
“My view is still the traditional view of marriage,” Senator Nash said.
“I completely respect your view and your desire to see that as equality, others have a different view.”
“But you won’t give me my rights? Thanks for nothing,” Szubanski replied.
Rock icon Jimmy Barnes, whose granddaughter is Magda Szubanski’s goddaughter, also locked horns with Senator Nash, describing her view that Australia could have a civil marriage debate “naive” and “really dumb”.
“I have friends who lived in Ireland and it was very, very ugly debate… it got really below the belt,” Barnes said.
“I don’t think we want to put children and families through that.”
Families asked us not to debate their value, says @Tony_Burke. @SenatorNash & @JimmyBarnes discuss rights #QandA https://t.co/oV1fUvae87
— ABC Q&A (@QandA) September 19, 2016