Scott Morrison Says Marriage Equality Opponents Face "Hate Speech And Bigotry" Too

Treasurer Scott Morrison has told Radio National that opponents of marriage equality are facing “hate speech and bigotry” just like the LGBTQI community.

His comments come as a response to Labor Senator Penny Wong, who yesterday said Prime Minister Turnbull and others “don’t understand that for gay and lesbian Australians hate speech is not abstract.”

“It’s real. It’s part of our everyday life.”

Senator Wong noted this at the prospect of a plebiscite on marriage equality, as has been promised by the Coalition government, should they triumph at the coming election.

"I oppose a plebiscite because I do not want my relationship, my family, to be the subject of inquiry, of censure, of condemnation, by others. And I don't want other relationships, other families, to be targeted either," she said.

Labor has instead called on the PM (who supports marriage equality) to host a free-vote in Parliament.

Treasurer Morrison, however, does not see eye-to-eye with the PM on this matter, previously making public his opposition to same-sex marriage.

On the radio this morning, he argued that he has been victim to the same “hate speech” as Wong.

“People of very strong religious views, they have also been subject to quite dreadful hate speech and bigotry as well. It is not confined to one side of this debate,” he said.

“I understand the concern Penny is raising, I know it from personal experience, having been exposed to that sort of hatred and bigotry for the views I’ve taken, from others who have a different view to me.

“But, that said, I have a bigger view of the Australian people… we can deal with this issue as a country once and for all and move on.”

Somewhat coincidentally, singer Frank Ocean yesterday posted an essay to Tumblr in which he talked about the homophobia that sends "thousands of kids into suicidal depression each year."

"Many hate us and wish we didn’t exist," he wrote. "Many are annoyed by our wanting to be married like everyone else or use the correct restroom like everyone else."

According to the Australian Human Rights Commission, almost half of all gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people hide their sexual orientation or gender identity in public, fearing violence and discrimination.

A 2013 study by BeyondBlue found that LGBTQI people have the highest rates of suicidality of any population in Australia, and that the rate of suicide attempts among same-sex attracted Australians is 14 times higher than heterosexual Aussies.

If you or anyone you know needs help, support is available right now. Call Lifeline on 131 114 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.

For more information on counselling and treatment plans you can contact your school’s health services as well as Reach Out.

Photo: YouTube / ABC.