By using the common bigoted belief that if you know or are related to someone who is gay, then you’re incapable of being homophobic,

Terry has demonstrated a fundamental misunderstanding of how institutionalised and casual homophobia is perpetuated in Australia.

Although same-sex couples may be a minority, the support for their right to be married, just like any straight couple in Australia, couldn’t be more further from having a minority status.

Polls as recent as July found more than 70 per cent support the push for marriage equality.

The perverse interest opponents have in two people they have never met who want to be married and have the same rights as everyone else defies any logic.

And their inability to see someone as equal, no matter who they choose for a relationship, is disconcerting.

So is the idea that minorities should not try to change laws just by having a loud voice.

If it wasn’t for the loud voices of women who went before me, I might still be unable to vote, own property or have my own career.

— RUTH HORSFALL,

Canberra