Time to speak and to listen

What seemed a distant possibility only a few years ago now seems inevitable, whether through a bill or referendum.

Sadly as we often see in public opinion, increased interest leads to the gradual abandonment of reasoned discussion in favour of polarising rhetoric.

In this divisive issue each side has demonised the other in a desperate bid to claim the moral high ground.

We in the media are often guilty of playing into these sagas for the outrage value, knowing explosive sound bites like “outdated bigotry” and “eroding family values” are more likely to sell papers than a sensible argument.

Whilst there is absolutely nothing wrong with powerful language, sometimes in our desire to be heard we neglect to listen.

Thus it was no surprise to see the immediate backlash at the ABC’s announcement that Fred Nile will be on the panel for their LGBTQI-themed episode of Q&A next week.

Mr Nile certainly hasn’t made many friends with his strong commitment to fundamentalist values, but he has been a political mainstay for over 30 years and continues to receive significant public support.

Now more than ever we need to listen to each other on both sides of the debate, rather than immediately shutting our ears to anything we don’t like.