People should dictate marriage

THE definition of marriage is a matter for the people, not a matter for politicians.I am calling for a national plebiscite on a proposal for a change to the definition of marriage to include same-sex couples.Marriage is a cultural institution and culture is something that is determined by the people, not by politicians.I don’t think it should be up to 200 or so politicians in Canberra to make cultural decisions.Prime Minister Tony Abbott is right to rule out a referendum on the issue because it would not require a change to the constitution.However, Mr Abbott did not say there would not be a plebiscite on the issue, which is the path I think we need to take.Changing the definition of marriage has already been voted on in the parliament and as soon as it is rejected there is talk of submitted a new bill for the same thing.Under a plebiscite, everyone would get to have their say and once the people have spoken there would be more acceptance of the outcome.If the outcome is that people want to change the definition then we change the definition and move on. If the public rejects the proposal then the parliament can move on and focus on more important issues.