While children are frequently mentioned in the debate on same-sex marriage in Australia, it’s not often that we hear from kids themselves on the issue.
Patrick Abboud decided to meet up with some of the children and teenagers who are keen to make their voices heard.
Six-year-old Archie Lo has been campaigning for same-sex marriage by riding around on his bike to distribute rainbow flags in his neighbours’ letterboxes.
He tells Abboud that marriage can be “boy-boy and they can be girl-girl,” adding that “all they’re doing is getting married, they’re not doing anything to us.”
His parents add that when the postal survey arrived at their house, Archie asked, “Can I fill it out? I want to have my say.”
However, not all young people feel the same way as Archie. 14-year-old Monique Bartolo tells The Feed that she doesn’t believe same-sex marriage should be legalised.
“I believe marriage should be between a man and a woman and for a child to grow up, they should have a father figure and a mother figure,” she said while attending a No campaign rally.
Her mother Nicole Bartolos added that “we still love our homosexual brothers and sisters. We don’t have to agree with their choices”.
Polls have suggested that the majority of No voters are older Australians—particularly those who live in regional areas.
14-year-old Jim has decided to campaign for same-sex marriage in the town of Bega, where he’s been asking people to don rainbow socks to show their support for marriage equality.
He tells Abboud that the cost alone of the postal vote is concerning, saying, “You could build a whole hospital, like a really good hospital for that.”
While they’re too young to vote in the postal survey, under 18s in Australia are using creative ways to make their voice heard in the debate.
Eadie Varga—who’s a 25-year-old trapped in a nine-year-old’s body, according to her mother—has decided to write an impassioned letter to her local member.
Eadie lives in former prime minister Tony Abbott’s electorate and decided to question his motives for campaigning for the No vote.
“Dear Mr Abbott,” Varga writes. “I’m writing to you because I believe it’s unfair that you are treating people differently because they are gay.
“At my school, we are taught not to bully and you are bullying the LGBTIQ community. Don’t you feel bad for hurting their feelings?"
Eadie’s mother Peta Morris says it’s important that we listen to what kids have to say.
“We need to hear kids voices more,” she says.
“Let’s ask them the things they’re really thinking about. Children are incredible because they see the world as they see it. There’s no filter.”
