George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Hansard source

I am not familiar with Mr Shelton's remarks, but I can tell you, Senator McAllister, that I have enormous confidence that the Australian people will have a civil and respectful debate. I have enormous confidence in that. I know that there are some in the Labor Party who are pessimistic about the Australian people. There are some in the Labor Party who believe we cannot have a decent debate about an issue of this sensitivity—

Senator Wong interjecting—

and I can understand, Senator Wong, why you are so upset. I can understand, Senator Wong, why you are so upset. But the fact is that we have now provided an opportunity for there to be a great act of public choice, which in a democracy is only appropriate, and a clear path to marriage equality by 11 February next year. I call on you, Senator Wong, and I call on Mr Shorten, to get out of the way.