With the seat of Indi still too close to call it may well be that the role of children in same-sex relationships may have had some small bearing on the outcome.
Sophie Mirabella, a Liberal Party frontbencher who headed into the election with a comfortable 9 point lead, has found herself in the fight of her life.
Her competition, Cathy McGowan, is a popular local independent enjoying significant support in an election that generally saw a considerable swing to the Liberal Party.
Now I am not a political pundit, and I am sure there are many factors at play that have led to this surprising result, but I can not look past the role that same-sex families may have played in the final days of the campaign.
On the Wednesday before the election The Age reported on the distribution of offensive pamphlets in the seat of Indi.
Let me make it clear at the outset, there is no evidence that these pamphlets were either the responsibility of, or supported by, the Liberal Party.
The pamphlets portrayed young children with quotes such as, “I need my mum and dad.”
They went on to urge voters to distribute their vote such that Cathy McGowan, among others, be preferenced last.
The reason given in the pamphlet was that Ms McGowan is in favour of marriage equality.
Sophie Mirabella has consistently and repeatedly emphasised her position that marriage should only be between a man and a woman and, as reported in The Age, she believes that marriage was “developed for the creation and raising of children.”
It is reassuring to think that perhaps our research is starting to gain significant traction in the community.
Where previously these scare tactics might have boosted the conservative vote it seems that we might be moving into an era where the population as a whole understand that there are many valid and healthy ways to raise children.
This evolution in public opinion is so important. As our research evolves we are seeing the negative impact that opinions such as those expressed in the unwelcome pamphlets can have on children with same-sex attracted parents.
And while these children are in general developing well, a message that may finally be cutting through, the final remnants of negative outcomes could be taking their last gasps as local Australians embrace same-sex parent families, even if some politicians are slow to reflect this.
The coming days will bring a final result in Indi, but whoever triumphs one thing is certain.
At least in this small corner of our country attempts to discriminate against, and vilify, same-sex attracted parents seem to have failed.
It gives me hope that with the aid of our ongoing work same-sex parent families have a bright future.
Perhaps Mr Abbott will realise this and allow a conscience vote the next time marriage equality comes up in parliament.
Come on Prime Minister, listen to Indi.
Author: Dr Simon Crouch
Publication: Research Connect
Date: 16 September 2013