A conventional way of answering might be that homophobia has been especially virulent in Australia because of the distinctive patterns of the nation's masculinity. It was five years before South Australia implemented limited decriminalisation in 1972, and more thorough legislation in 1975. New South Wales waited until 1984 and Tasmania 1997. Neither major political party has a record on marriage equality of which it can be proud. On marriage equality, people who call themselves leaders have trailed behind public opinion rather than doing anything to influence it.

Source: Otago Daily Times September 19, 2017 17:15 UTC