Mehndi for relatives in Marriage (Shadi)

For most people, marriage isn't about "discrimination". It is about cementing relationships through shared joy and mutual responsibility.

It is about reinforcing the bonds within and between families that define so much of who we are. It's about "for better and for worse".

This is particularly so for those social conservatives and people of faith whose support for marriage quality is essential if the Coalition is to have a conscience vote and more individual Coalition MPs are to be convinced to support reform — both pre-conditions for the passage of any legislation.

To even begin a dialogue with these groups, marriage equality supporters must show we value marriage as well as equality.