Did you hear that?
Oh, don't mind us, that was just our heads collectively banging against our desks after watching a controversial new 'vote no' television advertisement surrounding Australia's marriage equality debate.
Last night, a Coalition for Marriage-commissioned advertisement aired on several Australian television networks, in which three Australian mothers discuss their worries about their children's education when it comes to LGBTQI inclusive programmes if marriage equality becomes legal.
In the clip, one mother can be heard saying: 'When same sex marriage passes over seas, this type of programme becomes widespread and compulsory'.
Right, because programmes working to create safe and inclusive schools for students, families and staff in the LGBTQIQ community is bad thing?
In the video, a message comes on the screen with the words: 'In countries with gay marriage, parents have lost their rights to choose'.
Later, another mother claims: 'Kids in Year 7 are being asked to role play being in a same sex relationship.'
And before you ask, no, this isn't a parody. This advert is real.
As a result of the preposterous and homophobic message the message promotes, the video has become the the third highest trending video on YouTube in Australia, behind Taylor Swift's record-breaking 'Look What You Made Me Do' video and Katy Perry's 'Swish Swish'.
With over 126,000 views so far at the time of writing, numerous viewers have taken to social media to vent their anger at the advert.
The controversial clip comes after 22 bills failed in their bid for application for marriage equality to Australia's federal parliament, despite the fact 72 per cent of Australians support it.
On 12 September, Australians will receive a voluntary postal survey with the question, courtesy of the federal government, 'Should the law be changed to allow same-sex couples to marry?
Respondents aged over 18 can vote 'yes' or 'no' for marriage equality. However, the result of the survey won't be binding for the government.
The Guardian explains the vote will be decided by a simple majority of people who return the form.
A 'yes' vote could result in a law to legalise same-sex marriage by the end of the year, passed by the House of Representatives and Senate, which will be decided by a vote of parliament supported by the Coalition.
A 'no' vote would mean there would be 'no free parliamentary vote on same-sex marriage, so it would be up to Coalition MPs and senators to cross the floor, if they so chose, or a future government to legislate it,' the publications adds.
Australia, we have three words for you - Just. Vote. Yes.
Watch the clip below:
Katie O'Malley is the Site Director on ELLE UK. On a daily basis you’ll find Katie managing all digital workflow, editing site, video and newsletter content, liaising with commercial and sales teams on new partnerships and deals (eg Nike, Tiffany & Co., Cartier etc), implementing new digital strategies and compiling in-depth data traffic, SEO and ecomm reports. In addition to appearing on the radio and on TV, as well as interviewing everyone from Oprah Winfrey to Rishi Sunak PM, Katie enjoys writing about lifestyle, culture, wellness, fitness, fashion, and more.
