Pope Benedict XVI ..
Whilst I support the recognition of certain legal rights between particular couples (including but extending beyond homosexuals), I am still opposed to the idea of marriage between two persons of the same sex.
I don't believe the Marriage Act delineates between the religious or civil kind, however it does explicitly identify marriage to be 'the union of a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others voluntarily entered into for life'.
I continue to perceive marriage from a relativist perspective in that the concept of marriage, particularly in western society, is contingent upon the beliefs within the bible, among other religious texts.
Ultimately, the position one takes in relation to same sex marriage will depend upon their core beliefs ideas. If we are to operate under the notion of government for the people, by the people, particularly on these contentious issues, there should be a greater emphasis on extracting the mood of the community as a whole.
Whilst plebicites are expensive and require extensive organisation, on issues of this nature where there is immense community feeling, such action would be warranted.