The referendum in Ireland, the issue for many same-sex couples and the concern on both sides of the debate over the impacts and the need for equality have brought this to the forefront in the national discussion.

In the weeks since this issue has returned to prominence, Ballarat has also seen the heated polarity of positions.

This paper has served as a platform for the measured debate for those who think the time is right and those who ardently argue it is not for them.

But we have also seen some of the city’s ugliest intolerance; a chorus of scathing tongues that, from the safety of anonymity, spout vitriol at those who at least have had the courage to voice their opinions in public. 

Nothing will be solved by insults.

It is invariably the mark of the ignorant and bigoted that revert to the ease of labels and name calling in lieu of arguments. 

If it is a civilised right to hold an opinion or a belief, there must be an intrinsic recognition that such a right is equal for all in a pluralistic society.

If one person’s beliefs or values are part of their innate dignity, then others must equally enjoy that dignity. 

The belief or values system alone cannot dictate that right. 

Where an individual takes a belief, how they propagate it or convert it into action is a matter for much more scrutiny and in some cases the law. 

But nothing can justify transgressing the law because you object to someone’s belief.

The law is set to protect those very rights for all. 

The Courier cannot condemn strongly enough those who abandon the tenets of civilised conduct and the very rule of law that protects them to target others because of their beliefs. 

To return in kind for an insult, or worse to escalate the vitriol to violence, is a form of barbarism that should be alien to Australian society.

It is certainly alien to civilisation’s best objectives of tolerance and justice. 

Ballarat’s future hopefully lies with the latter.