Their tactic of abuse, ridicule and “name calling” of those who disagree with them was also expected. They appear to have no tolerance of anybody who disagrees with their opinions; freedom of speech and democracy must be dirty words to them.

They will probably suggest that they do believe in democracy and refer to opinion polls that indicate a majority support to their cause. Australia must therefore conform or be seen as an intolerant and discriminatory nation by the rest of the world. Well let’s have a look at some facts.

Of the 193 member states of the United Nations, only 21 have changed laws to allow same sex marriage. This represents 91% of the world’s population that do not allow same sex marriage.

In the US, where their courts have said that same sex marriage should be legal, the people have rejected that.

In the 39 state-wide elections, the cumulative result has been 61% have voted to retain the traditional definition of marriage and 39% voted for same sex marriage.

Australia stands with the vast majority in the world with our definition of marriage as being between a man and a woman. To say otherwise is a blatant lie.

Thankfully it seems that most Australians are not being deceived or intimidated into changing their opinions either.

In a recent ReachTEL poll, which was conducted in Bass and Lyons in Tasmania, the majority in both Bass 52.1% and in Lyons 55% did not support same sex marriage.

Those of us who support the traditional definition of marriage would support a conversation in our community about marriage. It must be a two way conversation though. Let us give our opinions without being abused, bullied or called names such as bigot, homophobic, etc. Be quiet and listen to our opinions as we have listened to yours.

Let us examine the facts; not spin, manipulated data or engineered opinion polls. Let’s establish and publish the truth so the people can make the correct decision.

Keith

What we need is a pedestrian crossing at the intersection of the Sister City Walk and Tongaboo Lane.

I cross there quite a bit and have often seen children run ahead of their parents and almost out onto the laneway.

Some of the traffic that uses the lane go at quite a speed - in fact I doubt that many know that people cross there.

I did write to the mayor sometime ago about the situation there but was told that some kind of crossing was on the waiting list of projects to be done.

Well it must be a long way down the list as, at the time of writing, there is no sign of action.

I believe that the council should make some kind of pedestrian crossing there before someone gets seriously hurt.

Maurice Corlett

It is with regret and sadness that the Ladysmith Branch of Australian Red Cross has closed from July 14, 2015. We are no longer able to continue due to age, illness and few members.

Ladysmith Red Cross has been a branch for almost 76 years, beginning on October 4, 1939, and over the years this little village branch has raised over $100,000 to help those in need. To our community we say a big thank you for your continued support and also to the clients who hired us for our catering skills over the years.

Special thanks to Zone 21 rep Mrs Dawn Smith for her help and guidance over the past 12 years and to the few members and volunteers for their tireless work keeping the branch going for this long.

Andrea McGill