EDITOR'S SAY: My opinion piece on Saturday's Chronicle front page certainly sparked a massive response.

Sadly, it came as no great surprise that many of the comments were negative and vitriolic in nature.

Many of them have been published today on the opinion pages.

To reiterate, the piece was my personal opinion and that will never change.

I believe strongly that the Federal Government has ducked this most important issue.

And I believe that allowing loving couples to marry should be a simple, decent decision to make.

The special reports on page eight and nine on Saturday gave both the yes and no case for same-sex marriage.

To his credit, "no" advocate Lyle Shelton thanked The Chronicle for allowing him to fairly put his objections.

What will happen when same-sex marriage is legalised?

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• Editor responds to same-sex marriage opinion piece
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• Redefining marriage 'an attack on freedom': Shelton
• LETTERS TO ED: Same-sex marriage gets residents writing

Will the world end in fire and brimstone - as many people have commented?

I think not.

There will likely be a few more marriages and the sun will still come up every day.

What will have changed is that LGBTI couples will no longer be discriminated against.

Surely that is part of the Aussie "fair go'' ethos?

The massive response indicates the importance of the issue.

I thank the many people who contacted me with their support for my stance.

I will not be swayed by the haters. Nasty comments and abuse will never change my opinion.

I continue to urge all registered voters to make sure they vote and to vote 'YES'.