In the latest example of gross stereotyping and intolerance opposition leader Bill Shorten’s comments that the marriage plebiscite could cause young gay people to commit suicide are to be condemned. Apart from being deeply demeaning, this type of intervention simply promulgates an outdated and false stereotype of homosexuality in society.

Worse still, his statement is not based in fact or evidence – aside from statements from ideologues there is no Australian data to suggest that LGBTI people take their lives at much higher rates.