When the dispiriting kabuki theatre that is the same-sex marriage survey finally reaches its denouement next month, focus will again shift to the legislative process. If, as seems likely, the ‘people’s vote’ supports change, two things will then occur.

First, the more vociferous advocates for a ‘people’s vote’ on this one particular issue will suddenly rediscover their enthusiasm for the deliberative processes of our parliamentary democracy, warning darkly about the dangers of rushing the process.