The postal survey on marriage equality is now underway. New laws have been put in place to try to ensure respectful debate. Here’s what you need to know about how they impact on you.

The Marriage Law Survey (Additional Safeguards) Act 2017 provides safeguards in advertising, broadcasting, campaigning and communications for the Australian Marriage Postal Survey campaign.

What are safeguards and why do we need them?

1. Ensure public communications are clearly authorised (so people know who they are communicating with and whether that person is legitimate).

2. Introduce protections against hate speech during the postal survey based on someone’s views on the survey because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, intersex status or religious conviction.

3. Prevent undue influence through bribery, threats or misleading or deceptive publications.

4. Allow the expression of free and informed views and prevent misleading and deceptive information from affecting a person’s survey response.

The survey safeguards will be in effect from 14 September 2017 until 15 November 2017.

Click here to download the fact sheet, which outlines what the safeguards mean for supporters of marriage equality and people working on the campaign, including:

• authorisations for printed materials and other communications,

• fines and offences,

• responsibilities as a broadcaster,

• how to make a complaint, and

• where to find more information

 This explainer is not legal advice

The contents of this publication do not constitute legal advice, are not intended to be a substitute for legal advice and should not be relied upon as legal advice. You should seek legal advice or other professional advice in relation to any particular matters you or your organisation may have.