Politician challenged on marriage equality on TV by her gay brother

The planned public vote on whether Australia should allow LGBTQ citizens to marry continues to be a heated issue, even within families.

It came to a head on national television Monday, when Australian politician Bridget McKenzie was confronted with a pre-recorded question from her younger brother who is gay on ABC's live panel show, Q&A.

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"Given the majority of parliamentarians and Australians now support marriage equality, is a $160 million plebiscite necessary and what impact do you think the debate will have on the emotional wellbeing of gay and lesbians like me," Alastair McKenzie asked his sister.

Bridget is a member of the conservative-leaning party The Nationals and has been outspoken regarding her opposition to marriage equality, despite the family ties.

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A non-binding public vote, the looming plebiscite has been criticised for its cost, estimated at a behemoth A$160 million (US$120.7 million), as well as the damaging effects of hate speech directed toward the LGBTQ community it could provoke.

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Opponents are particularly concerned about the welfare of vulnerable young people, with the government planning to give A$7.5 million to both the "yes" and "no" sides of the debate for advertising.

"I think it will only be damaging if all of us as Australians choose to not actually respect each other’s views in this particular debate," Bridget said.

Opponents of the plebiscite have pushed for a vote in parliament on legalising marriage equality, but the current Liberal Party federal government led by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull narrowly won power in July promising to have a plebiscite on the matter.

"We took a plebiscite to the people. I have obviously a conscience view on this issue. I believe it is a conscience issue and it is that the definition of marriage is between a man and a woman. Polls would suggest I'm in the minority," Bridget added.

It's not the first time siblings have taken aim at each other on the subject on ABC's program.

Christine Forster -- who is a lesbian and marriage equality advocate -- took on her brother and former prime minister Tony Abbott in June 2015. Abbott is a supporter of the government's current definition of marriage as between a man and a woman.

Despite heavy opposition, the plebiscite looks to be slated for a February vote. It's almost certain we'll see even more families in the public eye split on the topic.