Angry scenes in Brisbane as rival groups clash over same-sex marriage poll
Angry rival protesters have clashed outside a Brisbane church following the High Court decision to allow the same-sex marriage postal vote to go ahead.
The "yes" vote supporters all donned rainbow clothes and signs during the rally outside an Ashgrove church in Brisbane overnight and chanted: "Homophobia's got to go."
The opposing protesters were due to meet at the church on Thursday and police were called to keep the two groups separate.
Police said one woman was arrested for obstructing officers and another suffered a minor injury.
Footage of the stand-off showed pushing, shoving and shouting outside the Banks Street church as the yes campaigners blocked the entrance.
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Cabinet minister Peter Dutton said the incident does not reflect the respectful debate the government wants on marriage reform.
"Of course it's not. Conduct yourself in a reasonable way. Have a respectful discussion," he said.
Former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett said there are likely to be more protests before the end of the ballot.
"I think now the High Court has made its decision, the public just want the whole thing over and done with," he said.
"We hear a lot of energy from those out there advocating from either side."
The incident happened just hours after the High Court gave the green light to the government's survey, and dismissing challenges about the way it had been funded.
