Senator MURPHY(9.49 p.m.) —I would like to say a few words with regard to where this whole debate is currently at. It is now starting to go to the depths of debate and ridicule that it should never have been placed in. We just had one vote on the suspension of standing orders to bring the debate on in terms of the legislation. We are would-be experts that would come in here and give our political view—that is all we are really giving. It is about time a few people in this place woke up to what we really ought to be about. We are not experts in the field of everything.

Senator Bob Collins —Senator Brown is looking for a headline. He just wants to gazump the debate. He just wants to vote without the debate.

Senator MURPHY —That may be so, Senator Collins, but I do not proclaim to be an expert in this area. Quite frankly, as I have said in response to the many letters, inquiries and submissions that I have received with regard to this debate, we ought not be trying to make a politically based decision about this. Indeed, it would be for the greater good if we could allow the debate to be had elsewhere. Ultimately, when it comes down to legislation, it ought to be considered with the fullest information available to us. That is not the case now.

Whether we debate Senator Brown's motion or we go on to debate the legislation, I do not think at this point in time that we are going to do it with appropriate information. I certainly do not have it available to me, and I do not think anyone else has. We will get up and make a political point and maybe, as some people term it, we will have a vote based on conscience about whether or not you have a particular religious view or whether or not you may pretend that you have some information or some expertise in this area. Maybe a few people who are in certain fields of expertise—maybe Senator Herron, because he is a doctor, and maybe one or two other people—might be able to claim they have a particular expertise. But, quite frankly, I do not think we do have.

Senator Abetz —You won't be voting on the bill?

Senator MURPHY —Certainly, Senator Abetz, I do not think you have particular expertise at all. As one of the great exponents of states' rights, Senator Abetz, when you get up here and talk about the rights of people in a particular state, even though this is a territory we are talking about, maybe you ought to have a long, hard think about exactly where you stand. I think this has really turned into a political debacle, and that is where it is going to end up. I feel that is a sad day for this Senate.