'Thanks for nothing': Actor takes on politician around marriage equality

Bringing entertainers on to Australian panel show Q&A is the easiest way to inject some life into the politician-filled show.

Gay comedic actor Magda Szubanski, known for her roles in Kath & Kim and Babe, brought such relief Monday night, as she went head-to-head with Nationals sentor Fiona Nash who supports the country's controversial, planned plebiscite on marriage equality.

The plebiscite is a *non-binding* vote on legalising marriage equality in the country, which means it cannot progress into law unless agreed upon by Australia's parliament. And the government is funding both the "for" and "against" public campaigns.

Nash argued she would support whatever the public would vote, as would "most" of her colleagues, but it's the months of public debate about whether LGBTQ families deserve to be seen as equal as others which is cause for concern.

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Szubanski, who has struggled with her sexuality as a young person, posed a simple question to Nash: "Do you think I'm equal to you?"

"Of course I do," Nash quickly responded.

"If I was your daughter, and being gay, do you think I have the right to be married," Szubanski replied.

Nash explained she had been asked that question numerous times, saying that it wouldn't matter whether what sexual orientation her children were, her support would remain for the definition of marriage under Australian law. Marriage is currently only between a man and a woman in the country.

"I completely respect your view and desire to see this equality," Nash said.

"But you won't give me my rights. Thanks for nothing," Szubanski curtly put it.

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The debate comes at a critical time for the plebiscite, which needs to be passed in the Australian Senate if it's to go ahead. However the government's main opposition is set to block it -- even with compromises.