The Australian LGBTIQ community has inarguably suffered a lot under the ongoing public “discussion” on whether they deserve the same equal rights as everyone else (SPOILER: of course they fucking do) and now not only is the country deciding on the validity of their relationships, but they can also put a punt on it.
Betting company Sportsbet is copping plenty of rightful scorn at the moment, from queer community members, their allies and ‘Yes’ voters alike, for launching odds on the specific outcome of the ongoing postal survey.
@theprojecttv Sportsbet now using basic human rights and equality as a gambling piece pic.twitter.com/BgHhl6Zysu
— Lauren Sayer (@Lilylauren) September 26, 2017
Spread on Facebook via a sponsored post from the official Sportsbet account, the tonedeaf text accompanying the promotion reads:
Will it be a “Yes” or “No” result from the same-sex marriage postal vote? Join Sportsbet today and make a $10 first deposit to get a $40 bonus bet.
Oh how fun! Throw some of your extra cash on guessing the outcome of a process that has caused mental and physical harm to LGBTIQ people country-wide, and get a BONUS BET! Super!
When you consider that Sportsbet not only makes a living off the problematic gambling industry, but that they also run promotions on celebrity baby names, The Bachelorette and whether Prince Harry will cameo in the TV show Suits or not, sure does make it feel like our lives as gay people is one big joke.
People on Twitter are filthy:
https://twitter.com/DanielRadiance/status/912591353988530176
The Sportsbet twitter feed is awful. Taking bets on the Yes/No decision, on the back of allowing Dane Swans crap last night
— Michael E (@Michael_60) September 26, 2017
https://twitter.com/__JesseJ/status/912594726586433536
In case you were in any doubt that Sportsbet is the biggest bogan feed in the whole of the Interwebz.. https://t.co/oJn0ih0Xno
— Michael E (@Michael_60) September 26, 2017
So are Sportsbet saying it’s Rainbow flag Vs Austn Flag? – ie Gay=Anti Australian?cause that’s pretty fucked. As is gambling on it.
— Squirrel Comedy (@squirrel_comedy) September 26, 2017
Will this minority get treated fairly and equally under law? Why not have a punt on it at Sportsbet!
— Christopher Owen 🦪 (@oysta) September 26, 2017
With polls continuing to shift back and forth, violence and abuse on the rise, and still over a month before the result of the postal survey comes through, it’s an increasingly stressful and scary time for LGBTIQ people in Australia.
The best you can do for them right now is, firstly to not fucking PUNT on their futures like some kind of sick fuck head, but keep campaigning for a strong ‘Yes’ vote.
How sure are you that your friends/relos/colleagues have sent off their ‘Yes’ vote in the mail? Can’t hurt to check again…
In other good news though guess what? We’ve got motherfucking Wolverine on our side bitches!
We believe all Australians deserve to be treated equally under the law That’s why Deb & I are voting YES #equality and #love! @Deborra_lee pic.twitter.com/px4sCYffnD
— Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) September 26, 2017
