From sky-writing to full page advertisements in newspapers to messages on social media platforms, it seems everyone is talking about this postal survey.

Even the principals of some Canberra primary schools - with the exception of public schools - have also entered the debate.

It is an issue that divides the Coalition and Labor parties, an issue that has the potential to divide the country along lines from political allegiance to religious affiliation.

But amid the messages to 'vote no' for religious freedom and vote yes for human rights, the central tennent of this debate must be, whatever ones position, to respect the other voices.

From the many Liberals and Nationals MPs who are encouraging the public to vote yes, to those on the Labor right who may prefer to stay silent, all parties must respect everybody's right to speak their mind freely.

Some will want to, and others, as is equally their right, may want to keep their view to themselves.

Mental health services are already reportedly seeing an upswing in LGBTIQ people seeking help because of potential vilification, and similar anecdotes are emerging from the 'no' campaign.

Such reports make for concerning news for anyone who believes in a robust yet respectful debate.

This newspaper has endorsed the 'yes' campaign, on the grounds all Australians should have an equal opportunity to voice their love for each other in a marriage ceremony.

But the overriding concern is that as many people as possible feel they can express their views, regardless of their vote, with confidence and without fear of vilification.

What happens after the forms are in and the ABS has tallied the numbers, will ultimately be up to the parliament.

Such is the situation the nation faces after years of lengthy and divisive debate.

Brindabella Christian College principal Bruce Handley has told the school that a 'yes vote is simply signing a blank cheque to the parliament to proceed with changes' - a valid point.

There are those who, for different reasons, may consider it is the parliament's role, as the citizenry's elected representatives, to do just that.

The mechanism of a postal survey, rather than a parliamentary vote, plebiscite or referendum, may not be one that either side particularly wants, but it is the mechanism that has been extended.

Some Catholics and Christians will support a yes vote, while others will vote no.

Some Muslims will vote no, while other will vote yes.

As in life, people have different views and will make different choices in this debate - the expression of such views should not be seen as an invitation to ridicule or vilification.

There are two boxes to tick on the survey form, but there is no wrong answer to the question.

The only wrong answer, for those that want to have their voice heard, is failing to post the forms back by the October 27 deadline.

Decisions are made by those who turn up.