Senator BRANDIS (Queensland—Attorney-General, Vice-President of the Executive Council and Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:21): Thank you, Senator Reynolds, for that question. This morning, I am sorry to say, Senator Reynolds, the Labor Party has driven a stake through the heart of marriage equality, because, regardless of the pieties we hear coming from people like Senator Wong, who assert that they believe in this cause— Senator Wong: It matters to me. Senator BRANDIS: You say it matters to you, Senator Wong. Why won't you do something about it? Senator Wong, in 2004 you came into this chamber and voted against marriage equality, as the division list reveals. For six years, from 2007 to 2013, you were a senior minister in a— The PRESIDENT: Order! A point of order from Senator Williams, who was on his feet first. Senator Williams: Mr President, as you are aware, I spent some time in your position, as deputy chair. When I was in that position and Senator Wong was speaking, when people would interject she would stop and stare at the chair and demand silence. Senator Wong: He was yelling at me! Senator Williams: She is even interjecting at me now, Mr President. The PRESIDENT: Your point of order, Senator Williams? Senator Williams: My point of order is: would you please bring her to order, remind her of standing order 197 and, if necessary, standing order 203. The PRESIDENT: Thank you, Senator Williams. Senator Wong: If he's yelling at me, I'll yell back. Senator Williams: You are a disgrace, you are! The PRESIDENT: Order! I remind all senators to curtail their interjections. Senator Ian Macdonald: You are a disgrace, Penny! The PRESIDENT: Senator Macdonald! In particular—and I am reluctant to do so—I will remind both leaders not to shout across the chamber, and I remind all senators not to interject. Senator BRANDIS: Senator Wong, for six years, between 2007 and 2013, you were a senior minister in a government that did not one thing, not a single thing, to advance marriage equality. In July 2010 you said on the Ten Network that you were against marriage equality and today, this morning, you have been part of a caucus that has put a roadblock in front of the only feasible possibility of seeing marriage equality in Australia any time soon. In fact, Senator Wong, but for the decision you and your caucus made this morning within four months from today we could have had this outcome. Senator Wong, you have for years now said you believe in this. Why have you put a roadblock before it today? Opposition senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order on my left! Senator Reynolds, a supplementary question?