Outside of Mount Isa some listeners of ABC recognise his name as a regional voice discussing homosexuality – ever since he ‘came out’ on a late night radio program several years ago. 

Mr Byrne has reached out to local media to discuss his views on the much discussed marriage postal vote as the forms reach residents this week. While his views are made certain – he supports gay marriage – he is not telling people what they should vote for. He asks they fill them out without anger. 

“I would hope they would fill them out when they receive them and get them back early before the cut off date, and fill them out without anger, malice and hatred in their hearts,” Mr Byrne said. “I would like to hope that people would pause for a moment and reflect carefully and act with kindness, compassion and understanding.” 

When Mr Byrne was asked if he would like to get married, if gay marriage was approved, he said, “you can put this down if you like. I was not much to look at when I was younger, and I am probably less to look at now. 

“So whether anyone would have me, I don’t know. 

“If it was possible to get married and I found the right person, even if that’s unlikely, I suppose it would be a nice thing to have it formally recognised, all the legal Ts’ and Is’ crossed and dotted.” 

Mr Byrne apologised to anyone he knew who might be offended to learn of his sexuality. He understood their reaction even if he would be sad about it. When asked why he needed to apologise, he said, “to find out this person isn’t quite who you thought they were or what they were, it can become a big shock to people.

“And some people don’t really know how to cope with it.” 

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