Tens of thousands of marriage equality supporters kicked off a text message and doorknocking campaign this weekend encouraging people to vote "yes" in the same-sex marriage postal survey.
On Saturday, people started receiving text messages on their mobile phones from YesEquality, which stated: "The Marriage Equality Survey forms have arrived! Help make history and vote YES for a fairer Australia. VoteYes.org.au."
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By the numbers: 7 in 10 to vote YES
Latest Ipsos/Fairfax poll show 70 per cent support same-sex marriage are among those 'certain' to vote, however only 65 per cent of the public are 'certain' they will particpate in the upcoming postal vote.
But not everyone – regardless of their view on same-sex marriage – was happy to receive an SMS, with some expressing concern about how their phone numbers were obtained.
how the hell did VoteYes get my phone number and send me a text to vote yes. Genuinely concerned about how they got it
— No, you really don't (@WhoisSamSmith) September 23, 2017
"I have never contacted, donated or been involved with either side of this campaign," Michael, who asked that his surname not be used, told Fairfax Media on Saturday.
"How did they get my unlisted mobile number? Why is my privacy being breached in the hope that I'll respond to a survey in a particular way ... What's the point of lobbying for extending some rights by ignoring others that are already legislated?"
@AMEquality OK I got this Text message asking me to vote yes how the F**K did you get my number ? #auspol #nothappy
— MsRebeccaRobins (@MsRebeccaRobins) September 23, 2017
One person said they had voted "yes" but still had concerns about privacy.
![The text message sent to thousands of Australians on Saturday.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170924051631im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/y/n/g/7/d/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gynfp0.png/1506226196465.jpg)
Seriously @AMEquality. I did vote yes but how dare you send me a text to my phone. I did not give permission. @9NewsAUS @mirandadevine
— vanity fair oz (@vanityfairoz) September 23, 2017
Australian Marriage Equality spokesman Clint McGilvray said the texts had gone out to random computer-generated numbers.
![Security confronts protesters who kissed on stage after gatecrashing a Coalition for Marriage launch in Melbourne.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170924051631im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/y/n/j/2/p/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gynfp0.png/1506226196465.jpg)
Alex Greenwich from the Equality Campaign said: "The campaign is using every resource available to make sure fairness and equality are achieved for all Australians.
"The campaign has a responsibility to encourage every Australian to post their survey and we have done this through doorknocking, media, advertising, social media and SMS messaging.
![Protesters unfurled a sign at the Coalition for Marriage event.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170924051631im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/y/n/j/2/o/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gynfp0.png/1506226196465.jpg)
"It's so important to reach as many Australians as possible and remind them this is a vote about fairness and ensuring every Australian is equal under the law."
Meanwhile, protesters and counter-protesters came face-to-face in Sydney on Saturday.
"Yes" and "no" campaigners met in Green Park, Darlinghurst.Â
While verbal barbs were exchanged, a high police presence kept both sides peaceful.
The "no" protest was called "Straight Lives Matter". It was organised by Party for Freedom, which is a conservative, nationalist group encouraging people to vote "no" in the postal survey.
Equality Campaign boss Tiernan Brady told reporters in Brisbane on Saturday, ahead of the annual Pride march, that the doorknocking campaign aimed to drum up support and ensure people mailed their responses on time.
The Coalition for Marriage held its Victorian campaign launch in Melbourne on Saturday night, ahead of rallies across the country in the coming week.
Security was tight at the campaign launch, but a small group of protesters managed to get inside. They unfurled a banner which read: "Burn churches not queers."
They were jeered from the crowd with calls of "get them out", before they were quickly ejected by security.
A speech by anti-Safe Schools campaigner Cella White was later disrupted by two women protesters who kissed on stage before being dragged away by security.
Ms White, who has appeared in a Coalition for Marriage ad, is accused of falsely claiming her son was told he could wear a dress to Frankston High School.
On Friday, a Tasmanian man was charged for head butting former prime minister Tony Abbott.
He was wearing a "yes" badge when he assaulted Mr Abbott but Mr Brady said people unrelated to both sides of the debate had done "stupid things".
The results of the survey on same-sex marriage are due on November 15.
with AAP, William McInnes
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