Nile calls for black and white choice for voters Christian groups, led by the Reverend Fred Nile, are calling for an election day referendum on gay marriage, saying Australians will reject any change to the status quo. But Mr Nile insisted a referendum question must be a "black and white choice" on whether to allow "homosexuals to get married" rather than a generic commitment to support "marriage equality." "I'm in favour of marriage equality - between a husband and a wife," he said. Clear question and answer: Fred Nile. I think people should decide the issue. As same-sex marriage advocates voiced their fears about a divisive referendum, Mr Nile joined the Australian Christian Lobby in calling for the matter to be settled by the public on election day. He said his Christian Democratic Party had been "pipped at the post" by the independent Tony Windsor in calling for a question on gay marriage to be added to a referendum, expected to be announced soon, on constitutional recognition for local government. Marriage equality activists are concerned that what they describe as "cashed-up" church groups would bring on a pre-referendum battle that would polarise society and "demonise" gay and lesbian people. Mr Nile and Australian Christian Lobby spokesman Lyle Shelton confirmed significant resources would be thrown behind any "no" campaign. "This is something that people are very passionate about," Mr Shelton said. Before Labor's 2011 national conference, the group collected more than 100,000 signatures against gay marriage and Mr Shelton predicted a referendum would fail. The stance of the Christian groups exposed divisions in the gay marriage lobby. Fairfax Media understands that Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young, who has portfolio responsibility for marriage equality, lobbied leader Christine Milne to reverse her support for a referendum. In comments that confirmed she had been forced into a U-turn, Senator Milne said a referendum would be a "distraction" and the issue should be settled by Parliament.