The ethnic vote is expected to play a significant role in the outcome of the same sex marriage survey.

One in every three Australians are born overseas and about 40 per cent of the those are from Asia.

Professor of Sociology from the University of Technology in Sydney, Andrew Jakubowicz, estimated 60 per cent of Australians with Asian heritage would vote no and their vote could be crucial to the No campaign.

"The No vote will be depending on getting as many people from ethnic communities out to vote as they possibly can," he said.

"We're already seeing that and it's already causing ructions in a number of different communities.



"In total they can't win the No vote on their own, but without their support the No vote won't have much chance."

He says some Muslim communities, especially Pakistani and Malaysian, have been actively preaching against same-sex marriage.

Here is a sample of opinions from various Australians with Asian heritage living in Sydney.

Rei, 27, Catholic, Indonesia — yes

Rei is a Catholic from Indonesia. His religion is opposed to same sex marriage but he supports people's right to choose. ( Kate Nguyen )

"A lot of Asians don't really like the whole same sex marriage thing and they're against it," he said.

"Even though my religion says 'no', I personally don't really care.

"It's something that people are entitled too, so why can't two people who love each other get married?"

Aisha, 21, Islam, Pakistan — no

"Same sex marriage is not part of our culture," she said.

"Our religion supports a marriage between and woman and a man, not same-sex marriages."

Zachary Tan, former Christian — no

"Marriage for me is a sacred thing, binding two people together in front of God."

Mustafa, 22, Muslim, Pakistan — yes

"My entire family is against it and are doing everything to fight against it," he said.

"Because I support marriage equality many people would argue I'm not a Muslim any more."

Mia, 24, Vietnamese, not religious — yes

Mia is from Vietnam and supports marriage equality. ( Kieu Trinh Nguyen )

"I think everyone was born equal and people should have the right to choose their own partner."

Derek Puah, 40, Christian — no

"I would think that 'no' is the right vote, but then again I think they should give people their rights," he said.

"If they want to have same-sex marriage, then give them same-sex marriage."

Noni Widjaja, 33, Christian — won't vote

Noni is Christian and feels she should vote no, but she has gay and lesbian friends who she says deserve to be happy. ( Kate Nguyen )

"I'm not supposed to say 'yes', but I have lots of friends who are gay and lesbian and I understand their situation, so I decided just not to vote," she said.

"I think it is the right thing to do and everyone deserves to be happy".

Garry Nguyen, 23, Vietnamese — yes

Garry Nguyen is a 23-year-old immigrant from Vietnam and he is not religious. ( Garry Nguyen )

"Right now I have not been thinking about getting married yet but maybe in the future," he said.

"I know it is very important to a lot of people especially the gay couples out there.

"They have been fighting really long for this issue and I would like to put in a helping hand for their fight".

Brendan Vo, 28, Vietnamese — cannot vote

Brendan Vo is a Vietnamese migrant, 28 years old and not religious.

He did not register in time but he supports marriage equality and wants others to vote yes.

"If you can do it, please do because they are going to use the survey to support people in the future.

"We are who we are and we should think about it for the future, so they have a life, same-sex marriage, it's got to be good for them.

"My family is neutral, hopefully they will vote for it."

Predicting the outcome

Professor Jakubowicz thought the vote would go 60/40 in support of marriage equality, but for ethnic communities it would be the reverse.

"Particularly those from Asia and the Middle East where there's strong Catholic or Muslim backgrounds," he said.

"It could even be higher than 60 per cent no."

Note: this article does not claim to reflect the views of the whole Asian Australian population.

