Federal politicians have been tying themselves in knots this week over a bill designed to protect religious freedoms.
The MP for the electorate of Reid, Sydney's west and inner west, Fiona Martin, was one of five Liberals to cross the floor during a marathon parliamentary sitting before the government shelved the bill indefinitely.
Labor MP Julie Owens represents the neighbouring seat of Parramatta.
Along with Ms Martin and four other Liberal MPs, Labor voted in favour of a crossbench amendment to extend protection from discrimination for transgender school students and staff.
So what do voters in Western Sydney think about the fierce political debate taking place in Canberra?
Disconnect between voters and politicians
Walking through Parramatta Mall, shopper Kylie Evans said she had "no interest" in the issue.
She said the government should be focusing on dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and the economy.
"What's going on with the virus, unemployment, people losing their homes, their jobs, small businesses, that's more important," she said
Retiree Robert Daniel from Fairfield was similarly indifferent.
"Religion has nothing to do with politics," he said.
However, he said, schools had "no right at all" to expel students on the basis of faith.
Supermarket worker Sancte Macasaquit from Fairfield said he felt disconnected from decisions in Canberra.
"[Politicians] will put out information that 'we're gonna do something' … but, at the same time, we're waiting months and years on it and nothing's been done," he said.
Queer community marginalised
Jessica Dover, 22, who is pansexual, said young, queer people had been left out of the debate over the legislation.
"I don't think it's accessible to our age group," Jessica said.
"Maybe, if they targeted those things to where we would read them and see them, because we're not going to look at the newspaper."
Jessica said putting information about the proposed laws on platforms like TikTok and YouTube would help young people become more engaged in the political process.
Feeling discrimination at times while attending a Catholic school, Jessica hid her sexuality from religious peers.
When it comes to the current political debate, Jessica "100 per cent" supports legislative protections for gay students.
Close to home
For some voters such as Ali al-Omari, religious discrimination is personal.
He spoke to the ABC as he was going to pray at the Auburn Gallipoli Mosque with his son.
"[The bill] is a good thing to have because it's going to be really helpful for some people when they face any kind of discrimination because of their religion and their beliefs," he said.
Ali says he has experienced some discrimination personally but is more concerned for his religious peers.
"Some religious people [discrimination] happens to, and you don't know what to do."
'I'll say what I wanna say'
Gary from Parramatta, who did not wish to use his last name for fear of being labelled "homophobic", said people should be allowed to say what they think, even if it may be harmful to others.
"I've got no problems with kids doing whatever they want, but don't try and force other things on me," he said.
"I believe what I want. They can say what they say, and I'll say what I wanna say."
Gary says he doesn't feel represented by the country's politicians because he says they are unable to voice opinions similar to his own.
"If I voice an opinion, I'm 'anti-gay' or 'anti this', 'anti-that'," he said.
"Why can't I have an opinion?"
