I don't think it's so much a matter (at least in the United States. I wouldn't know about Australia.) that "we" have arrived at this place, but that a minority of very conservative people, typically right-wing Christians, have arrived.

I suspect that what we're seeing is classic backlash. A minority that feels itself losing cultural power is striking back with pretty fierce energy. I don't think they can ultimately win, but but they're going to make a lot of people miserable in the process of trying.