Renewed call on ALP to grant conscience vote
Australia’s marriage equality advocates have declared support for the issue from Labor Government Minister and right-wing power-broker, Mark Arbib, a “turning point” that will open the door for other Labor MPs to declare their support.
Australian Marriage Equality national convener, Alex Greenwich, said Mr Arbib’s endorsement of reform shows the issue has support across the Labor Party and that it is time for the Party to allow a conscience vote.
“Because Mr Arbib is the first Government Minister and the first right-faction power-broker to endorse marriage equality, this is a major turning point in the national debate”, Alex Greenwich.
“The fact that marriage equality now has support from leaders of Labor’s left and right factions means the Labor Government has little choice but to reverse its blanket opposition to marriage equality and allow a conscience vote.”
Mr Greenwich encouraged other Labor MPs to follow Mr Arbib’s lead.
“It’s time for the silent majority of Labor MPs who support marriage equality to publicly speak out for reform, including those Government Ministers who have traditionally advocated for gay and lesbian human rights like Anthony Albanese and Tanya Plibersek.”
Two weeks ago Australian Marriage Equality released a Galaxy research poll showing 62% of Australians believe same-sex couples should be allowed to marry and 78% support a conscience vote on the issue.
At the same time it established a dedicated website through which 4000 people have already emailed the leaders of both major parties calling for a conscience vote on marriage equality.
Following the poll launch the ALP’s opposition to reform was criticised by leading left-faction MP, Doug Cameron.
During the September federal election, Prime Minister Julia Gillard repeatedly said she opposes marriage equality.
A news report of Mr Arbib’s comments can be found at
www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/arbib-wants-labor-to-back-gay-marriage/story-fn59niix-1225948555751
The Galaxy poll can be found at
www.australianmarriageequality.org/newopinionpoll.htm
The conscience vote website can be found at
www.freevote.org.au
For more information contact Alex Greenwich on 0421 316 335.