November 28th 2010:
Marriage equality advocates have welcomed Senator Penny Wong’s public support for the issue at the South Australian Labor Party State Conference.
Senator Wong, who is Australia’s first openly-gay Cabinet Minister, said “I have had the opportunity to advocate for equality at the highest level of our party and within our party’s processes…and I will do so again at the next national conference”.
Australian Marriage Equality National Convener, Alex Greenwich, hailed Senator Wong’s commitment saying her advocacy will be crucial to achieving reform.
“Senator Wong’s public support for reform will not only make a difference when the issue is debated at the Labor National Conference – it also re-inforces the message to the Australian public that gay Australians are united in our desire for full legal equality.”
The South Australian Labor State Conference endorsed marriage equality, making it the fourth such conference to support the issue after Tasmania, Victoria and the Northern Territory.”
Mr Greenwich also welcomed the revelation by openly-gay leader of the Australian Greens, Dr Bob Brown, that he has not seriously considered marrying his partner, Paul Thomas.
“Bob Brown’s statement is a reminder that the same-sex marriage debate is about couples having the choice to marry, as much as it is about them actually marrying.”
“It’s also a reminder that the decision to marry is a deeply personal one that should not be made lightly or for political effect.”
For further comment contact Alex Greenwich on 0421 316 335.