Marriage equality advocates have welcomed a decision by the Federal Labor Government to support a’ motion on same-sex marriage but are disappointed the Coalition will oppose it.
The motion, calling on MPs to gauge their constituent’s views on achieving marriage equality, has been put forward by newly-elected Greens MP, Adam Bandt.
Australian Marriage Equality National Convener, Alex Greenwich, said Labor’s move reflects the fact that a clear majority of Australians support reform.
“Labor clearly realises public opinion has changed and it is time to approach the issue with maturity and common sense”, Mr Greenwich said.
“It is deeply disappointing the Coalition has not reached the same point despite support for marriage equality from leading Liberals like Simon Birmingham, Warren Entsch and Mal Washer.”
AME’s Tim Wright, who is in Parliament House canvassing the views of MPs, said there is strong and growing support among MPs for marriage equality.
“We welcome debate on the motion because whenever this issue is discussed, support for reform inevitably increases”, Mr Wright said.
It is expected the motion will be debated and passed on Thursday, with the Government and most independents set to support it.
The motion tabled by Adam Bandt calls on “all parliamentarians, consistent with their duties as representatives, to gauge their constituents’ views on ways to achieve equal treatment for same sex couples including marriage”.
For more information contact Alex Greenwich on 0421 316 335 or Tim Wright 0400 967 233.