The Australian Rainbow Labor Network expresses its sincere disappointment in comments about marriage equality made by John Murphy, Labor Member for Reid, yesterday.
Speaking to presenter Fran Kelly on ABC Radio National, Mr Murphy opined that voters in Western Sydney did not support marriage equality; and that this important reform is not a human rights issue. Mr Murphy also stated that ALP members who support marriage equality were creating dissent within the party.
Responding to these remarks, spokesperson for the Australian Rainbow Labor Network, ACT Deputy Chief Minister Andrew Barr, said that, “marriage equality is not only a human rights issue; but follows in a long line of important social justice reforms made by Labor Governments throughout Australian history. These include women’s suffrage and giving indigenous Australians the right to vote”.
“There are many same-sex couples in loving and caring relationships who live and work in every Australian electorate. Family members and friends of these same-sex couples know that giving them the right to marry, the same right enjoyed by everyone else, is the right thing to do.”
“State and Territory branches of the ALP have voted in support of equality in marriage, and senior members of all Labor factions have thrown their support behind marriage equality.
“Civil unions, which Mr Murphy also mentioned, are not a viable alternative to full marriage equality. Wherever civil unions have been established around the globe, governments now face ongoing and accelerating campaigns for marriage equality. Frankly, civil unions here in Australia would simply see the call for marriage equality intensify,” Mr Barr concluded.
For media comment, please contact Andrew Barr on (02) 6205 0011.
The Australian Rainbow Labor Network is a coalition comprised of the respective State and Territory Rainbow Labor organisations: which were established to promote gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex equality within the Australian Labor Party and to promote progressive policy debate within the ALP to the Australian GLBTI community.