Marriage equality advocates have welcomed support for marriage equality from current Labor Party President, Jenny McAllister. ( details here )
Australian Marriage Equality National Convener, Alex Greenwich, said:
“Ms McAllister clearly understands the benefits to Labor of supporting marriage equality, particularly when it comes to keeping the Party relevant to young voters.”
In stressing the importance of the issue to the Labor Party Ms McAllister said “It’s certainly an issue for young people and has become symbolic of our appeals to members and the reform campaign” ( details here )
Mr Greenwich also welcomed the Queensland Acting Premier’s, Andrew Fraser, commitment to introduce a state civil union scheme and support for marriage equality at a federal level.
In a statement Mr Fraser said:
“While civil partnerships do not equate to marriage or displace the case for equality, legislation for such relationships represents the most a State Parliament can constitutionally achieve.”
In support of Mr Fraser’s statement, Mr Greenwich said “Civil unions can never be a substitute for equality in marriage, particularly at a federal level where the Marriage Act enshrines discrimination against same-sex couples.”
“But we welcome state-based initiatives to provide same and opposite sex couples with greater recognition and affirmation.”
Civil union schemes already exist in Tasmania, the ACT, Victoria and NSW.
The support of both Labor leaders comes as more reports indicate the Prime Minister will declare support for a conscience vote on the issue, and as a new poll has shown by backing marriage equality the Labor party would experience a swing of almost 5% in their favour.
Australian Marriage Equality National Convener, Alex Greenwich, said the poll shows Labor will experience a net gain in votes by supporting marriage equality.
“By doing the right thing on marriage equality Labor can expect to be rewarded by voters”, Mr Greenwich said.
“For Labor, marriage equality is an electoral winner because it is a reform that will cost nothing, attract votes from other parties, promote loyalty among existing voters, and prove Labor is returning to it’s core values of fairness and equality.”
With reference to a concience vote Mr Greenwich said “If the ALP settles for a conscience vote it will limit the ALP’s ability to deliver this historic reform, and will have much more limited appeal to Green and young voters than a binding party policy.”
Further details on the poll can be found here. Download our fact sheet here.
For more information contact Alex Greenwich on 0421 316 335