It’s hard to believe that in 2011 we live in a society where prejudice, discrimination, fear and even hatred directed at same-sex-attracted people still exist.
But attitudes are shifting. As yesterday’s polling made clear, most Australians support a change to the Marriage Act. This support is even stronger among Labor voters.
Along with other progressive parliamentarians, I will be seeking to bring Labor’s position on this matter into step with the views of the community and the Labor Party membership by working to change the ALP’s platform to allow same-sex marriage.
Despite the clear wishes of the majority of Labor members, there is a conservative minority within the party who remain committed to blocking this reform. These conservative forces want the issue decided in Parliament as a conscience vote. This is only to further delay the inevitable.
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