Marriage equality advocates have welcomed the support for reform from Defence Minister, Stephen Smith (report here, transcript here), who cited society’s growing acceptance and tolerance of same-sex relationships when announcing he would support a change to Labor’s Platform to end discrimination in the Marriage Act.

Alex Greenwich, National Convener of Australian Marriage Equality, said the minister’s comments were reflective of the wider community “like Stephen Smith, many Australians have thought about this reform and opened their hearts and minds to the importance of equality for same-sex couples”

“It doesn’t matter what poll you look at, or what community forum you go to, it is clear most Australians support marriage equality” Mr Greenwich said.

The Labor Party will vote to amend their national platform to support same-sex marriage at this weekend’s opportunity. Mr Greenwich said people like Stephen Smith will have an historic opportunity this weekend:

“From union delegates to senior cabinet ministers, ALP members are looking forward to this weekend’s historic opportunity to show their party’s support for fairness, equality, and love”.

Australian Marriage Equality will today join advocacy group GetUP in presenting a petition of over 130,000 signatures to prominent conference delegates (details here).

For more information contact Alex Greenwich on 0421 316 335 .