Marriage equality advocates have responded to Tony Abbott’s comments this morning on Sky News by saying that they’re hopeful that the Coalition will ultimately allow a conscience vote on the issue because the issue continues to win hearts and minds.
Alex Greenwich, National Convenor of Australian Marriage Equality, said:
“We remain hopeful that Mr Abbott and the Coalition will allow a conscience vote on marriage equality when a bill comes before Parliament next year, because this is an issue that continues to win hearts and minds”.
“Recent polling shows that a majority of Coalition voters support marriage equality, and that 76% of Coalition voters want MPs to be granted a conscience vote.” [Links below]
“A number of Coalition MPs have called for a conscience vote, including Malcolm Turnbull, Russell Broadbent, Barnaby Joyce and Simon Birmingham. We have also been heartened by the support expressed to us privately by Coalition MPs.”
“Allowing MPs a conscience vote is the mature way to avoid further tension within Coalition ranks.”
For the Nielsen poll showing a majority of Coalition voters support marriage equality, click here:
http://www.smh.com.au/national/voter-opinion-adds-weight-to-shift-in-marriage-policy-20111114-1nfkj.html
For the Galaxy poll showing that 76% of Coalition voters want a conscience vote, click here:
https://www.australianmarriageequality.org/2011/12/05/galaxy-poll-coalition-voters-want-abbott-to-grant-gay-marriage-conscience-vote/
For more information contact Alex Greenwich on 0421 316 335.