Marriage equality advocates have responded to reports that the Shadow Cabinet has ruled out a free vote on gay marriage by stating it is only a matter of time until this decision is revisited.

Alex Greenwich, National Convenor of Australian Marriage Equality, said:

“The Coalition and Mr Abbott are not immune to the arguments of love, family, and equality that have won over the hearts and minds of a clear majority of Australians from coast to coast”.

“It was only a few backs when the Labor Party had the same position as Mr Abbott, and we have seen the impact the unstoppable momentum towards reform has had there”.

Mr Greenwich said the calls for a free vote on the proposed legislation are becoming louder and clearer, with reports claiming that Joe Hockey, George Brandis, Christopher Pyne, Greg Hunt and Senator Nigel Scullion have all thrown their support behind a conscience vote:

“What we do know is a number of Senior Coalition MPs have joined Malcolm Turnbull, Barry O’Farrell, Simon Birmingham and Barnaby Joyce in supporting a free vote”.

Mr Greenwich said granting a coalition conscience vote is a mature move that is supported by coalition voters
“Granting a conscience vote allows Mr Abbott to maintain his opposition to reform, while preventing the tensions and protracted debate that plagued Labor for years to get to that point”.

“It is the sensible move and is backed by the people who elected Mr Abbott” .

Recent polling shows that that 76% of Coalition voters want their MPs to be granted a conscience vote.

For further information contact Alex Greenwich on 0421 316 335.