Marriage equality advocates have welcomed a Senate inquiry into marriage equality flagged today by Greens Senator, Sarah Hanson-Young.

Australian Marriage Equality national convener, Alex Greenwich, said,

“We believe a Senate inquiry is the winnable way forward.”

“Having spoken to supportive and undecided MPs in both major parties, we have identified a marriage equality inquiry as the best way to alleviate outstanding concerns about this reform.”

“The inquiry will provide a forum to deal with issues raised by marriage equality like protecting religious freedoms, the inadequacy of civil unions and the constitutionality of reform.”

“The inquiry provides an opportunity for everyone from parents to mental health and legal experts to have their say.”

“It also allows parliament to examine the positive impact of marriage equality in other countries.”

National spokesperson for Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, Shelley Argent, said,

“The many thousands of Australian parents with gay sons and lesbian daughters welcome this inquiry as a way to have our voices heard.”

“We can give our children everything they need in life, but only the Government can give them equality.”

The inquiry has been welcomed by Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, Get Up!, the Public Interest Advocacy Centre, the NSW Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby, Psychologists for Marriage Equality and Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.

For more information contact Alex Greenwich on 0421 316 335 and Shelley Argent on 0409 363 335.