Advocates have called on federal MPs to reflect community values and support marriage equality following a poll which shows an exemption for churches from same-sex marriage legislation will increase support for the reform.
A poll released today by Galaxy Research shows 62% of Australians believe same-sex couples should be able to marry with 11% more likely to support reform if churches are free to refuse to marry same-sex couples (full results included below).
The poll comes as two same-sex marriage bills were tabled in federal parliament, and MPs were asked to support a motion guaranteeing religious freedom from same-sex marriage legislation.
Australian Marriage Equality national convener, Alex Greenwich, said,
“Despite the fear campaign run by opponents of marriage equality, a consistently strong majority of Australians continue to support the reform.”
“This majority increases when it is made clear that churches will not have to marry same-sex couples if they don’t want to.”
“We call on federal representatives across the political spectrum to reflect community values and support marriage equality with appropriate protections for religious freedoms.”
This morning two marriage equality bills were introduced into federal parliament, one from Labor backbencher, Stephen Jones and the other co-sponsored by Greens MP, Adam Bandt, and Tasmanian Independent, Andrew Wilkie.
Both include provisions making it clear that churches will not have to marry same-sex couples.
Meanwhile, debate began today on a motion from Mr Wilkie that calls on parliament to re-affirm that faith communities will not have to marry same-sex couples. A vote on the motion is expected at the beginning of March.
Also today, the Australian newspaper reported that senior Coalition figures believe Coalition leader, Tony Abbott, supports allowing Coalition backbenchers a conscience vote on the issue.
“We now have a very large number of Coalition backbenchers to work with as we seek to build a parliamentary majority for equality”, Mr Greenwich said.
“Up until today it seemed like the Coalition would vote as a block against marriage equality but now the Coalition’s principle of individual freedom has prevailed thanks to the advocacy of people inside and outside the Coalition.”
The Galaxy research poll was conducted over the weekend (results below). It found that 62% of Australians believe same-sex couples should be allowed to marry – a figure consistent with previous polls. 28% were more willing to support marriage equality if churches are free to refuse to marry same-sex couples and 17% less willing, leaving an overall figure of 11% more willing to support.
For the Australian article go to:
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/free-vote-on-same-sex-marriage-for-lib-back-bench/story-fn59niix-1226269136114
For more information contact Alex Greenwich on 0421 316 335.
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The main findings from the Galaxy telephone omnibus 10-12 February 2012:
- Overall 62% Agree that same-sex couples should be allowed to marry (29% strongly agree and 33% agree)
- 81% of 18-24 year olds agree compared to 51% of the 50-64 year age group
- Overall 28% are ‘more willing’ to support same-sex couples being allowed to marry if churches were guaranteed the right to refuse to marry same-sex couples.
- Overall 17% were less willing to agree and for 53% it would make no difference
- This means that if churches were guaranteed the right to refuse to marry same-sex couples there would be a net change of 11% being more willing to allow same-sex marriage.