Politicians share the love at Sydney Mardi Gras
– Senior Cabinet Ministers to March
– NSW Coalition grants gay marriage conscience vote
Equality advocates have welcomed the news that senior cabinet ministers will march for marriage equality at this year’s Sydney Mardi Gras. The news comes as the NSW Coalition has allowed a free vote on an upcoming motion of support for marriage equality.
The politicians marching in Rainbow Labor’s marriage equality float include: Senator Louise Pratt, Anthony Albanese, Tanya Plibersek, ACT Deputy Chief Minister Andrew Barr, as well as State labor MPs Carmel Tebbutt, Penny Sharpe, and Linda Burney. The Coalition will also have a float called “GLBTI Liberals” which will include State MP Bruce Notley-Smith, who is a supporter of Marriage Equality. Green’s Sneator Sarah Hanson-Young will join the Australian Marriage Equality float.
Australian Marriage Equality’s National Convener, Alex Greenwich:
“The multi-partisan support for GLBTI equality at this year’s Mardi Gras parade is another sign of unstoppable momentum towards reform”
“The number of State and Federal MPs marching for equality this year will send such a positive message of support and acceptance to Australia’s GLBTI community and our families”
NSW Coalition grants gay marriage conscience vote
Ahead of the Mardi Gras the NSW State Coalition, under premier Barry O’Farrell, has granted a full free vote on an upcoming motion of support for marriage equality. This will mark the first time coalition MPs will vote in favour of same-sex marriage.
Australian Marriage Equality’s National Convener, Alex Greenwich:
“The NSW Coalition has showen great respect for the paty’s supporters of marriage equality. State MPs will now be able to represent the majority of Australians who support reform when voting on this motion”.
The Chair of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, Peter Urmson, has also welcomed the news:
“We welcome the support that the O’Farrell Government has given Mardi Gras and we really look forward to them demonstrating their continued support with MPs having a conscience vote for the marriage equality motion,” Urmson said.
For further information contact Alex Greenwich on 0421 316 335