Marriage equality advocates say they are disappointed Prime Minister Julia Gillard remains opposed to marriage equality, despite support for the issue from US President Barack Obama.
Australian Marriage Equality campaign director, Rodney Croome, said both Australian political leaders will pay the price for opposing equality at the next election.
“By supporting marriage equality President Obama has done the right thing morally and also the smart thing politically”, Mr Croome said.
“His position will help galvanise his party base and win over those swing voters who long to see leaders with empathy and conviction.”
“Julia Gillard is passing up an excellent opportunity to unite the Labor Party rank and file behind her, while Tony Abbott is pushing away swing voters by obstinately opposing not just reform but even a conscience vote.”
Mr Croome says he still holds out hope Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott will shift their positions.
“President Obama supports marriage equality because he has seen firsthand that the love, commitment, joy and sacrifice in same-sex relationships is of the same quality as heterosexual relationships.”
“I am hopeful our national leaders will also come to see that what same and opposite-sex couples share is more important than what sets us apart.”
For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.