Support for marriage equality from the political leaders of New Zealand has left Australia as the only developed, English-speaking democracy whose leaders oppose marriage equality.
New Zealand’s Conservative prime Minister, John Key, has said he “is not personally opposed to gay marriage” and “it is possible the New Zealand parliament may consider the issue” while NZ Labour leader, David Shearer, says he “fully” supports marriage equality.
Australian Marriage Equality spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said,
“Australia’s national leaders are completely out-of-step with their counterparts in every other developed, English-speaking democracy – Canada, the UK, the US and now even New Zealand.”
“Like many other Australians I am bewildered and ashamed that our country is being isolated from those nations with which we share most by two out-of-touch opponents of fundamental human rights.”
“My hope is that Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott’s increased isolation will compel them to reconsider their hard line.”
Yesterday, US President Barack Obama stated his support for same-sex marriage, joining UK Prime Minister, David Cameron and Opposition leader, Ed Miliband. Same-sex marriage has been legal across Canada since 2005.
In response to President Obama’s statement, Prime Minister Gillard curtly re-affirmed her opposition to reform, while Opposition leader, Tony Abbott, continues to oppose both same-sex marriage and a conscience vote on the issue.
For a report on the views of New Zealand’s political leaders:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10805027
For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668