Marriage equality advocates have welcomed support for the issue from Northern NSW Liberal State Upper House member, Scot MacDonald.
Mr MacDonald, who is based in the same region as federal independent, Tony Windsor, has told the Armidale Express that the personal stories of parents with gay children convinced him to support reform.
Australian Marriage Equality national convener, Alex Greenwich, said,
“Mr MacDonald represents the growing number of Coalition MPs who support marriage equality because they have heard first-hand how exclusion of same-sex couples from marriage hurts the families of gay and lesbian Australians.”
“Mr MacDonald’s support shows marriage equality is just as important to rural and regional communities, and to conservatives, as it is to other Australians.”
“As other Coalition MPs follow Mr MacDonald’s lead it will become increasingly difficult for Tony Abbott to refuse to allow a conscience vote on the issue.”
Mr Greenwich also said he hoped Mr MacDonald’s stance will prompt Mr Windsor to reconsider his stated opposition to marriage equality.
“Mr Windsor has a historic opportunity to foster values like inclusion and acceptance in regional Australia by becoming a proponent of marriage equality.”
The NSW Upper House is soon expected to debate a motion in support of marriage equality put forward by Greens MLC Cate Faehrmann.
The motion will not change the law but will send a powerful message in support for the issue.
NSW Coalition Premier, Barry O’Farrell, and NSW Nationals Leader, Andrew Stoner, have allowed all state Coalition MPs a free vote on the issue, as has South Australian state Coalition leader, Isobel Redmond.
For more information contact Alex Greenwich on 0421 316 335.