NSW marriage equality motion hears ‘heartfelt support’ from across political spectrum / New Poll: Majority of Australians support Coalition conscience vote
Marriage equality advocates have welcomed the heartfelt support given by politicians from across the political spectrum for a motion before the NSW Legislative Council calling on federal parliamentarians to allow same-sex couples to marry. A vote on the motion was adjourned until next Thursday to give politicians more time to speak on the issue.
“The heartfelt support expressed by politicians from across the political spectrum was testament to the power of marriage equality to change hearts and minds,” said Alex Greenwich, national convener of Australian Marriage Equality.
“For many politicians it was the personal stories from gay and lesbian Australians that influenced their decision, and some of these stories were read out in the chamber.”
“The Parliament heard passionate and sometimes tearful messages of support from conservatives such as Liberal MLC Scot MacDonald and Nationals MLCs Sarah Mitchell and Trevor Khan.”
Trevor Khan spoke about how he supports marriage equality because of his conservative values. Scot MacDonald said be believes the reform will send a message of inclusion to same-sex attracted youth in rural and regional Australia. Sarah Mitchell said her wedding day was the happiest day of her life, and she wouldn’t want this happiness to be denied to anyone. Labor MLC Penny Sharpe told the Parliament that support for the issue has grown dramatically in recent years. Greens MLC, Cate Faehrmann, who moved the motion, said marriage equality would send the message that discrimination is unacceptable.
“Today’s respectful debate is also a great credit to Barry O’Farrell and Andrew Stoner, who, despite opposing marriage equality, understand that many in their party want to vote according to their conscience and it is Liberal Party tradition to allow them to do so,” said Mr Greenwich.
NEW POLL: Majority of Australians support a Coalition conscience vote
A Galaxy poll released today shows that 73% of voters believe federal Opposition leader Tony Abbott has turned his back on Liberal Party tradition by denying a free vote on marriage equality, and also found that 61% of Australians want to see the reform achieved in this term of government. (Full details here)
“Today’s debate shows there is passionate support for this issue within Coalition ranks, and this will add pressure on Tony Abbott to allow a conscience vote when issue comes before federal parliament,” Mr Greenwich concluded.
For more information contact Alex Greenwich 0421 316 335.