A majority of federal ministers now support marriage equality following a statement endorsing the reform by Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Greg Combet.
Australian Marriage Equality national convener, Alex Greenwich, welcomed Mr Combet’s statement saying it confirms that support continues to grow among federal politicians.
“As more federal parliamentarians open their hearts and minds to the issue support inevitably increases”, Mr Greenwich said.
“Mr Combet’s support for marriage equality is representative of Labor’s grass roots, his electorate and the views of a majority of Australians.”
Mr Greenwich said it is “a landmark moment” that more than half of federal Cabinet members – or twelve out of twenty two ministers – now support marriage equality.
“It’s critical for the success of reform that our nation’s most senior politicians take a lead on this issue, particularly when the Prime Minister continues to inexplicably oppose it.”
“I am hopeful we will see more support for marriage equality within Cabinet because there is still a number of ministers undecided.”
The twelve federal ministers who publicly support marriage equality are Chris Evans, Simon Crean, Greg Combet, Stephen Smith, Anthony Albanese, Nicola Roxon, Jenny Macklin, Penny Wong, Peter Garrett, Tanya Plibersek, Mark Butler, and Brendan O’Connor.
In the attached letter to a constituent Mr Combet wrote:
“In line with my own values, as someone who has always fought for equality, social justice and fairness, I support marriage equality” .
A recently-released Galaxy poll showed 61% of Australians wanted to see marriage equality achieved in this term of government.
For Further information contact Alex Greenwich on 0421 316 335