Marriage equality advocates have praised Nationals Senator Barnaby Joyce for rejecting claims that same-sex marriage would lead to polygamy on ABC TV’s Q & A program tonight, but have challenged him to explain why same-sex couples should still be denied the chance to marry.
In response to a question from the audience, Senator Joyce rejected the view that same-sex marriage was the “thin edge of the wedge” towards a recognition of polygamy or incestuous marriage, but said he still opposes same-sex marriage:
“Human beings, we’re pretty cognisant animals, and I don’t think [same-sex marriage] is the end of the world.”
Alex Greenwich, national convener of Australian Marriage Equality, said Senator Joyce’s comments showed that “alarmism has no place in the marriage equality debate”, but left unanswered the question about why same-sex couples should be denied the right to marry.
“Senator Joyce is right to reject the alarmist claims that same-sex marriage would lead to polygamy, but he failed to outline why same-sex couples should still be denied the opportunity to commit to their partner in a marriage.”
Mr Greenwich said Senator Joyce’s rejection of alarmism reflected movement among Nationals politicians towards embracing marriage equality, after three Nationals MLCs (Niall Blair, Trevor Khan and Sarah Mitchell) voted for a marriage equality motion in the NSW Upper House last week, and the NSW Young Nationals passed a motion calling for a conscience vote when the issue comes before federal parliament later this year.
A recent Galaxy poll commissed by News Limited found that 77% of Coalition voters want Tony Abbott to grant his MPs a conscience vote on the issue.
For more information contact Alex Greenwich on 0421 316 335.