Following reports in the media that a vote on same-sex marriage would be brought forward in the lower house next week, Australian Marriage Equality has spoken with senior government officials who have confirmed there will be no vote till after the winter break.

Australian Marriage Equality, National Convener, Alex Greenwich:

“We have been assured by the government that there are still many Labor voices who want to put forward the case for marriage equality during this parliamentary debate, and a vote will not occur till August or September”

The news comes as the highly respected former speaker, Harry Jenkins, has confirmed to a number of constituents that he support marriage equality

“Parliamentary support continues to grow, and highly respected people like Harry Jenkins supporting equality will certainly influence people on all sides of politics”

As of today, 13 of the 22 Federal Cabinet members have now declared support for 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.” Mr Greenwich said.

The 13 Cabinet members who support reform  Chris Evans, Simon Crean, Greg Combet, Stephen Smith, Anthony Albanese, Nicola Roxon, Jenny Macklin, Penny Wong, Peter Garrett, Tanya Plibersek, Mark Butler, Gary Gray and Brendan O’Connor.

For more information contact Alex Greenwich on 0421 316 335.