Supporters of marriage equality say they are disappointed and frustrated the Federal Labor MP for the Sydney seat of McMahon, Chris Bowen, is opposed to the issue.
High profile marriage equality advocate and McMahon resident, Geoff Thomas, said,
“I spend a lot of time in the electorate and I know the majority of people value fairness and equality.”
“Chris Bowen promised a formal consultation of his electorate but instead he’s been spooked by a handful of church letter drives.”
“I plan to meet Mr Bowen and tell him he needs to properly consult his electorate before casting his vote on this vital issue.”
Australian Marriage Equality national convener, Alex Greenwich, said,
“Polls in the seat of McMahon show at least 55% of voters either support marriage equality or aren’t fussed, so clearly Mr Bowen is responding to a vocal minority.”
“He says he is acting on a pre-2010 election promise, but since that time the Labor Party has adopted a policy in favour of marriage equality and support in the Australian community has increased dramatically.”
Mr Thomas shot to prominence as an advocate of his gay son’s right to marry when he quizzed Tony Abbott on the issue on the ABC’s Q&A program in 2010. He recently asked Julia Gillard about her stance on the same program.
For more information contact Geoff Thomas on 0412 444 886 or Alex Greenwich on 0421 316 335.