Marriage equality advocates have welcomed the announcement from Senator Sarah Hanson-Young that she will use private members time in the Senate to start debate on her marriage equality bill. The announcement was made on ABC’s Insiders program this morning.
A recent senate inquiry into the bill recorded the highest number of supportive submissions for any bill in the history of the Senate, and recommended that the Senate pass the bill. The recommendation had the support of Coalition Senators Simon Birmingham and Sue Boyce.
Australian Marriage Equality national Convener Alex Greenwich said:
“The strong recommendation from the recent Senate inquiry, coupled with high support for reform in the Senate, will give the bill a fighting chance of passing.”
“With respected advocates such as Simon Birmingham, Penny Wong, and Sarah Hanson-Young sitting in the Senate we can be assured the voices of a majority of Australians will be heard.”
Mr Greenwich said there are currently 30 Senators who have declared support for reform, 26 undecided, and only 20 opposed. He has called on opponents to debate in a respectful and mature way:
“We hope those opposed to reform do not waste the Senate’s time to promote fear and misinformation.”
Mr Greenwich said he was hopeful the bill would also be co-sponsored and called on Tony Abbott to allow a conscience vote:
“It will send a strong message of acceptance to gay and lesbian Australians if the bill is co-sponsored by Senators from across the political spectrum”.
“Tony Abbott has an opportunity to uphold a Liberal Party tradition and grant a conscience vote. This will allow members of party to vote with, rather than against, the aspirations of a clear majority of Australian voters.”
Debate on the bill is due to begin this Thursday in the Senate.
For more information contact Alex Greenwich on 0421 316 335