The issue of same-sex marriage has risen in the West Australian state election, with Australian Marriage Equality (AME) surveying key candidates on where they stand.
National Convenor of AME, Rodney Croome, said support for marriage equality is high across many WA seats, especially in inner-north electorates such as Perth, Maylands and Mount Lawley.
“There is a significant number of gay and lesbian voters through the inner north of the Perth CBD, but it is also the case that these electorates contain a high percentage of white-collar professionals, many of whom are Liberal voters and believe marriage equality is very important, ” Mr Croome said.
Former Democrat’s senator, now West Australian convener of AME, Brian Greig, said marriage equality would be an issue in many seats, even for those who regard it as a federal issue.
“It is important to many voters to know where their candidates stand on this issue, it’s a question of values and principles,” Mr Greig said.
Mr Greig said legal equality for all Australians is a baseline issue for many voters that is more important to them than new train lines or parking fees at hospitals.
“Many people simply won’t vote for a candidate opposed to marriage equality irrespective of what other issues are on the table in this election,” Mr Greig said.
AME will publish its survey results prior to polling day and will activate its extensive WA database to disseminate the information.
“Premier Colin Barnett and Opposition Leader Mark McGowan have both promised a conscience vote on marriage equality when the issue arises in state parliament, making it even more important that voters know how individual candidates would vote on the matter,” Mr Croome said.
Mr Barnett has said he would vote against, while Mr McGowan was in favour. The WA Greens support marriage equality and have introduced a Bill to the state’s Upper House.
In November of 2010, a Newspoll survey of 148,000 Australians found that 65 per cent “Have no problem with same-sex marriage.”
In December of the same year, a Westpoll conducted in WA found 61 per cent support.
For more information contact Rodney Croome 0409 010 668 or Brian Greig on 0407 776 961.