AUSTRALIAN MARRIAGE EQUALITY
Media Release
Friday April 19th 2013
Marriage equality advocates say Coalition leader, Tony Abbott, has left the door open to a conscience vote on marriage equality, potentially removing a major obstacle to reform.
Responding to marriage equality in New Zealand and support for the issue from NSW Premier, Barry O’Farrell, Mr Abbott has softened his opposition to a Coalition conscience vote saying it will be decided by the Coalition party room after the September federal election.
Australian Marriage Equality national convener, Rodney Croome, said,
“We are pleased Mr Abbott has effectively provided a way forward for marriage equality at a federal level.”
“Mr Abbott has effectively made this an election issue with it now up to voters to ensure that the Coalition members they vote for support a conscience vote.”
“We will be surveying all Coalition candidates for their views and publicising the results, as well as running campaigns in key inner-city seats, in an effort to ensure the Coalition is as friendly to a conscience vote as possible.”
While Labor has a conscience vote but the Coalition doesn’t it is very difficult for marriage equality legislation to pass.
“With a cross-party conscience vote marriage equality has a fighting chance”, Mr Croome said.
For further information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668