Robert Cavallucci MP, the state LNP member for Brisbane Central, has declared his support for marriage equality while appearing on a Brisbane community TV program. The rapidly growing numbers of Liberal MP’s publicly declaring their support, plus Mr Cavallucci’s statement, increase pressure on the federal member for Brisbane, Teresa Gambaro, to represent her constituents and publicly declare her support.
Mr Cavallucci’s support occurred in the same fortnight that four further places have passed marriage equality – France, New Zealand, Uruguay and the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro.
Mr Cavallucci appeared on the QTV program shown on Brisbane’s Briz 31 TV station on 12 April 2013.
When the program host asked if Mr Cavallucci supports marriage equality, he replied “I’m someone with particularly progressive views on marriage equality, so yes, I do support it.”
TV footage of the LNP state member for Brisbane publicly supporting marriage equality can be viewed here – see from 3:30 mins http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIYcM38bIvc
Mr Cavallucci’s inner city electorate has overwhelming support for marriage equality. His electorate is contained within the federal electorate of Brisbane, and the Brisbane federal LNP member Teresa Gambaro MP’s own constituent survey showed 73% support for marriage equality. http://teresagambaro.com/2011/07/same-sex-marraige-survey-results/
This month Brisbane Central constituent, Phil Browne, met with Mr Cavallucci and requested that he publicly support marriage equality. His MP said that his support would be known in the local community. Browne encouraged Mr Cavallucci to declare his support publicly to show there are many within the Liberal party who believe two adults who love each other should be allowed to marry, regardless of their gender. Mr Cavallucci agreed to the request and said he would announce his support during his upcoming TV interview.
Brisbane constituent Phil Browne states:
“In the last month, four more Liberals have declared their support (Eleni Evangel, Robert Doyle, Robert Cavallucci and Barry O’Farrell). The tide has turned, clearly toward marriage equality.”
“With three out of four Coalition voters wanting a conscience vote, plus more Liberals continuing to show their support, the move toward marriage equality is unstoppable.
“Mr Cavallucci has stood up and represented the wishes of his electorate on marriage equality – as more Liberals will continue to do. It’s now time for Teresa Gambaro to begin to represent her constituents by calling for a conscience vote and the right of all citizens to marry regardless of their sexuality.
“On this issue, Ms Gambaro has so far broken the pledge in her maiden speech, where she stated:
“I will always listen to your wishes and display the courage to stand up and speak for these aspirations as your federal member. I will work tirelessly on your behalf and be your voice in Canberra.”
“Ms Gambaro must honour her word.”
For more information contact Phil Browne on 0428 140 359
Author: Meda Release
Publication: QTV
Publication Date: April 12 2013
Relevant information:
The results of Teresa Gambaro MP’s constituent survey showing 73% support for marriage equality http://teresagambaro.com/2011/07/same-sex-marraige-survey-results/
Teresa Gambaro MP’s maiden speech http://teresagambaro.com/federal-member-for-brisbane/maiden-speech/
The list below of Liberal politicians who publicly support marriage equality
Former Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull
Senator Sue Boyce
Senator Simon Birmingham
NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell
Queensland Premier Campbell Newman
Kelly O’Dwyer federal MP for Higgins
NSW MLC Scot MacDonald
NSW MLC Don Harwin
NSW MLC Catherine Cusack
Robert Cavallucci state MP for Brisbane Central
Eleni Evangel, state MP WA
Robert Doyle, Lord Mayor of Melbourne
Nick Greiner, former NSW Premier
Jeff Kennett, former Victorian Premier
Isobel Redmond, former SA Liberal Leader
Amanda Vanstone, former federal Minister
Bruce Baird, former federal MP