The latest Essential poll showing the majority of Australians support marriage equality, regardless of which party they vote for, has prompted the Greens to renew calls for a conscience vote on the issue.

LGBTI spokesperson Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said a conscience vote on a Greens bill, which would see Australia recognise same-sex marriages entered into overseas, would be a “first step towards equality”.

The Essential poll released Monday May 6 showed 58 per cent of respondents said they believed same-sex couples should be allowed to marry, with 32 per cent opposed and 10 per cent undecided.

Of Labor voters 66 per cent were in favour of marriage equality with 24 per cent opposed and 10 per cent undecided.

Those who said they would vote for the Coalition also showed a majority of 49 per cent in favour, with 43 per cent opposed and 9 per cent undecided.

The highest support for same-sex marriage was among Green voters, of whom a massive 91 per cent were in favour with only 3 per cent opposed and 6 per cent undecided.

“We have known for a long time that the majority of Australians support marriage equality, but now we know that the majority of Greens, Labor and Coalition voters all support this essential reform,” Hanson-Young said.

“Australian politicians work for the Australian people, not factional bully boys or vested interest groups, but it’s clear the leaders of the old parties have forgotten that when it comes to marriage equality.”

She said both Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott were “looking increasingly ridiculous” and “out-of-touch”.

“The Greens care for all Australians regardless of their sexuality but, as more and more countries choose to be on the right side of history, the opponents of equality are making sure we are left behind,” Hanson-Young said.

“Tony Abbott needs to grant Coalition members a conscience vote on this issue so that Australia can join New Zealand, the UK, Canada and many other countries as a champion of equality.”

Author: Ron Hughes
Publication: Gay News Network
Publication Date: May 7 2013