Manly Rally and signing of French Bill into law highlight Abbott’s obstruction.
Abbott under Marriage Equality pressure locally and globally.
(From left) Jim Argent, Ian Streeter, David Mateparae, Nathan Thomas and Maikol Nobrega. Picture: David Swift. Source: NewsLocal
Tony Abbott is under pressure, locally and internationally, to allow a conscience vote on marriage equality.
A rally in Mr Abbott’s electorate, at the same time as the signing of marriage equality into law by the French President, have highlighted the fact that Mr Abbott’s failure to allow a conscience vote is the main obstacle to reform in Australia.
Australian Marriage Equality national convener, Rodney Croome, said,
“The fact that today’s marriage equality rally in Tony Abbott’s electorate occurred at the same time as the signing of marriage equality into French law exposes the fact that Mr Abbott is holding up marriage equality in Australia.”
“If Australia is to move forward on this issue it is vital Mr Abbott lives up to Liberal Party values of individual freedom and allows his MPs a conscience vote.”
Today’s marriage equality rally in Mr Abbott’s electorate of Warringah, which was attended by more than 120 people, called on the Opposition Leader to allow his party a conscience vote.
At the same time as the rally, the French President, Francois Hollande, signed his country’s marriage equality bill into law.
Mr Croome said he expects many Australian same-sex couples will travel to France to wed.
“Many Australian couples will be drawn by Paris’s reputation as the city of love, only to find their marriages won’t be recognised when they return home.”
The first marriages between same-sex partners under the new French law are expected to take place in ten days.
For further comment contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.
AME Media Release
Saturday May 18th 2013