Media Release
Thursday May 30th 2013
Marriage equality advocates have called on Tony Abbott to allow a conscience vote on marriage equality after he declared today that “democratic political leaders have got to be conscious of the mood of the people”.
Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome, said,
“With the latest opinion polls showing strong support for marriage equality and overwhelming support for a conscience vote, we call on Mr Abbott to live up to his own principles and allow Coalition members a free vote on this important, urgent and popular reform.”
A Roy Morgan poll released earlier this week showed 65% support for marriage equality and almost 80% support for a conscience vote.
Mr Abbott was speaking in the context of the Opposition’s decision to scuttle the Government’s proposal to increase taxpayer funding for elections campaigns.
Mr Croome said he is heartened by growing support among federal MPs in both major parties.
On Tuesday Victorian Labor MP, Michael Danby, wrote to his constituents committing himself to voting for marriage equality in the future, after not voting for it last year.
Yesterday, Queenland Liberal, Teresa Gambaro wrote to her constituents declaring she has been “greatly moved” by the personal stories of same-sex couples and their families and committing herself to advocating for a conscience vote.
Ms Gambaro’ office wrote she “is greatly moved by some of the personal insights that people in this situation have shared with her and understand that their desire for a traditional marriage to the person they love is genuine and heartfelt. Ms Gambaro can advise that she will advocate within the Coalition for a conscience vote on Same Sex Marriage.”
In recent weeks Victorian Liberal, Kelly O’Dwyer, former Labor Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, and the youngest member of Federal Parliament, Queensland Liberal, Wyatt Roy, have all come out in support of marriage equality.
For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.