- Advocates welcome Abbott’s Sister’s opposition to marriage equality referendum
- 80% of new Rudd cabinet favours reform
Marriage equality advocates have welcomed opposition to a marriage equality referendum from Christine Forster, Sydney City Councillor, and sister of Opposition leader, Tony Abbott.
Ms Forster, who is in a same-sex relationship, told last night’s edition of SBS TV’s “The Observer Effect”,
“I wouldn’t be in favour because it has the potential to be divisive. It’s better to have that debate in the public forum, in the parliament, and make the change to the legislation with hopefully both parties seeing that this is a conscience issue and it will garner support that way.”
Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome, said,
“We thank Christine Forster for her unequivocal opposition to a marriage equality referendum and urge her to express her views directly to her brother, Mr Abbott, so he has a chance to consider how unnecessary and damaging a referendum would be.”
“Like Ms Forster, we see the way forward for marriage equality being a federal cross-party conscience vote, and if this does not happen then the states must move forward on the issue.”
Mr Croome went on to welcome Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd’s, new Cabinet, saying 80% of newly-installed ministers support marriage equality.
“With our Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and 80% of the Cabinet all behind marriage equality, there has never been more support in government for this reform than there is today.”
“Such strong government support for marriage equality widens the point of difference with Tony Abbott’s Opposition and places increases pressure on Mr Abbott to close the policy gap by allowing his party a conscience vote.”
Of the thirty Cabinet ministers sworn in today all but six are supporters of marriage equality.
For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.
Author: Rodney Croome
Publication: AME Media Release
Date: 1 July 2013