The UK Parliament has passed marriage equality into law, and this joyous occasion was celebrated yesterday and today by members of both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, wearing pink carnations as they passed the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill. Today the bill as amended, was returned to, and passed by the House of Commons. The bill is expecting Royal assent later this week.
England and Wales will now follow New Zealand, France and Uruguay who have all recently joined the ever-growing list of countries that have legalised marriage equality. Neighbouring Scotland intends to also legalise marriage equality and their Parliament has recently published a marriage equality bill.
The rejoicing in the House of Lords by wearing carnations, was similar to the memorable occasion when New Zealand Parliament passed marriage equality, with Parliament breaking into a Maori love song.
Emotional scenes of sheer joy and happiness like this are very rare in Parliament.
Repeated polls have shown increasing and majority support for marriage equality. Polls shows 65% of Australians support marriage equality, with more than twice as many supporting, as those opposed.
Furthermore, a poll of Brisbane electorate, by Teresa Gambaro herself, showed an even higher level of support at 73%.
Our legislators are not representing the will of the people, and are responsible for holding Australia back on marriage equality.
Brisbane electorate voter, Phil Browne, said:
“It’s embarrassing that Australia is falling behind so many other Western countries.”
“Many Australian same sex couples will marry in England and Wales, considering the close ties between our countries. Furthermore, many Australian same sex couples, plus their entire families and friends, will take the 3 hour flight so they can marry in New Zealand when New Zealand marriage equality law takes effect in August.
“Many Australian same sex couples are returning to Australia after marrying overseas, only to have their marriages invalidated at the Customs gate. When it’s possible to marry in England, Wales and New Zealand, this number will rapidly escalate to perhaps thousands of couples.
“It’s time for Australia’s legislators to represent the will of the people and to legislate for marriage equality.”
A Galaxy poll released this month shows that politicians need not fear supporting marriage equality.
In fact the opposite was shown, with a marked increase in support for labor reported because of Prime Minister Rudd’s support of marriage equality.
The poll shows:
30% of voters are more likely to support Labor because of Mr Rudd’s stance, while only 19% are less likely.
11% of Coalition voters and 54% of Green voters say they are more likely to vote Labor because of Kevin Rudd’s support for marriage equality.
Browne accuses his federal MP, Teresa Gambaro, of breaking the pledge given in her maiden speech to be the voice of her constituents in Parliament.
In her maiden speech Ms Gambaro 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.”
Browne said:
“Despite knowing the overwhelming level of support in her electorate, Ms Gambaro voted against marriage equality, and has repeatedly failed to voice her public support for marriage equality”.
“Voters must wonder, if Ms Gambaro is not representing Brisbane on this issue, what other issues is she not prepared to represent us on?
“In a marginal electorate which Ms Gambaro holds by a mere 1%, there is no room to fail to represent constituents – especially when both the Greens and Labor candidates both support marriage equality.
“Ms Gambaro should be worried with this months poll showing 11% of Coalition voters are more likely to vote Labor because of Mr Rudd’s support for marriage equality.”
For more information contact Phil Browne on 0428 140 359
Author: Phil Browne
Publication: Action 4 Marriage Equality
Date: 17 July 2013