The Liberal candidate for the federal seat of Perth, Darryl Moore, opposes gay marriage.
Mr Moore told The Voice this week marriage should be between a man and a woman “as defined by the marriage Act.”
Earlier the Australian Marriage Equality Group had issued a press release calling for Mr Moore to outline his position after he failed to respond to a survey “repeatedly sent to him in recent months.”
The former mining engineer was also initially reluctant when contacted by The Voice.
“I’ll speak to my campaign officer, I’ll speak with my party director, I’ll speak with my campaign committee, and let you know,” he said, adding a response would come in a press release.
When given a nudge about giving a personal opinion rather than the party line (Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has ruled out a conscience vote if the issue is raised in parliament again), he said marriage should be “between a man and a woman.”
“The wording in the Act, in my personal opinion, without reference to anyone else, is perfect as it is and I wish it to remain just as it did when those proposed changes were rejected by the federal parliament last year,” Mr Moore said, adding his views weren’t linked to a religious belief.
“I have been brought up with that my entire life. I think it’s right, I think it’s proper and I don’t want to change it, I think the definition is perfect.”
Mr Moore says he is mystified why so many people are interested in same-sex marriage, yet few seem to be interested in engaging him on the myriad other issues the election will be fought over.
“It seems to be a particular button to push, this one,” he said.
Author: David Bell
Publication: The Perth Voice
Date: 20 July 2013