Marriage equality advocates have welcomed Kevin Rudd’s rejection of a referendum on the issue, saying there is now a consensus against a national poll among the major party leaders.
When he first declared his support for marriage equality, Mr Rudd expressed interest in a referendum, but today declared it would “ram” the issue “down people’s throats”.
Australian Marriage Equality, national director, Rodney Croome, said
“A referendum or a plebiscite on marriage equality would be unecessary, divisive and would not directly reform the law.”
“I am confident the Australian people would vote for marriage equality but I fear the debate leading up to that vote would be a platform for hate-mongering and damaging scare campaigns.”
When a referendum was mooted by retiring independent MP, Tony Windsor, earlier this year, Coalition leader Tony Abbott rejected a national poll to coincide with the election.
It was also rejected by Greens’ leader, Christine Milne.
For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.
Author: Rodney Croome
Publication: AME Media Release
Date: 27 August 2013