Australian Marriage Equality has called on the Federal Labor leadership contenders, Bill Shorten and Anthony Albanese, to commit to defend the ACT’s right to legislate for same-sex marriage.
If the ALP joins the Greens in blocking any moves by the Federal Government to intervene in the ACT, the proposed Territory same-sex marriage legislation will be safe till at least July 1, 2014.
Australian Marriage Equality, National Director, Rodney Croome said:
“By committing now to a binding vote to oppose any intervention from the Federal Government, Mr Shorten and Mr Albanese have a chance to give the ACT the certainty it needs to act in the best interests of its citizens, at least July 1 2014 when the composition of the Senate changes, and likely beyond.”
“We call on Mr Albanese and Mr Shorten to today commit to stand up for Territory rights and for Labor’s values of fairness and equality.”
Marriage equality campaigners have spoken to people in both the Albanese and Shorten camps about their request.
Advocates are also looking forward to the historic Bill being tabled in the ACT Legislative Assembly tomorrow morning.
Deputy National Director of Australian Marriage Equality, and Canberra resident, Ivan Hinton, said the ACT Government has a clear mandate and has conducted extensive consultations.
“Tomorrow the ACT Government takes its first step in fulfilling an election promise to deliver marriage equality to the Territory.”
“The drafting and introduction of this bill has included consultation with legal experts, advocates, and the wider ACT community.”
“There have also been three major federal parliamentary inquiries into the principle of marriage equality since 2009.”
“The ACT is set to make history by being the first place in Australia to pass a reform which strengthens relationships and families and makes for a fairer society”, Mr Hinton said.
For more information contact Ivan Hinton on 0419 124 826 or Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668
Author: Rodney Croome, Ivan Hinton
Publication: AME Media Release
Date: 18 September 2013