Advocates says they are encouraged by overwhelming support for marriage equality in the Scottish parliament, and have called on the Abbott Government to follow the Scottish example by allowing a cross-party conscience vote.
Overnight, Scottish MPs voted 98 to 15 to give in-principle support to a new law allowing same-sex couples to marry. If passed, the law will bring Scotland in line with England and Wales which enacted an equivalent law earlier this year.
Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome, said,
“The majority of Australians who support marriage equality will be encouraged by the overwhelming Scottish vote.”
“Australia risks becoming the only place in the developed, English-speaking world without marriage equality.”
“We call on the Abbott Government to follow the Scottish example and allow a cross-party conscience vote.”
Also overnight, marriage equality legislation was signed into law in the US state of Illinois, meaning over one in three US citizens now live in states that allows same-sex couples to marry.
For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.
Author: Rodney Croome
Publication: AME Media Release
Date: 21 November 2013