Labor affirms opposition to Marriage Equality.
Tripartite opposition means referendum now dead.
Australian Marriage Equality has welcomed a statement from Shadow Attorney-General, Mark Dreyfus, clarifying the Labor Party opposes a referendum on marriage equality.
The statement comes after Labor voted for an unsuccessful motion from DLP Senator, John Madigan, that would have legitimised a referendum with a Senate inquiry.
Mr Dreyfus said,
“I want to make it absolutely clear that Labor does not support any measures to investigate or develop a referendum for amendment of the Constitution in relation to marriage laws. Labor opposes a referendum on same sex marriage.”
His full statement is below.
AME national director, Rodney Croome, responded by saying,
“We are pleased Labor has clarified that it is opposed to a marriage equality referendum.”
“There is now clear tripartite opposition to such a referendum, effectively killing it as an issue.”
“I urge opponents of marriage equality to stop distracting attention from the core question of whether same-sex couples should be allowed to marry by pursuing this political dead end.”
The Madigan motion was defeated by the Government and the Greens.
Full Dreyfus statement:
‘As a matter of Senate practice, while in Opposition Labor supports non-government referrals to Senate Committees.
‘Supporting the use of Senate processes by non-government Senators does not indicate support by Labor for the policy in that referral.
‘I want to make it absolutely clear that Labor does not support any measures to investigate or develop a referendum for amendment of the Constitution in relation to marriage laws. Labor opposes a referendum on same sex marriage.’
For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.
Author: Rodney Croome
Publication: AME Media Release
Date: 11 December 2013