Petition for free vote launched. Advocates working with individual MPs to ensure numbers favour reform.
Marriage equality advocates have welcomed indications the Coalition will support a conscience vote on the reform, and have launched a new conscience vote petition, following reports today that Liberal Democrat Senator, David Leyonhjelm, plans to introduce legislation as early as this month.
Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome, said,
“Recent research by the Liberal Party’s own pollster, Crosby/Textor, found 77% of Australians are for a conscience vote, including a majority of those people actually opposed to marriage equality.”
“Marriage equality has strong support across the community, with 72% support according to the Crosby/Textor research, and a conscience vote would allow this to be reflected in parliament.”
“Because support for a conscience vote is so strong we have launched a new petition allowing Australians to have their voices heard on the issue, which we will present to the Prime Minister.”
Mr Croome said marriage equality advocates are focussed on winning over individual MPs with visits planned to up to 50 seats across the nation.
“It’s impossible to say if marriage equality would pass right now because too many MPs have yet to declare their hand.”
“But the Australian public is definitely ready for this reform and we are working with supporters across the country to win over the hearts and minds of MPs and Senators.”
“We are determined to ensure the numbers are there before there is a vote on Senator Leyonhjlem’s bill, or any other bill.”
To see the petititon click here
To see the Crosby/Textor research, click here
For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.
Author: Rodney Croome
Publication: AME Media Release
Date: 2 August 2014