Reform under centre-right Finnish Government gives hope for Australia
Advocates say the the passage of marriage equality in Finland highlights how far Australia is falling behind but also gives hope it can be achieved under the current Australian government.
Yesterday, the Finnish parliament narrowly passed marriage equality after the centre-right Prime Minister, Alexander Stubb, wrote to MPs asking them to support the reform.
Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome, said,
“Finland joining the rapidly growing list of countries with marriage equality highlights how far Australia is falling behind.”
“But the fact that Finland achieved marriage equality under a centre right government, just like the UK and New Zealand, gives us hope marriage equality can also be achieved under the current Australian government.”
“We praise centre-right Finnish Prime Minister, Alexander Stubb, for showing leadership on marriage equality and urge those members of the Australian federal government who support the reform to do the same.”
Earlier this week Senator David Leyonhjelm introduced a Freedom to Marry Bill. Government MPs do not yet have a conscience vote on the issue, despite Prime Minister, Tony Abbott’s, promise prior to last year’s election that it was a matter for the party room to decide.
Finland becomes the 20th country to allow same-sex couples to marry. Marriage equality also prevails in 35 US states including Utah, Oklahoma and South Carolina.
For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.
Author: Rodney Croome
Publication: AME Media Release
Date: 29 November 2014