Advocates back Leyonhjelm free vote challenge
Marriage equality advocates say they expect Tony Abbott to stick to his pre-election promise and allow a conscience vote on the issue.
Mr Abbott appeared today to back away from his promise, suggesting the conscience vote question will not arise because marriage equality legislation introduced by Senator David Leyonhjelm may not reach a vote in parliament.
In response Senator Leyonhjelm has said he will block government legislation if a conscience vote is not allowed.
Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome said,
“Mr Abbott made a clear, unequivocal pre-election promise to allow his Coalition colleagues to debate and decide on a conscience vote.”
“By honouring this commitment Mr Abbott will help quell concerns that he all-too-lightly breaks his commitments to the electorate.”
“I back Senator Leyonhjelm’s challenge to Mr Abbott because, like the majority of Australians, I want to see parliament get on with this overdue reform.”
In the lead up to the 2013 federal election Mr Abbott said marriage equality would be a “matter for the post-election party room” if the Coalition won.
“I’m not trying to say that the party is committed forever and a day to the current position”, he said. “I’m saying that this will be a matter for the post-election party room.”
Former Liberal Senator, Sue Boyce, today said Mr Abbott would look “tricky” if he refused to honour his commitment.
The Labor Party already has a conscience vote on the issue.
For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.
Author: Rodney Croome
Publication: AME Media Release
Date: 1 December 2014