Marriage equality advocates say the defeat of pro-marriage equality Liberal, Clem Newton-Brown, by Green candidate, Sam Hibbins, in the inner-city Victorian state seat of Prahran sends a “crystal-clear” message to Tony Abbott that his hard line against marriage equality will cost his party seats at the next federal election.

Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome, said,

“The message from the Prahran election is crystal clear – unless Tony Abbott softens his hard line against marriage equality, at least by allowing a Coalition free vote, the seats of inner-city Liberals who support marriage equality will be in jeopardy at the next election.”

“This includes Kelly O’Dwyer whose seat takes in Prahran, Teresa Gambaro in Brisbane and even Malcolm Turnbull in Sydney.”

Mr Croome thanked outgoing Prahran MP, Clem Newton-Brown, for his principled support for marriage equality and said he looked forward to working with Mr Hibbins to move marriage equality forward.

For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.

Author: Rodney Croome
Publication: AME Media Release
Date: 10 December 2014