Support within coalition ranks increasing.
Marriage equality advocates have welcomed today’s announcement by Senator David Leyonhjelm that he will bring forward his Freedom to Marry Bill for debate in the Senate.
Deputy director of Australian Marriage Equality, Ivan Hinton-Teoh, said,
“We welcome Senator Leyonhjelm’s initiative because Australia can’t wait any longer for marriage equality.”
“The smart thing for Tony Abbott to do is honour his pre-election promise to allow the Coalition party room to decide on a free vote so marriage equality can move forward.”
“Since its launch in February politicians have received hundreds of calls through our #EqualityCalling campaign and we intend to increase that number so they get the message loud and clear.”
“It’s deeply embarrassing for many Australians that same-sex couples can marry in countries across the western world, including in places like Alabama, but not here in Australia.”
Mr Hinton-Teoh said support for marriage equality within the Coalition is high than ever.
“I have spent most of this week meeting with Coalition members and I can confidently say that support for marriage equality is higher than ever.”
“It’s time for these members to be free to vote for what they and the majority of Australians believe.”
“We call on marriage equality supporters across the political spectrum to support Senator Leyonhjelm’s Bill.”
“Yesterday’s successful Senate free vote motion from Senator Hanson-Young showed there is support for this reform across party lines.”
For more information contact Ivan Hinton-Teoh on 0419 124 826 or Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.
Author: Ivan Hinton-Teoh
Publication: AME Media Release
Date: 19 March 2015