Prominent Labor MP, Tony Burke, has become the first Australian politician to declare for marriage equality following the Irish referendum.

Advocates have welcomed Mr Burke’s change of heart saying it will positively influence other Labor members.

The NSW right-wing Labor power-broker has declared on his website that he will vote for marriage equality to resolve the issue rather than see it “cause increasing division”.

According to Mr Burke,

“…the days when the law of Australia, can limit access to marriage in ways that are so far removed from the modern community view have long since passed. The longer this change takes, the uglier the community debate will become.”

Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome, said

“Mr Burke’s change of heart will exert a strong influence over other Labor MPs yet to support the reform.”

“With Mr Burke’s support we are now only three votes short of a majority in the House of Representatives.”

Last week, Australian Marriage Equality declared that 72 MPs publicly or privately support marriage equality, not including Mr Burke. A majority in the House of Representatives is 76.

The group estimates there is a slim majority in support of marriage equality in the Senate.

For a link to Mr Burke’s website, click here.

For further comment:
Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668
Ivan Hinton-Teoh on 0419 124 826
Shirleene Robinson on 0412 308 174

For comment about the Irish YesEquality campaign in Australia:
Colm O’Callaghan 0431 742 560

To speak to couples preparing to marry in Ireland contact Rodney Croome

Author: Rodney Croome
Publciation: AME Media Release
Date: 24 May 2015