Polls show government will be the loser if reform fails.
Advocates say reports of a “secret plot” to derail marriage equality legislation show opponents have lost the public debate, and have refuted claims the Government will lose seats over the issue, saying polling released today shows it will lose votes if it continues to block reform.
In response to reports that senior members of the Government have joined with some Labor members to block a vote on marriage equality, Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome, said,
“If it’s true some MPs are plotting to undermine marriage equality with underhand tricks, it shows they have lost faith in their case and in their capacity to win majority support.”
“If there is any attempt by a cabal of nay-sayers to thwart the will of the majority of Australians, party leaders will be held accountable for failing to rein them in.”
“Our challenge to opponents of reform is play fair, and not block the parliament from its duty to debate a reform that is important to millions of Australians.”
Mr Croome also dismissed analysis showing the government will lose seats if it allows a free vote on the issue.
“The analysis is flawed because Family First’s vote is too small to make a difference and, given Labor and Green support for marriage equality, there’s nowhere else for Family First preferences to go.”
“What the Government should be concerned about is the voter backlash if the growing number of Liberal and National MPs who support marriage equality are blocked from representing their electorates views in the parliament.”
Finally, Mr Croome welcomed a new poll showing 68% for marriage equality:
“Support for marriage equality remains strong, proving that Australians aren’t buying the fear tactics of groups like the Australian Christian Lobby, or attempts to confuse the debate with talk of a plebiscite, civil unions or French-style marriages.”
“The message is that Australians want marriage equality without further delay.”
For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.
Author: Rodney Croome
Publication: AME Media Release
Date: 15 June 2015