Marriage equality advocates have welcomed a poll showing marriage equality has more support than opposition in two Tasmanian electorates, but say it under-estimates the level of support.
A Reachtel poll published in today’s Launceston Examiner found 47.9% support for same-sex marriage in Bass compared to 40% opposition, and 45.3% support compared to 40.4% opposition in the rural electorate of Lyons.
Same-sex marriage was rated as the most important issue by 6.3% of respondents in Bass and 3.7% in Lyons.
Director of Australian Marriage Equality, Rodney Croome, said
“Even in relatively conservative electorates like Bass and Lyons more people support marriage equality than oppose it which sends a strong message to federal MPs to get on with the reform.”
“MPs need to keep in mind the strong support among young people, at nearly 70%, because young people are more likely to be swing voters.”
“Many people want parliament to pass marriage equality even if it isn’t their top priority, so politicians should not use this poll as an excuse for inaction.”
Mr Croome said the polling method used by Reachtel – automated calls – typically over-represents the views of older people.
“In my experience, these sort of automated polls return lower levels of support for marriage equality than conventional polling because the automated system can’t adjust for the fact that older people are more likely to answer landlines in the evening.”
“Weighting the data doesn’t completely eliminate this bias.”
“In contrast, conventional polling by live interviewers ensures the collection of responses from a broader cross section of people, including a representative quota of younger people.”
For a report on the poll, click here.
For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.
Author: Rodney Croome
Publication: AME Media Release
Date: 13 July 2015