Marriage equality advocates have responded to the announcement of a special Coalition party room meeting on marriage equality this afternoon at 3.15pm by urging the Coalition to opt for a free vote and not a plebiscite.
They say a free vote is consistent with Coalition principles and practice, while a plebiscite would delay the reform and still require the issue to be dealt with by parliament.
Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome, said,
“The founding principle of the Coalition is individual freedom, which is why there have been many Coalition free votes on a wide range of issues.”
“We call on Coalition members to extend this proud tradition to marriage equality.”
“We urge Coalition members not to opt for a plebiscite because it will delay the reform, be socially divisive and leave taxpayers with a hefty bill.”
“A national vote might seem like a circuit breaker, but it won’t be binding so even with a ‘yes’ vote the issue would still have to be dealt with by parliament.”
For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.
Author: Rodney Croome
Publication: AME Media Release
Date: 11 August 2015