Advocates have called on the Liberal candidate in the Canning by-election, Mr Andrew Hastie, to clarify whether he will vote for marriage equality legislation if a public vote endorses the reform.
In a press conference yesterday Mr Hastie said he opposes same-sex marriages but is in favour of a “people’s vote” on the issue.
WA Convenor for Australian Marriage Equality, Brian Greig, said Mr Hastie’s response needed clarity because his position was potentially contradictory.
“Mr Hastie says he opposes marriage equality and wants a vote by the people, but he has failed to say what he would do if the Australian people voted ‘yes’ and parliament is then faced with implementing that outcome through legislation.”
“If elected to parliament, would Mr Hastie accept the wishes of the people, or would he still maintain his opposition to same-sex couples marrying?” Mr Greig said.
A referendum or plebiscite on marriage equality would not automatically result in law change, with parliament still required to act on a public vote that favours reform.
In yesterday’s press conference Mr Hastie said he is an Anglican but is not interested in questions about theology on the campaign trail.
Mr Greig said “Mr Hastie is entitled to his religious beliefs, but if those beliefs are going to influence the way he votes in parliament then his constituents have a right to know before the election on 19 September”.
Recent national opinion polls have found levels of support for marriage equality running at about 70% in favour.
Mr Greig said a ReachTEL poll of 782 people in the electorate of Canning just two weeks ago found more people supported marriage equality than opposed it.
For more information call Brian Greig on 040 777 6961.
Author: Brian Greig
Publication: AME Media Release
Date: 4 September 2015
Copyright © 2015 Australian Marriage Equality, All rights reserved.
Media Release