“Ironically, if Malcolm Turnbull followed John Howard’s advice we could have marriage equality by now.”
– Rodney Croome

Advocates have welcomed former Prime Minister, John Howard’s, in-principle support for a parliamentary free vote on marriage equality instead of a plebiscite.

Mr Howard, who does not support marriage equality, has said he would have preferred the matter dealt with in parliament, although abandoning that policy now may mean voters feel “let down”.

Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome, said,

“We welcome Mr Howard’s common sense support for a free vote in parliament.”

“When Mr Howard led the push to prevent same-sex marriages in 2004 it was by a vote in parliament and the recognition of same-sex marriages should occur the same way.”

“Ironically, if Malcolm Turnbull followed John Howard’s advice we could have marriage equality by now.”

“If voters feel let down it will be because the government spends $160 million on an unnecessary and divisive plebiscite.”

Mr Howard told Sky News,

“I would’ve preferred it being dealt with in the Parliament…on a completely non-partisan basis, I think those issues are always better dealt with in a free vote.”

For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.

Author: Rodney Croome
Publication: AME Media Release
Date: 28 February 2016