Advocates have called on the Prime Minister to allow a free vote on marriage equality after the Senate agreed to allow a debate on the issue this Thursday.
Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome, said,
“A majority of Senators have already publicly declared their support for marriage equality so the legislation could pass if a free vote was allowed.”
“The fact the Government has agreed to this Thursday’s Senate debate is acknowledgement that this is a matter for Parliament to deal with, not for a plebiscite.”
Mr Croome said a Senate vote in favour of marriage equality will be an important step forward.
“If marriage equality passes the Senate it will increase pressure on the Government to allow Parliament to do its job and pass the reform as soon as possible.”
“It will also send an affirmative message to the Australian lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex community, and a message to the world that we are moving toward an overdue reform.”
Mr Croome said 39 senators have publicly declared their support for marriage equality with two more privately telling advocates they will back the reform in the event of a free vote.
For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.
Author: Rodney Croome
Publication: AME Media Release
Date: 15 March 2016