Greens restart equal marriage bill debate
The House of Representatives restarted debate on the Greens’ Marriage Equality Amendment Bill today.
Speaking at media conference following the debate Greens Deputy Leader Adam Bandt, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young and Ivan Hinton from Australian Marriage Equality called on Tony Abbott to allow a conscience vote on the bill ahead of the September election.
“Marriage equality is inevitable and Tony Abbott and Julia Gillard need to get on board with the change sweeping the world,” Adam Bandt said.
“I want to thank those Liberals, such as Kelly O’Dwyer today, who have expressed their personal support for marriage equality. Tony Abbott said that he won’t allow his religious beliefs to affect politics, so he should allow his MPs a conscience vote.”
“Australia is becoming more and more isolated in the international community as it fails to act on marriage equality,” Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.
“Political leaders from around the world have lead the charge for marriage equality in their countries and it is high time our parliament brought equality to Australia.”
“Conservative politicians in England and New Zealand have shown great leadership on this issue and Tony Abbott should do the same.”
Australian Marriage Equality is opening field offices to campaign on marriage equality in key electorates leading up to the election.
Debate on Mr Bandt’s Marriage Equality Amendment Bill 2012 has been adjourned and the bill will be voted on later in the year.