ADVOCATES & VOTERS HOPEFUL OF COALITION CONSCIENCE VOTE

Marriage equality advocates have responded to Tony Abbott’s comments this morning on Sky News by saying that they’re hopeful that the Coalition will ultimately allow a conscience vote on the issue because the issue continues to win hearts and minds.

Alex Greenwich, National Convenor of Australian Marriage Equality, said:

“We remain hopeful that Mr Abbott and the Coalition will allow a conscience vote on marriage equality when a bill comes before Parliament next year, because this is an issue that continues to win hearts and minds”.

“Recent polling shows that a majority of Coalition voters support marriage equality, and that 76% of Coalition voters want MPs to be granted a conscience vote.” [Links below]

“A number of Coalition MPs have called for a conscience vote, including Malcolm Turnbull, Russell Broadbent, Barnaby Joyce and Simon Birmingham. We have also been heartened by the support expressed to us privately by Coalition MPs.”

“Allowing MPs a conscience vote is the mature way to avoid further tension within Coalition ranks.”

For the Nielsen poll showing a majority of Coalition voters support marriage equality, click here:
http://www.smh.com.au/national/voter-opinion-adds-weight-to-shift-in-marriage-policy-20111114-1nfkj.html

For the Galaxy poll showing that 76% of Coalition voters want a conscience vote, click here:
http://www.australianmarriageequality.com/wp/2011/12/05/galaxy-poll-coalition-voters-want-abbott-to-grant-gay-marriage-conscience-vote/
Alex Greenwich, Australian Marriage Equality