COALITION RESPONDING TO PUBLIC PRESSURE

ALEX HAWKE’S SUPPORT FOR FREE VOTE SHOWS COALITION RESPONDING TO PUBLIC PRESSURE
LIB CANDIDATES RECEIVE 0VER 156,000 LETTERS URGING MARRIAGE EQUALITY FREE VOTE

Marriage equality advocates have welcomed support for a conscience vote on the issue from influential Liberal MP, Alex Hawke, saying it reflects strong public support for the move.

Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome, said,

“It’s a welcome development to see MPs like Mr Hawke, who oppose marriage equality, nonetheless supporting a conscience vote.”

“As at 10am this morning 156,000 letters had been sent by marriage equality supporters through the AME website to Coalition candidates asking them to support a conscience vote.”

“We are pleased Liberals like Mr Hawke are responding to strong public support for the Coalition to move forward on marriage equality.”

A national poll conducted last year by Galaxy Research found 73% of Australians support a Coalition conscience vote on marriage equality: http://www.australianmarriageequality.com/wp/2012/05/24/voters-say-abbott-should-respect-liberals-free-vote-tradition-61-want-marriage-equality-now/

Mr Hawke has said a conscience vote should occur after the next election. His comments came in the wake of support for marriage equality from former Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd.

For more on Mr Hawke’s stance, click here: http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/2013/05/21/14/24/mp-signals-gay-marriage-conscience-vote

Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome