SENATE REPORT RECOMMENDS MARRIAGE EQUALITY FREE VOTE

CALL ON TURNBULL TO RECONSIDER STANCE

Advocates have called on Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, to reconsider has support for delaying a plebiscite on marriage equality until after the election in the wake of a Senate report which says marriage equality should be resolved by a vote in Parliament and a dissenting report that says if there is to be a plebiscite it should be held at the election.

Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome, said,

“The Senate report makes it clear that the quickest, cheapest, least divisive and most appropriate way to deal with marriage equality is through a cross-party free vote on the floor of parliament.”

“In the light of this report, we call on Mr Turnbull to reconsider his support for a plebiscite after the election.”

“We also welcome the Greens’ dissenting report which says the best option for a plebiscite is for a parliamentary committee to work with the electoral commission to ensure it is fair and balanced, and for it to be held at the next election.”

Mr Croome said AME will continue to seek a meeting with Mr Turnbull to put the case for him to act on marriage equality in this term of Government.

“Should Mr Turnbull not shift position, we will focus our attention on making marriage equality a key issue at the next election, and ensuring that the next parliament supports marriage equality regardless of which party wins power.”
Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome