ELECTION RETURNS ACROSS THE BOARD MARRIAGE EQUALITY SUPPORTERS
ADVOCATES DUB TAS “THE MARRIAGE EQUALITY STATE”
Advocates have dubbed Tasmania the marriage equality state after voters returned supporters of the reform in all the island’s federal electorates.
Three Liberal opponents of the reform were voted out and three supporters elected in the place.
Spokesperson for Tasmanians United for Marriage Equality, Andrew Badcock, said,
“By returning marriage equality supporters across the board, Tasmanian voters have shown they want all loving couples treated fairly.”
“Marriage equality was a big issue in the last week of the federal election campaign and I have no doubt it was on the minds of many voters as they cast their ballots for pro-equality candidates.”
“It’s also great to see that all Tasmania’s federal lower house members are united in their opposition to a plebiscite and support a free vote instead.”
Three Northern Tasmanian Liberal members – all of whom had voted against marriage equality – lost their seats in yesterday’s federal election, and no lower house candidate who supported the divisive and costly plebiscite was elected.
The new pro-equality Labor MPs join a sitting Labor member and a sitting independent – both in the south of the state – who were already strong marriage equality supporters.
Mr Badcock said there is an increased majority of federal MPs who support marriage equality so the reform should be passed in parliament rather than wasting taxpayers’ money on a damaging plebiscite.
“Across the nation there is now a clear majority of federal MPs in favour of marriage equality, so the reform can be passed in parliament straight away without resorting to a plebiscite.”
“The Coalition lost votes due its plan for a costly and damaging plebiscite so the plebiscite policy should be dropped straight away.”
Spokesperson for Tasmanians United for Marriage Equality, Andrew Badcock
