GOV’T SLATED FOR “CONFUSION AND DIVISION” OVER PLEBISCITE PROPOSAL …

… CALL FOR FREE VOTE INSTEAD

Campaigners against a marriage equality plebiscite say the government remains as confused and divided as ever over the issue and have called for a free vote in parliament.

The claim comes as Attorney-General, George Brandis, released a draft question for the plebiscite and said it would be held in February, only to be contradicted by Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, who said nothing has been decided.

Previously Mr Turnbull said the plebiscite would be held before the end of the year.

PFLAG national spokesperson, Shelley Argent, said,

“Our gay sons and lesbian daughters have endured twelve months of confusion, lack of progress, absence of detail and understandable anxiety about a plebiscite.”

“The plebiscite has proven to be just what Tony Abbott intended, a device for delaying and frustrating marriage equality.”

“The Government must stop acting like cowards and allow a free vote in parliament so marriage equality can pass and the nation can move on.”

Mrs Argent said a plebiscite is unnecessary and is being held in the interests of Malcolm Turnbull, not the LGBTI community.

“A plebiscite will be an unnecessary, costly, divisive, and damaging public opinion poll that politicians can simply ignore if it doesn’t suit them.”

“The plebiscite is all about what’s best for Malcolm Turnbull and the Coalition Government, nor what’s in the best interests of LGBTI Australians.”
Shelley Argent, PARENTS AND FRIENDS OF LESBIANS AND GAYS